Although most classic car enthusiasts focus on high-performance models, pony cars, or legendary vehicles from the 1950s, a growing number crave a clean and tidy survivor offering a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience. Those people may find themselves irresistibly drawn to this 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Unlike many of its siblings, this car has stood the test of time and has done so in excellent condition. Its performance will hardly pin you back in your seat, but its overall appearance guarantees it will draw attention wherever it goes. It currently needs to go to a new home, with the owner listing it here on Craigslist in Lawrence, Kansas. They set their price at $14,999, and I must say thank you to ever-reliable Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic survivor.
Oldsmobile introduced its Fourth Generation Cutlass Supreme in 1978, and like many models during this era, the company elected to downsize its new offering. However, the styling remained crisp and contemporary, matching anything the opposition delivered. This Supreme rolled off the line in 1979, and its presentation is hard to fault. The original owner ordered it in Medium Green Metallic with a contrasting White vinyl Landau-style top. The paint holds an impressive depth of color and shine with no significant flaws or defects. Any dings or bruises are too small to show in the supplied photos, while the vinyl looks perfect. The car has remained garage kept during winter its entire life, only seeing active duty during the warmer months. The original owner had the car rust-proofed, helping it to stay rock-solid and rust-free. There are no chrome or trim problems, with the lack of deterioration in the bumper fillers worth noting. The car rolls on a set of chrome and color-keyed factory wheels that add a further touch of class to this classic.
If you’re impressed by the exterior condition of this Cutlass, its interior continues the theme. The original owner complemented the exterior by selecting Light Green vinyl trim. It looks incredible, with no wear, physical damage, or evidence of abuse. The dash is spotless, although a cover prevents us from seeing the pad. Many owners fit these for protection rather than to hide cracks. Hopefully, that is the case here. The carpet shows no wear, and the interior features enough comfort appointments to make life on the move pleasant. The buyer receives air conditioning, cruise control, an AM/FM radio, and a tilt wheel. I admit the list isn’t long, but it covers the essentials.
The seller supplies no engine photos, so let’s examine the trunk as we consider this car’s mechanical specifications and health. While Oldsmobile offered buyers various engines, the original owner selected the 3.8-liter V8, producing 115hp. They teamed this with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, adding power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The combination doesn’t promise exhilarating performance, with the car taking 19.4 seconds to cover the ¼-mile. However, for those more focused on touring than tearing up the strip, it will happily cruise all day at freeway speeds while returning fuel consumption of 20mpg. The seller has been this car’s custodian for four years and has performed work designed to ensure it remains reliable and in good health. The V6 received new seals, as did the rear end. The vehicle recently received a new radiator, new fluids, plugs, plug wires, and a tune-up. It has a genuine 67,000 miles on the clock, and while they don’t mention supporting evidence, it might be present. They include the original Owner’s Manual, Service Manual, Build Sheet, and Oldsmobile Color Chart. It runs and drives well, ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
I always encourage potential buyers to perform some research before committing their hard-earned cash to a classic purchase. Outside the family home, it could potentially be their largest outlay, and there are many traps to consider. The price for this 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a perfect example. Many would dive straight into one of the established websites to determine its value and whether the asking price is fair. However, such resources aren’t always accurate. I checked two such sites, with one failing to recognize the car’s existence and the other quoting a price of around $10,000 for a good #2 example. However, recent sales results are more accurate, and it is possible to unearth real-world information with persistence. Those suggest that although the price for this Cutlass Supreme sits high in the current market, its condition justifies the price. Does that tempt you to investigate this Olds further?
Like the Frog said, “It’s hard to be green”. But this looks just great to me!
bt
I learned how to drive in this year car. It was my grandfathers, maroon and I was 17 and helping him rebuild the front of his house (windows, doors etc). He would let me drive him to the store or just for a cruise. At one time these were everywhere but like everything else you hardly see them anymore. GLWTA
$15K!! Delusional. More like $5K.
Could get $ 25K
This car would be a great deal if you want a like new car and don’t want to pay new car prices. Buy it use it ,take care of it and you have your cake and eat it too.
Listing sure is lacking in photos.
But I like what I see, while the green looks very nice it would be the last color selection for me
Nice looking car. It would be nicer if the price was negotiable.
N ice looking car. It would even be nicer if the price were negotiable.
Learned to drive in my late father’s ’78 Cutlass Supreme. Super luxury car with cloth/velour seats and lots of insulation for a quiet ride. At the time a nice looking car but completely different from the previous generations. He was disappointed in the car since he traded in a 1972 Supreme, his favorite car of all time and it was too different for him. After this car, all Honda’s and Toyota’s.
My first car was a 79 Cutlass Calais with T-tops. I’ve always loved this body style of Cutlass, and finally got another to resto-mod, so I know these cars well. This specimen appears to be in exceptional condition, but has very few traits to make it desirable as it is to justify a premium price. Color is period cool and looks good on this body style, but the white vinyl landau roof is too disco-era for most. The green interior looks flawless, but is hard to look at, plus column shift, bench seat and granny gauges are all less desirable. No power windows or door locks. Unclear whether it has AC, but even if it does, the compressor would be bolted to a weak V6. Really, I don’t know many people, not even Olds, Cutlass or G-Body aficionados, who would pay a premium price for this one. Perhaps if your Mom/Dad/Grandparents had one just like it, maybe ? These are highly sought after by 3 types of customizing crowds, so if the seller will drop the price by 50%, it will likely end up with either (1) hydraulics and tiny wheels/tires, (2) big wagon wheels, or (3) resto-modded with color change (at least interior) bucket seats and healthy V8. For comparison, I bought a 39,000 mile 79 Cutlass Calais (buckets seats, floor shift) in dark burgundy with T-Tops, burgundy interior, no vinyl top, 260 diesel in similarly good condition for under $7k in early 2021.
Hi. I would be interested in talking to you about the diesel cutlass if you are considering selling. Thanks.
My diesel Cutlass has already undergone its transformation. It now has a 6.0 liter gas engine. I still have the diesel engine and running gear, but not in the car anymore.
Ok. Always on the hunt for Olds diesel cars.
Is cool to see one in that shape that hasn’t been lifted and had 24″ wheels put on it
Agreed 💯
I’m an all original guy
Great front end, great factory rims. Id love to drop in a new 5.3 and have a serious sleeper.
Anyone else remember that some editions of these had aluminum hoods?
That’s correct. The Hurst Olds in 79 had aluminum hoods. They also put aluminum hoods on other units but there has never been any explanation as to which models received them. My original 79 Calais T-Top I got in 1984 had an aluminum hood. The 79 Calais T-Top I bought last year has a steel hood. Best guess is they used whatever they had in each particular factory.
So did I, no motor and when I took the hood off, I was surprised how light it was so I got a magnet, and it wouldn’t stick to the hood!
This is the type of car I’m drawn to, and really like the color. It’s in good shape, but not 15K good shape. 7 to 8K would be more what I think it should bring.