This 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is one of those cars that seems to shine brightly from a mechanical standpoint, but as you start to take a close look at the exterior, it becomes apparent that the paint isn’t quite as luminous. However, if it’s just a capable driver you’re after, this one might fit your needs nicely without very much additional attention, or perhaps a re-do of some prior bodywork followed by a respray in the future may be a viable option as well.
The seller tells us this Olds was previously owned by an enthusiast who happened to be a garage mechanic and bodyman, with perhaps the stronger of the two sets of skills being in the former area. Equipped with a Rocket 350, the engine underwent a rebuild about 5 years ago and is said to be running well. The Turbo 350 was also given an overhaul, and it’s stated as shifting how a new automatic transmission should be. It appears the only issues from the drivetrain department are a few drips from underneath, including some oil residue and brake fluid from a leaky line, although the pedal pressure is described as solid underfoot.
Honesty is a great policy when it comes to offering any vehicle in the marketplace, and the seller is upfront in telling potential buyers that some of the bodywork is mediocre at best. From a distance, the outside appears to be in good shape, but it’s when you begin focusing on the details that a few blunders begin to stand out. On both the front and rear, the plastic fillers around the bumpers aren’t fitting snugly, but that’s a common problem with many cars from this era. There also appears to be body filler present, with one notable area being above the wheel well on the driver’s side quarter. I’m guessing there’s more, but the good news is the future owner can enjoy driving this one now, and go at their own pace when the time comes to take the sheet metal to a higher level.
Inside, we find an array of mismatched components in varying colors, with the tan seats apparently borrowed from another GM. However, the dash still looks fairly decent, and while the new carpet doesn’t match perfectly, at least it’s in the same color family. If you’re seeing the positives this 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme has to offer, it can be found here on eBay, so plan a visit to Saugatuck, Michigan if you want to see the Olds in person first before deciding if it’s right for you. A buy-it-now price has been set at $10,500, although the seller is accepting offers as well. As it sits, what’s a fair amount to spend on this one?
It’s not easy being green.
Pretty nice. Is that an original GM paint color?
I’d really like to see one of these with a bumper fix (shortened and more flush with the body). Would it look great or just weird?
Omega Lime?
https://paintref.com/cgi-bin/colorcodedisplay.cgi?year=1974&model=Oldsmobile&rows=50
Cypress Green. Omega Lime was more yellowish. The buckskin seat is from a ’76 or ’77. Maybe not everyone’s favorite but there are worse colors.
The ad telegraphs there significant problems with the paint and mechanicals. By their own admission the previous owner was a garage mechanic and body man with some bodywork that is “mediocre at best”, the missing AC and fluid leaks suggests the mechanics might not be much better. An upper Midwest car with fresh paint that shows shoddy work with no mention of the condition of the undercarriage, let alone pictures is a giant red flag. A thorough in person inspection should be considered a must. Better examples are out there for similar money, a buyer would be better off to keep looking. If it were $4,000-5,000 it might make sense, not $10,000+.
Steve R
Agree.
Agreed. All leaks should have been buttoned up before he started with the Bondo
Steve, most mechanics don’t like any leaks. 🎯
Most mechanics don’t buy lime green cars with big bumpers.
That car came from the factory without A/C. Look at the HVAC controls, and the A/C box under the hood, and the alternator where the compressor should be. Olds only put the alternator there in non-A/C cars. The seats are out of a different car. I don’t trust this one at all.
I thought the same about the seats. (I tried clicking the “thumbs up” but it wouldn’t work).
With the leaks described sounds like the mechanic is the shoemaker’s kids that have no shoes. Just saying.
Everyone has a car that strikes a fond memory. My first girlfriends Mom had a light blue 74 with white landau roof, white interior with bucket seats. When you laid those seats forward, the backseat was like a living room couch. It drove and rode like a cloud. Would love to have that car now.
I am a huge fan of 73 to 77 Cutlasses. They are far superior to the 68 to models in many ways, such as handling and comfort to actually drive in contrast to sitting at some car show. I owned a beautiful silver 1976 Cutlass Salon with an almost $8,500 sticker price due to Hurst Hatch roof panels and just about every other option available. I am still kicking myself for letting it go. I like green, but not this one. $10,000 is far too much for this car.
I’d have to respectfully disagree with you, George. I’ve owned both and the Colonnades were overweight and underpowered compared to the ’68-’72s. Other than larger wheels and radial tires, I don’t think there were significant suspension/handling changes between the two generations, but front disc brakes are definitely more prevalent on the Colonnades. I couldn’t wait to buy a used ’70 Supreme coupe and unload dad’s hand-me-down ’73 4-door. That said, the Colonnade two doors have very handsome styling.
This car had originally white interior probably white vinyl. The carpet absolutely matches