Did you know that the Oldsmobile Cutlass got its name from Navy fighter jet called the Vought F7U Cutlass? Between 1948 and 1955, there were 320 such aircraft produced. The design was engineered for a crew of just one person and had a wingspan of about 40 feet with the wings folded. Maximum speed was a staggering 697 miles per hour. It is no wonder Oldsmobile chose to repurpose the name.
The Pick of the Day is a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Phoenix, Arizona. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Original family-owned, and has spent its entire life in dry Arizona, garage-kept and meticulously serviced for 40 years. Recent top-end overhaul with over $13,000 spent,” the listing says. The Light Blue Metallic exterior shows well thanks to respray, and the boxy lines scream 1980s. This car turns 45 years old this year.
The midsized Cutlass Supreme was marketed as a premium model in the Cutlass lineup. Today’s featured car is from the fourth generation which was sold from 1978 through 1988. Underpinnings came from the General Motors “G-Body” and were shared with cars like the Buick Regal and the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Compared to prior generations of the Cutlass, the new car was smaller.
Mechanically, the car has gone through quite a bit. The listing says that the overhaul included the installation of many new parts including chrome valve covers, electronic ignition, an aluminum radiator, an electronic distributor, an Edelbrock high-rise intake manifold, an Edelbrock carburetor, a starter, and more. On top of all that, the suspension, braking system, wheels, and stereo were all upgraded.
The interior boasts some of GM’s classic velour upholstery and looks to be as well-kept as the body. Aside from some aftermarket gauges mounted to the driver side A-pillar and the aftermarket radio cleverly mounted beneath the original, things look largely the same as they would have in 1979.
Worth noting: This generation of Cutlass was the last to be rear-wheel-drive. Beginning in 1988, the car moved to the W-body platform. The model was phased out entirely after 1997, and the Oldsmobile brand entirely was dissolved in 2004. It is hard to believe it’s been 20 years!
If you are looking for a clean example of one of the brand’s coolest creations, this Cutlass might be just the ticket. Even if it doesn’t go 697 miles per hour.
“This Cutlass Supreme has been cherished throughout its life and is ready for a new home,” the listing concludes. The asking price is $16,250.
To view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com, jet on over to the listing here.
Source: www.classiccars.com