In the 1970s and 1980s, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was one of the hottest cars on the market. Our family bought the sales pitch and we acquired a new Supreme like this one in 1983 (and kept it 13 years; wish I still had it!). This beauty may have less than 30,000 original miles and looks like a candidate for the “Nicest One Left Award” (only the A/C may need work). Located in Arlington, Texas, this sweet Oldsmobile is available here on craigslist for $12,800 (or something close). Thanks, “Barney,” for the tip and a trip down Memory Lane.
The Supreme debuted in 1966 as a personal luxury car to join the ranks of the Buick Riviera and Pontiac Grand Prix. Like other GM intermediates, the Cutlass Supreme was downsized in 1978, producing one of the nicest-looking automobiles in Detroit’s arsenal. A restyle in 1981 brought an aerodynamic appearance to the front clip, and the Supreme would be a top seller through 1988 when the rear-wheel-drive platform was retired in favor of FWD. Sales would top 196,000 units in 1983, including the Brougham at nearly 60,000 copies (mine was the “regular” Supreme coupe).
This survivor-quality Supreme seems to be wearing its original Light Briar Brown Metallic paint. Other than a little fading in places (which the photos don’t show), the body and finish on this Olds appear to be top shelf. The same can be said for the matching high-end interior and the contrasting Landau vinyl top. How this car has seen so few miles in its 42 years is not explained.
Unlike the ’83 Supreme I had, this one has the Olds 307 cubic inch V8 (mine only had the 231 Buick V6). An automatic transmission was the only way these cars came (except the Hurst/Olds with the tricky multiple shifters). We’re told the car runs and drives, but the seller avoids adjectives like “great” or “well.” New parts include the steering gearbox (why?), water pump, radiator, and battery. The A/C may need a recharge (or more). This vehicle makes me think how long the ride to Texas might take!
Be a comfy ride home in those pillow seats 💺 Dixon 👍
Wow. This is like the quintessential early 80’s Cutlass Supreme. The brown paint, the light tan vinyl top super cushy pillowed seats. It looks great. V8, power seats, power windows and door locks, I don’t think there’s too much that wasn’t checked off on the options sheet on this one. Love it!!!
Oh! What a beauty. These were the best looking of the Oldsmobile cutlass is. This is even a Highline addition. I love that it has power windows, seats and locks. The interior is a beauty. Pillow cushion seats are very comfortable. I’d rather have that any day as compared to bucket seat. The colors are perfect for the era as well. Whoever gets this will be a lucky owner. These cars used to be plentiful on the streets and now it’s very rare to see one. Too bad Oldsmobile is gone. I miss them. GM will be gone soon too.
“GM will be gone soon too.”
The way that company has been so mis-managed, yes, GM will be facing bankruptcy AGAIN. I guess we the people will be shelling out tax dollars to bail it out AGAIN. Pretty damn pathetic…and a shame as well.
They deserve to go bankrupt, their quality is in the gutter, they don’t stand behind their poor quality cars and trucks, and to say they are grossly overpriced is to make a gross understatement. Then there’s the still-backordered parts issue, all of it as pathetic as the day is long.
From when luxury car meant comfortable car, rather than sporty.
Zen GM has had some serious motor issues w some of their recent offerings. Terrible disservice to new buyers. Not just them. Toyota too..on that brand new motor in the Tundra. Apparently it’s on a recall and replacement! Bottom end failures abound out there 🚮
The loose pillow look seats tell you this is a Cutlass Supreme Brougham. Only the Brougham had them. And yes, they are as comfortable as they look. I was a Sales Manager at a large Olds store back then and everything in the Cutlass line was popular. This one’s a beauty!
I was a tech at an Olds dealer back then. I agree, these were great cars. I don’t remember seeing very many of the upscale Cutlass Brougham.
very nice rocket here and fairly priced. bet 10k cash and you drive it home. put a set of the chrome ss wheels on it and it pops
This looks to be as nice as they come. Gorgeous two-year color that you can’t find today. Buy, drive and enjoy.
I owned 3 Cutlass’s 71, 76, 79. The 76 and 79 were brougham. There was one car I liked a little more, Grand Prix but after 78 I think the Cutlass did a better job on the downsizing although the Grand Prix still had the nicest dashboard.
By “hottest” Russ isn’t referring to 0-60 times, but they were the “Best selling car in America” from 1976-’81 and again in ’83. That means they built a lot of them, but this one is a peach. Terry J
307 V8 and no overdrive. Probably has a 2.14 rear end gear. Yes you read that correctly.
Drove a new one with a 3.08, felt like a rocket compared to the rest of them!
That probably had the 605 steering box, known for sector shaft (output shaft) leaks, common problem, due to rust,corrosion on the shaft, poor materials. Nice looking car.
I still have my 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (Special Edition) two colors red on white, bucket seats, chevrolet 305 engine. My first brand new car. I drove all over Canada (where I bought it) and the US. Actual miles 110K. Never broke down. I have been restoring it since I retired, 13 years ago. Love that car.