Looking as if it may be the nicest example left on the planet for this unusual model, in the preferred two-door body style, this 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Brougham appears to be in outstanding condition. This one is almost loaded with options and it has ultra-low miles. The seller has it listed here on eBay in Canton, Georgia as a classified ad and they have a whopping $17,890 asking price listed.
By far my personal favorite oddball body style for the fifth-generation GM A-body cars, the Oldsmobile version is a nice compromise between luxury and what GM considered “sport”, with an unusual sloping fastback. This style was available in both two-door and four-door sedans and internet-savvy readers may recognize this car as it was auctioned on another site in early-2023. For the record, it was bid up to $9,000, about half of what the seller is currently asking for it.
There it is in all its 1970s glory. This isn’t a hatchback even though it looks like it could be one. It has a regular trunk and it seems to be as clean as the rest of this car is. The fifth-generation Cutlass was made between 1978 and 1988 and they came in the usual body styles, including a station wagon. The “regular” notchback Cutlass would have been a no-brainer for a convertible model if regulations hadn’t killed the convertible in the US by that point.
The vinyl seats are a bit of a surprise, I expected to see fabric seats, but they look as perfect as everything else does on and in this car. The back seat appears to have just been stitched together by UAW workers in 1978. With power steering, power brakes, air-conditioning, and power windows, this car is more luxurious than a lot that we see from this era. The underside looks rust-free and the seller doesn’t mention rust, but they say that this car was in the Billings, Montana area with one family until a couple of years ago. It was apparently in Florida after that as the last auction site lists Florida as its location. With just over 36,000 miles, it’s barely broken in but had a lot of restoration work done over the last couple of years.
The engine is GM’s 305-cu.in. OHV V8, which would have had around 160 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The former auction listing said that the engine had been rebuilt and it sure looks great. We’re assuming that it works as good as it looks. Are there any fans of this Salon body style out there?
That sure is a clean one Scotty. I’m surprised that it’s not already in your garage!
I was one of the few who liked these cars. My wallet prevented me from buying a new one and my height kept me from wanting a used one. This is a strikingly good looking car in black and white.
That’s a strong ask. MSRP on our new 1977 Delta 88 4dr was $7,000.
But what is that is today’s dollars?
$7,000 in 1977 = $35,553 today. Maybe this asking price isn’t that bad?
For the record, $17,890 in 2023 = $3,790 in 1978.
Had the 442 with the 4 speed. Loved it. I have never seen another like it.
I remember roll-forming those rocker panel moldings at the bottom of the door. They were bi-metal construction, stainless steel over aluminum. The bright ‘bead’ at the top of the molding had to be free of marks. The forming rolls that formed the bead had to be polished frequently to maintain the finish. The ends of the rolled moldings were finished in a transfer die (Dottie and a catcher). Then the finished items were washed and sent by rail or truck to the assembly plant (Oklahoma City?) if the product pipeline was sufficiently full. On rare occasions critical parts of all types had to be flown to an assembly plant lest we be responsible for shutting one of those down to the tune (then) of $80,000/hour. I’d imagine that figure is much greater in the present day.
Good post Nostro! “Trucks are waiting!” Toes tapping impatiently.
I heard variations of that over the years and saw some frantic activity at the loading dock. Best wishes!
As a former Oldsmobile dealer in the 70s/80s these were painful years with the demise of the classic Cutlass, Chevrolet engine swaps and the diesel disaster. Somehow, we managed to survive🤷🏻♂️
I had the coupe equipped with the Olds 260 c.i.( swapped out with 307c.i. olds), a Borg warner 5 speed manual, and ice cold air conditioning…. unfortunately it met it’s demise when I had to use a tree for brakes….. The bell housing and pedal assembly found it’s way on to my 1980 Grand Prix 400 c.i. 4 speed project…..
I’m not sure why you’d have to rebuild an engine with only thirty thousand miles. That said, I think the earlier auction price should have been all the money and then some for this car. Maybe it’ll find some end user before long.
Had one in the early 90s. Mist(?) green with an avocado-ish vinyl interior. 305 ran good ! I could get a little scratch and still pull 19-22 on the highway. Nice set of meats on the factory rallys and it had a decent stance.
Love your Vega wagon!
Love it. Malaise era power, gearing and all 🤷♂️ Oldsmobiles always seemed extra cool 😎
Ugliest car on the planet. Without the nostalgic stuff, was this the 4Runner of the Pontiac Aztek?
I have always really liked the looks of these. I would love to have one
Thank you! In every respect these were ugly, awful cars.
I’m surprised at all the positive comments above, but to each his own. I kinda like it myself, but it is not popular on the Olds forum I used to go on. This one is better with the 305 and nice options. I agree with the above, why would an obviously garaged, well cared for 36,000 mile engine need rebuilding, unless it was parked for years because of failure? That’s a lot of money for a very undesirable year.
As a former Olds dealer’s son I remember this body style but not too fondly. The coupe was better accepted but not by much. That being said, this is a very good example but wondering why engine needed rebuild. Also don’t remember Brougham with vinyl interior.
Wasn’t the Oldsmobile 5.0 a 307??
Correct, but I see no reference in an A/G-body until the last Hurst-Olds’. The 307/5.0 liter debuted in the 1980 C/D/E-bodies and Cutlass Cruiser.
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1978/2376155/oldsmobile_cutlass_salon_2-door_305_v8_4-bbl_turbo_hydra-matic.html#gsc.tab=0
Not as far as I know, Mike, at least in this era. There was a 307 V8 from 1968 to 1973.
I think these types of cars, in good condition, are gaining in nostalgic popularity, unless this was an absolute original survivor, I would say the money is too high.