After the Oldsmobile Cutlass had enjoyed five highly successful years with its stylish Colonnade body, lots of changes were in store when the downsized fifth generation arrived in 1978, with the car losing considerable size and weight. However, the public still loved them, with more than half a million vehicles wearing the Cutlass moniker finding homes in ’78 alone. Although a freshly designed aeroback Salon version was also offered, it was the formal roof cars that proved the most popular, such as this 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme here on Craigslist. Located in Cleveland, Tennessee, this one appears to be a mostly original example, and we’d like to thank reader Jack M. for bringing it to our attention! This Olds is priced at $10,500, with the seller indicating he’s firm on that number.
The seller mentions that this one has had only two owners and reports that it has been well-cared-for, with the original paint still presenting nicely for the most part. This is also a period when auto finishes weren’t typically up to the quality standards found on most vehicles today, so the exterior’s appearance is a good indicator that this Oldsmobile has been loved and treated kindly throughout its nearly five decades. It’s said to have no rust anywhere, and aside from some occasional light wear consistent with the age, I’m not spotting any significant issues with the sheet metal.
For 1978, the smallest available powerplant was the Buick-sourced V6, measuring in at 231 cubic inches. Next up was the 260 CI V8, and that’s what can be found under the hood here, but even with an extra pair of cylinders, the factory horsepower rating is just barely over 100. However, the seller says this Olds runs and drives well, despite its non-spirited performance. It’s unknown if the odometer reading of 48,000 is actual, or if the numbers are on their second spin around.
Though things inside appear nicely preserved overall, the interior is pretty basic, with few notable options. While I’m guessing this one is more of an entry-level offering, the condition inside and out is a big plus, and this one will likely get plenty of attention at car gatherings and lots of thumbs-up gestures as you travel down the road. What are your thoughts on this 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and its non-negotiable cost of $10,500?
I just bought one of these and realized its an antique . lol
Another timeless design from GM. These vehicles still look amazing today.
Agree Dale. And Dr Olds offered up some of the best looking factory wheels also. 👍
Grandpa car. And I’m old enough to be one. Yeah it’s a time capsule and would attract a lot of attention at the car shows.
The under the hood shot looks quite nice, but when you
get to the ravaged steering wheel, it makes one wonder.
My buddy had one of these with the 260, and it was an absolute slug. It made sense at the time when it looked like gas was never going to stop going up but today, you would probably want to do an engine swap.
These won’t burn the tires off, but will cruise all day at 80-90 mph, I know as I own two of them
Once you get there, yes! These had 2.56 gears or something along those lines, correct?
I traded a 77 Cutlass in on a new 79 Cutlass with the 305. It wasn’t sluggish but did not drive as nice as the 77.
This has been advertised all over the Southeast and more, for at least 6 months.
Originally from Rice Olds in Knoxville. Granny colors, granny seat, poor little 260 V8. I’ll bet he bought it on a barn find and looking to make out. Way too high.
Does appear to display originality!
Way too expensive. It’s a great $2,500 car if it has sentimental value to you. It will never appreciate and it will take $15k to get it to #2 condition, where it will be worth $10k maybe.
I had a ’79 Supreme in this exact color and interior 40 years ago. It had the Buick 231, that thing would get stuck on it’s shadow. Decent car, but just a slug with I recall, 115 hp. I have some redemption with a ’72 350 powered Supreme Convertible that I now own.
We built one for our mother. It was a lite blue 2dr, clean in and out, sort of low miles(50k?), Came in with a w/ diesel that was DOA. Found a 69-70ish 98 with a 455 that lived near the beach and was totally R U S T E D. Presto-chango, nice quick car.
paint looks clean and under the hood looks better than that 67 caprice. the steering wheel that is common problem with this era olds. i would have swapped it out for a factory sport wheel. 10k is tough # to sell a buyer on. if that’s what the need run it through an auction.6k max. the seller never offered any proof of the miles either