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?
Forget the clone route. Gotta pull the engine anyhow; source an SBC with EFI, keep the autoslush, and good luck cruising!
This is crying out for a late 70’s 403 swap from say a Trans Am. Same physical size as the 307 but way more torque and an easy bolt in. Nice project car at a reasonable price considering needing engine work.
Make it a real 442 with 400 ci, a 4 speed auto and dual exhaust!
I like this idea. I can’t think of a reason to rebuild the 307 and the 403 would be even easier than the ubiquitous LS swap. Sure, more power is available from any LS but the 403 would get the job done and, as cheap as an LS swap can be, a 403 should be price competitive.
A 455 Olds motor would be just as easy and lots more power.
It’s not a Salon, I have an 87 Salon. It’ missing the amber front parking lights, it has the base upper door pads, no chrome on the bucket seats at the bend and the vin is a base Cutlass vin.
if it were a cutlass solon the vin would say GK47. no way is this 47k original miles. frame is shot and needs to be replaced. doing a repair is not the way to do it. body would need to be lifted to do it right so replace the frame. car is pretty beat up for 5k. i had a lot of these in this shape as it sits it’s a 1500.00 car. seller is sugar coating this car when it is not real sweet. all 87 cutlasses have this front end on them no matter what the model.
I see ZERO indication of any F41 parts. The fender bars are not there.. no rear sway bar.. its a guess if it has the lower ratio steering box. The front seat backs are highly worn. All of the F41 suspension and steering parts are available.. just not on this car.
A 310 horse power 69 or 70 Olds 350 would be a great swap!! It would surprise a lot of folks!!
Or go all out and stuff a 455 in it!!