632,000! How’s that for a model production number? Yup, it’s big, and that’s how many 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlasses were assembled – its highest volume model year and one of the highest production models built by any car manufacturer in ’77. Today’s discovery, courtesy of Lothar, was, according to the listing, somebody’s Grandpa’s car, and it appears to have been sitting for a spell. Let’s review this Oshkosh, Wisconsin, resident and see if we can determine what made these midsizers from Dr. Oldsmobile such outstanding sellers. Facebook Marketplace is where you’ll find it, and it’s available for $7,000.
Cutlasses came in many flavors in ’77 with the Supreme Brougham on top, the Salon, a luxury touring coupe of sorts following, the standard Supreme (our subject car) next, and finally, the Cutlass S bringing up the markers. There was still a 442 variant available, but it was more an appearance package than anything else – certainly compared to what it had been in its halcyon days. Considering all of the available Cutlass variations, this Cutlass Supreme coupe was the most popular version with over 242K assembled. This example’s Light Blue Metallic finish appears to be a bit faded or resprayed at a level less than the original quality. Additionally, some of the badging and trim is missing, and the rear bumper fillers do what they often did on GM cars of this era, they quit filling (note the corner). Integrity-wise, the body seems OK with no obvious signs of rust or crash damage, but…the doors and quarter panels are claimed to be new.
The seller suggests, “Interior needs some attention.” True that! The bench seat equipped innards, which appear to be upholstered in a light blue fabric and vinyl material, are torn and stained. The door panels are grungy, and the dashpad is cracked in several places. Additionally, some of the hard plastic trim, such as the C-pillar covers, is badly faded and likely brittle. It all seems excessively worn considering its 69K claimed miles.
The famous Oldsmobile “Rocket Power” moniker was gone by ’77, but the engines, themselves, were still around doing what they had done for over two decades – providing smooth and reliable power. In this case, we find a 170 net HP 350 CI V8 engine – not the stuff of Olds power dreams, but still a stout and reliable powerplant. The seller’s lone comment regarding the engine room is, “Runs and drives.” A Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission was the only one available wth this engine.
This generation of the Cutlass is highly regarded by many, and why not? Attractive styling, multiple trim levels, reliability, and reasonable pricing – all things that led to its out-sized production volume. That’s a current advantage as they’re still easy to find today. My thought is that this Cutlass is one of those kinds of cars that really requires a personal inspection. The reasonable mileage claim combined with the need for door and quarter panel replacements (Wisconsin road salt?) doesn’t feel right, and it makes me wonder what else is going on here – that interior, in particular, looks like it has seen a lot of use and outdoor exposure over the years. What’s your thought, is this one to pursue, or would keep-on-lookin’ be a better course of action?
Had same car in the late 80’s same motor, nice boring car, not much power. Paid 400.00. No way this is worth 7 grand. But I still think first gen broncos are not worth what they go for.
Thats a $1500 car
If all someone wanted was a toy, and could get it for $2000 or less, ok. There’s really nothing special about it, and it needs a lot. If they leave it outside, it’ll probably start rotting in no time.
The 2 door coupe was very popular during the day. The color Horizon Blue was very pretty. The rear back up lights are missing their lenses. For a car that only has 69,000 miles on it doesn’t add up. Cracked dash, filthy interior, and engine shows that this Supreme may have spent a lot of time outdoors. These cars if taken care of can fetch over 18,000. Maybe best to wait and buy one with lest issues.
Spend a weekend cleaning and scrubbing, install the backup lights (in the back seat, a set of hubcaps/used wheels and ya might get $7k.
No excuse for listing them like that…’cept laziness.
Dr Olds really stepped up the production line 🏭 👨🏭 wow, would’ve never guessed so many. Must’ve been alot of Union jobs along with it. Thanks J.O.
The first thing that caught my attention was the lack of a vinyl top, or half top. If it didn’t have one from the factory originally I’d be surprised. They were on so many cars back then. This is the same color as my ’77 Delta 88. It’s a hard color to keep from fading. Olds definitely had a banner year that year in sales. The 350 is plenty of Ooomph to get it around. ( much better than the 260 thats for sure).
I bought one in 1980,saw it driving on Daytona Beach with a for sale sign.Lime green,white vinyl top and interior.Kid couldn’t understand why the brakes wouldn’t work right.
All the brake lines were rotted off it.I paid 200.00 for it,drove it home to Boston and sold it for $2,000.It had the 260,got good mileage.
Still pretty straight and complete. Condition is a mystery. Seems to have been driven and that’s it. Maybe worth a refurbish but that’s a stiff entry price for what you’ll have to work with.
I would change the model line up order, and put the Cutlass Salon as top of the line. Besides same equipment as the Supreme Brougham, the Salon came with factory bucket seats, center console shift, usually full power everything, and handling package with rear sway bar. The Salon was 2 or 4 door.
Note the attached; that’s not how Oldsmobile ordered them. And no, no Salon four-door in ’77, it was dropped after ’76.
JO
Bought a 1977 cutlass s 2dr. w/f141 suspension v8 , pos rear, tinted glass light blue ext, white interior, sport ss wheels , sport steering wheel for 5,000.00 plus tax !!! that why they sold
Is that really an Old’s 350? I thought by ’77 they were all the corporate 350 small block……..
78 or later for olds
Yes, that’s an Olds engine in there.
Had one as a Driver’s Ed car back in the day. Love the car, but this ain’t worth no 7 Grand…
Keep on lookin’ gets my vote. Not even close to being worth that price.
A friend of mine bought a new Cutlass in 1977, white with a red half-roof vinyl top. A beautiful car that drove and rode smoothly, but I have to comment on two incredibly STUPID designs on the car. The ashtray for the rear passengers was located on the end of the armrest of the door, ensuring that if one left a cigarette in the ashtray and the door was opened, well duh. The interior lights for the rear were located such that when they came on they were blinding to the rear passengers; should have been placed behind where passengers were sitting. Otherwise, a really nice automobile.
Someone ran “Grandpa’s’ car into the ground. Trashed it as the provided pictures reflect and greedily want an unrealistic price.