F41 Optioned: 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon

1987 was the end of the line for the rear-wheel-drive Oldsmobile Cutlass, that is, unless you count the ’88 offering badged as the Cutlass Supreme Classic, which existed alongside the newly introduced FWD model.  1987 was also the last year for the fifth-generation 442, and while this one doesn’t feature that package, it is equipped with the special heavy-duty suspension option, which was also part of the 4-4-2.  This 1987 Cutlass Salon here on eBay needs some love, but it might be worth a look if you’re looking for a late GM G-Body to renovate.  This one is in Houston, Texas, with the opening (and short of reserve) bid of $3,500 yet to be placed.  It can also be yours right now for the buy-it-now price of $5,000.

Opting for corporate code F41 got buyers such goodies as stiffer springs and heavy-duty shocks, plus larger sway bars.  The seller is tossing in 442 body decals and interior door emblems, so it sounds like he was considering cloning this one at one point.  However, the F41 option didn’t feature the high-output 307 that was an important upgrade on the 4-4-2, and the ’87 model 442 was based on the Cutlass Supreme, not the Salon.  The stock 307 here has also spun a rod, and while it is running enough to load onto a trailer, major work will likely be required before this V8 is ready for any dependable service.  The owner also throws out the idea of an LS swap, which might be worth pondering.

Though the basic shape of the Cutlass had changed very little since 1981, the ’87 model received a revised front end, featuring more modern headlights and a different grille.  For the most part, the exterior looks really good on this one.  The panels appear straight, and the seller reports that the outside sheet metal is rust-free, although one of the rear frame rails is said to be rusty.  Probably the biggest eyesore is the partial vinyl roof, which could be replaced without too much effort, or eliminated entirely if the buyer chooses to respray the whole car.

The visible interior components appear to still be in decent condition, with the owner assigning the quality number of 8 on a 10 scale, which seems like a reasonable assessment.  The 47,157 miles showing on the odometer are stated to be actual, and with the lack of tears or excessive wear on the cloth buckets, that’s certainly possible.  I’m feeling that making the mechanical repairs or replacing the engine with another 307 and simply leaving this one a mostly-stock Cutlass Salon is the way to go here, but others may think something more radical might be a better choice.  What would you do here?