Trophy Winner: 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

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We’ve recently seen some extremely nice Oldsmobiles crossing our desks at Barn Finds, and I must say a big thank you to Mitchell G. for spotting this 1980 Cutlass Supreme. My view of its condition isn’t isolated, because this beauty has recently scored itself some show silverware. The time has come for the Cutlass to head to greener pastures, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Brooklyn, New York. The asking price of $12,500 allows it to fall within the affordable category.

Oldsmobile’s Fourth Generation Cutlass range enjoyed an extended production life, gracing showrooms from 1978 until 1988. The first owner ordered this Cutlass Supreme in 1980, choosing to combine Medium Camel Metallic paint with a Tan Landau-style vinyl top. The seller states that not only has it been meticulously maintained, but has been garage-kept its entire life. Therefore, its stunning presentation is unsurprising. The paint holds a depth of color and shine that is admirable and, if there are flaws or defects, they are too minor to reveal themselves in the supplied photos. There are no visible dings and dents, and the vinyl is excellent. The seller doesn’t mention the presence of rust, and there are no issues visible in the listing images. The trim looks spotless, and the glass is clear. This Olds makes a positive first impression on potential buyers, and the trophy received at the 2024 Staten Island Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America show confirms that this survivor is as good “in the flesh” as it is online.

It probably wouldn’t be fair to describe the Brougham’s interior as “factory-fresh,” but there is nothing inside this classic warranting criticism. The Tan trim, in cloth and vinyl, shows no evidence of problems, and there is only minor wear on the carpet that isn’t bad enough to justify replacement. The dash is spotless, the pad is crack-free, and the only addition is the aftermarket CD player which occupies the spot typically reserved for the original radio. Those craving creature comforts will welcome the air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, and seat, the remote driver’s mirror, and the tilt wheel.

If there is one aspect of this Cutlass that may disappoint some, that might be its performance potential. The first owner ordered the car with a 260ci V8, producing a modest 105hp and 195 ft/lbs of torque. The V8 is teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission, while power-assisted steering and front disc brakes were standard equipment. This Cutlass won’t light up the rear tires if the driver gives it a bootful, but it should perform well in most circumstances while returning very respectable fuel consumption figures. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the claimed odometer reading of 67,000 original miles, although the car’s condition makes this plausible. It has always been meticulously maintained and appears to be a turnkey proposition.

There’s much to be said for buying the best example of a particular classic, and it appears that this 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme may fall within that category. Its recent show success demonstrates how nice this car is, while the interior appointments should ensure that it offers a comfortable motoring experience. The seller’s price sits at the top end of the market, but if the odometer reading can be verified and it presents as nicely in person as it does in the photos, the figure could be justified. With the marque now a distant memory, are you tempted to do your bit by preserving this survivor? I won’t blame you if you do.

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Comments

  1. rmwardMember

    That is not a Brougham model. The interior is incorrect.

    I owned a 1980 Cutlass Supreme Brougham. It was my first new car.

    The seats should have a pillow back.

    Like 4
  2. rmwardMember

    That is not a Brougham model. The interior is incorrect.

    I owned a 1980 Cutlass Supreme Brougham. It was my first new car.

    The seats should have a pillow back.

    Like 1
    • Adam ClarkeAuthor

      Thank you so much for your feedback on that, rmward. I have removed the Brougham references from the article, and can only say that I may have been tripped up by one of the interior shots. It shows a Brougham badge on the lower dash on the driver’s side, and I guess that I must have gotten that word stuck in my head. I am happy to admit that I was wrong, and I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles.

      Like 7
  3. Stan StanMember

    Dr Olds also offered in 80′ a Cutlass Salon model.

    Like 4
  4. Jonathan Green

    Olds always had handsome cars.

    Like 4
  5. Moparman MoparmanMember

    The listing has already ben removed.

    Like 3
  6. Nelson C

    Although we have confirmed that it’s not a Brougham the Supreme references are correct. Proof again that you could and did check off each box on the order. Power bench seat and windows but no tilt wheel. And that is how it used to was.

    Like 1
  7. CCFisher

    I can’t recall ever seeing a car with a partial simulated convertible roof. I suppose it makes sense here, since a real landau roof is a partial convertible roof.

    Like 0
  8. ken

    nice car, lose tire wheel combo. it does nothing for the looks of it

    Like 0

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