Mr. Mitchell G. has found an interesting one for us, it’s a 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible with the optional dual overhead cam engine and a reported mileage recording of only 8K. If for no other reason, we don’t cover cars from this era very often, and there’s a reason for that, but this Olds, besides the fact that it’s a member of the fallen-flag brigade, has some facets that warrant a review. Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania is where you’ll find this drop top, and it’s available here on craigslist for $12,000.

This version of Oldsmobile’s Cutlass Supreme was produced from 1988 through 1997, with a convertible body style offered between 1990 and 1995. The convertible stemmed from the Indy 500 version that was produced in ’88 to pace that great race. Fifty were built for the festivities, and after the race’s conclusion, each one was sent to an Olds dealership. The concept was popular, so Oldsmobile contracted with Cars & Concepts to build a regular production version. C & C performed the roofectomy at a location adjacent to GM’s Doraville, GA assembly plant with the cars being shuttled back and forth by truck. About 26K were assembled over the drop top’s six years of availability with ’93 being a high water mark – 6,751 found homes that year.

As often stated, beauty is in the eye of the beholder – better known as styling is subjective. To my eyes, this one’s a miss. The convertible top addition is actually done pretty well, though the stationary B-pillar and the remaining upright section of the window frame detract from what could be smoother aesthetics. The reason for that frame’s continued existence on this convertible model is because the door release handle and shoulder belt/roller are part of it. A complete and expensive redesign would have been necessary to work around it. The what looks like a rollbar is not a rollbar, according to Hagerty – it’s a hoop and a design element. My issue with the styling afflicts all Cutlass Supremes from this generation, convertible or not – it’s the front end with that fat jutting bumper and slits for headlights. Regardless, this Cutlass is in fabulous condition and still looks like new – it wears its Medium Quasar Blue Metallic finish perfectly. One note of caution: the folding top has been replaced because, as the listing notes, “Was involved in a barn that caught on fire and the top was replaced.”

One other nice feature of this Cutlass is the engine as it is powered by the optional 200 net HP, 3.4 liter, DOHC V6 as opposed to the more languid standard, a 160 net HP 3.1 liter affair. We’re not told how this Olds runs and drives; instead, the seller states, “Engine looks brand new.” The lone available transaxle, a four-speed automatic unit with overdrive, is what’s in place.

Leather upholstery was an option, and I believe that’s what we’re looking at. Clearly, this Cutlass hasn’t spent too much time in top-down mode (how could it with only 8K miles, right?) as the seating surfaces look supple and true – not marred by the effects of the sun. The dash and instrument panel, which show as new, are typical for this early nineties era with their blockiness and square or rectangular switchgear. The entire dashboard arrangement is busy but well laid out.

OK, there’s one more thing (there’s always one more thing), the seller notes, “It carries a clean title however, carfax shows it’s a total loss car.” I guess as long as the title isn’t considered a salvage title, the next owner will be OK with registering and insuring it – definitely something to consider. I’ve run into this problem before, and insurance was a no-go. Beyond that, this is a nice find, and it proves that buyers weren’t done with convertibles despite what auto manufacturers thought back in ’76. Yes, they’re low-volume body styles owing to the limited demand, and that makes them expensive, but there’s nothing like the wind in your hair while traversing a country road on a warm, sunny day, right?