Every so often, a listing comes along that isn’t just about the car—it’s about the story behind it. This 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham, currently listed for sale on craigslist in Sunnyvale, California, is one of those cars. According to the seller, it was special ordered and purchased brand new by their grandparents at a Los Gatos dealership, and it has remained in the family ever since. Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo!
Finished in Carmine Red with a matching bright red interior, this Cutlass represents Oldsmobile’s idea of near-luxury in the late 1970s. The Brougham trim was the top of the line, aimed at buyers who wanted comfort, style, and a smooth ride rather than outright performance. Under the hood is a 5.0-liter V8, paired with an automatic transmission, delivering exactly the kind of relaxed driving experience these cars were known for.
The seller notes the car runs great, carries a clean title, and still has current registration. Odometer reading is listed at 17,000 miles, though the seller believes the actual mileage may be 117,000, a detail they are upfront about. Regardless of the exact number, the car has reportedly been always maintained and serviced, which matters far more than a specific odometer reading on a nearly 50-year-old vehicle.
What really sets this Cutlass apart is its single-owner history and long-term family care. These kinds of cars often led gentle lives, used for commuting, errands, and Sunday drives rather than being abused or heavily modified. That makes survivors like this increasingly appealing to collectors who value originality and authenticity over flash.
The reason for the sale is straightforward and relatable: age and eyesight have made it difficult for the original owners to continue driving. Rather than letting the car sit unused, the family would like to see it go to someone who will appreciate it and keep it on the road.
Late-1970s Cutlass Supremes have been gaining renewed interest in recent years, especially well-kept Brougham models that haven’t been heavily altered. They offer classic rear-wheel-drive proportions, V8 power, and unmistakable period style, all without the price tag of earlier muscle-era cars.
This Cutlass isn’t being pitched as a project or a flip. It’s being offered as a well-cared-for, original driver with a known history—exactly the kind of car many enthusiasts are hunting for today. Would you preserve it as-is, or simply enjoy it the way Oldsmobile intended?
This is a tidy survivor with the added bonus of a west coast climate life. A good detailer could probably bring the faded paint back to life on the flat areas. These cars drove and handled like a cloud. Hagerty has this at around $8K for good condition.
Bought same car, only in silver, right off San Diego showroom. Loved that car.
I was a step ahead of you. Bought mine as it was coming off the carrier. Identical except for engine maybe.
Cruise control locked up one day. Couldn’t disengage, kept accelerating. Had to throw into neutral , shut engine and coast to berm.
Fortunately traffic on 4 lane highway was light.
Haven’t used cruise control since.
Glad you had foresight to toss in neutral and get it stopped. I couldn’t believe people couldn’t think of that back when toyota had similar sudden acceleration problems, Monday morning quarterback I guess.
Beautiful Cutlass. If thats the original paint it’s most likely lacquer, I agree with Cooter it can probably be brought around with some careful buffing. The paint could be thin in spots from age, so you’d have to go easy. But even as is, I’d leave it exactly as is and enjoy it. I’m pretty sure this has the Chevy 305 in it. Not an altogether bad thing, but I do kind of prefer an Olds V8 in an Oldsmobile. The interior is impressively too. This is a great write up Elizabeth, thank you!!!
You are correct. The ’78 only came with one of four engines – Buick 231 V-6, Olds 260 V-8, or the Chevy 305 in 2-bbl (145 hp) or 4-bbl (160 hp). You’d be able to tell if it was the 260 because the oil filler would be on the front of the engine, not on the valve cover like this.
If you’ve ever driven an Olds with the 260, you understand that the 305 is a good thing here!
So many of those Chevy V-8s were plagued with bad camshafts in that era, I’d prefer the Olds 260. The Olds had better castings, better quality, and better mileage.
Funny you should say that…. I had a ’77 Delta 88 with a 260 V8 and a THM 200. Even slower than a Cutlass!!! I don’t know what they were thinking other than trying to get the gas mileage up.
There were a whole slew of little V-8s in this era. It was a way to satisfy CARB with existing technology. Ford 255, Olds 260, Pontiac 265, and Chevy 267. Buick didn’t have one but the 252 V-6 basically served the same purpose.
Only Chrysler Corporation avoided it but that’s probably because they were broke and transitioning into the FWD K and L car era. I’m still surprised they didn’t resurrect the 273 or something , though.
They did finally work the bugs out of the 305s by the early to mid 80s, with the camshaft issues. I remember a few people I knew simply replaced them with 350s.
Some of the best looking wheels to ever leave Dr. Olds factory. 👍
I was thinking there was possibly a 307 5.0 liter in these, does anyone know?
The 307 did not come around until the early 1980s. These 78-80 models with gas V8 had the Chevy 305 or Olds 260, except the Hurst Olds in 79 and 442 in 80 which had the Olds 350. My first car at 16 was a 79 Olds Cutlass Calais with the 305 4 barrel and T-tops. I loved that car and made many great memories for about 9 years with it – beach trips, cruising and car shows, college years, still had it when I met the girl who is now my wife of 31+ years. Unfortunately as a college guy entering grad school I didn’t have $$ to do all the wear and tear replacement it needed, so I sold it and got something “more sensible.” A few years ago, I found another 79 Calais with T-Tops and did the resto-mod thing to it. Similar to this car in color, except mine as a Calais has bucket seats and full gauges, no vinyl top and of course the T-tops. That is one of the great things about the G Body cars – they look good whether as a stock driver or tweaked for performance. Mine has a 6.0 LS engine and 4L80 transmission and 17″ Year One Olds SS reproduction wheels. My first car was a 79 Cutlass, and I hope my last car will be the one I now have.
The 307 was the direct result of a class action lawsuit that buyers signed onto over placing a Chevrolet engine in an Olds. That said, the 305 is really a better engine than the 307. The public just wasn’t ready for the “corporate” engine model GM had gone to in 1977 at that time.
I’ve had the Olds 307 in Oldsmobiles, Buicks, and Cadillacs over the years. Bullet proof with a few achieving 300, 000 miles with no repairs. And they all powered land yachts of their day.
Never said the 307 was “junk”. It’s a workhorse for sure. You just can’t improve it much. It’s a bit of an oddball engine that way. It was purpose built for what it is. I know a lot of folks would say the same about the 305, and to a degree it is true. That said, the 305 is much more of an SBC than the 307 is a typical Olds small block.
Not that year
I think it’s priced pretty fairly for what it is. There’s a reason why Olds was so popular back in the day…
What is the asking price
Great looking Cutlass! In the early 80s,I had a 1980 with a 305/4v that ran quite strong for what it was… I do remember the electric lock up torque converter interrupting what was otherwise a very smooth power delivery. A great handling car, better handling than the 68-72 midsize which wasn’t bad… Would’ve been great if you could have had the Olds 350 though.
I’ve had the Olds 307 in Oldsmobiles, Buicks, and Cadillacs over the years. Bullet proof with a few achieving 300, 000 miles with no repairs. And they all powered land yachts of their day.
what an outstanding survivor quality rocket. great colors. i would want verification of the miles before i paid that price though. very nice.
It is a clean car, no matter the miles. It is so clean, it might be 17K, but it doesn’t matter. If you think it is that important, you shouldn’t buy it.
Owned a few of these in this vintage… V6, V8, V8 diesel powered.
Liked all of them!
Honestly, it is just a pretty car, was when it was new and still is. Olds hit it right on the head when they designed this. Of the cars of the era I don’t think you could do better, style, comfort, roomy, somewhat efficient for the time, not bad handling, etc. Definitely the 305 the a/c compressor is on the left.
Nice red exterior and interior color with good provenance. It’s 48 years old so hard to find another survivor like this Cutlass. It was a very popular midsize in its day but does not generate high bids and collector interest like a classic muscle or pony car so might get a good deal on it. Oldsmobile is a long dead brand so younger investors don’t get the Rocket 88 442 and Toronado heritage like older buyers. Just hope it goes to a good home.
I had the same car in gold with beige interior and 260 engine. Very comfortable, quiet and elegant. Not much in the power department. When was the last time you saw an interior so inviting as this one in a new car? It just tells you that you are going to enjoy the ride and comfort. When was the last time you saw this color on a new car? This one brings back some good memories.