The Cutlass Supreme joined the Oldsmobile lineup as a personal luxury car (the same year that the Toronado also debuted). It was a fancier version of the standard Cutlass and would eventually become the GM division’s best seller. This 1968 edition is rough around the edges though the seller says it runs and drives. Needing at least a cosmetic makeover, this Olds is in Dallas, Texas (dealer?) and is available here on eBay for $2,275 (reserve not met).
No reference is made in the seller’s listing, but the VIN decodes as being a Cutlass Supreme. That means it came standard with a V8 engine like the 350 cubic inch motor in this car. The Supreme was treated to its first redesign in 1968 when GM reworked all its mid-size cars, ushering in a sales boom for many of the brands. 54,000 copies were built, including 33,000 Holiday coupes like this one (sedans were in the mix now, too).
Not much in the way of history is provided for this running project. It has an automatic transmission and power steering, as you would expect. This was no garage queen, having racked up more than 120,000 miles since it left the assembly line. It does start and move around, but the seller doesn’t tell us how well it does these things, so don’t have high hopes that no mechanical work will be needed.
The body may be okay, but you can’t rule out rust after 57 years. The interior is well-used, especially the driver’s bucket seat, so I don’t know how long you’d want to drive it before starting the restoration. The seller has connections and can help you with transportation (at the buyer’s expense, of course). If the seller’s reserve isn’t up in the stratosphere, this could be a good extreme makeover project.
At first I thought it wasn’t a Supreme because the CS had matte silver paint below the chrome accent strip, but then I realized how awful the maroon repaint was. Also missing trim on the trunk lid and leading edge of the hood. Looks like rust in the front fender dog legs and the trunk edge. The interior is a disaster and who knows what else is missing. But mostly it’s not a 442, killing the value and interest. Bid to $3,150 (reserve still not met) and that’s all the money imo. Would cost a lot more than it’s worth to restore.
And affordable toy…
If the seller is willing to sell it for a reasonable price, I would expect this car to become yet another 442 or Hurst Olds clone or “tribute”. It’s saving grace is the bucket seat/console combo.
Sad worn beauty. No way you’re not seriously upside down if you buy to restore, unless doing 100% yourself, including painting, and assuming no serious rust. Even if made into a 442 “tribute”
2 speed auto, AC compressor missing.
Buy as a beater driver for $2500 and get it running might make sense.
Pity as the styling, and dash are the best of the GM A bodies.
If it was a Chevelle it would go for $10k
I own a 68 442 convertible that I built an aluminum head 10.5:1 CR roller cam 455 engine with headers, a 2-1/2 ” exhaust with X pipe, Torquer intake, 750CFM performer carb with HEI distributor and it hauls ass on pump gas.. I think that the payback to restore this one does not make sense but to build with a mild 455 Olds or the unimaginable, install a 454 Chevy engine ( parts are easier to source and less money) backed by a better trans than the super turbine 300, refresh the interior only enough ( year one offers the correct pattern seat skins and carpet), forget the AC, get the brakes working and enjoy as a rat rod. Set a hard budget at $10K total. One benefit of this plan is that you own the car, it does not own you as what happens when you pour thousands into paint with restoration and then are afraid to drive it because you might go over a puddle or get a love bug splat on the hood. Buy it, and run it like you stole it.
Ever watch the Useful Entertainment YouTube channel? Neighbor built a nice 68 455, with a 4 speed. Great car.
And I agree that a cheap beater is more fun. I have a 57k 69 S with the L74 350, buckets, console, tilt, like new interior. And Id swap it for something with a stick and a V8 that I could drive hard.