After long-term storage, a unique Oldsmobile once again saw the light of day – and the open road – thanks to some restoration work that was carried out in Montana.
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Billings, Montana. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Being offered for sale is this very unique 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Brougham,” the listing begins. “Featuring a rare combination of bucket seats, column shifter, and black vinyl roof. This car was purchased new by the previous owner and driven only 36,000 miles. Stored inside since new.”
The seller acquired this Cutlass about a year ago and put it through some mechanical refurbishment that is outlined in the listing. Power stems from a 305cid V8, and highlights included an engine reseal, a rebuild of the alternator and carburetor, the installation of a new fuel tank and sending unit, an air conditioning system service, and the installation of a new water pump, fuel pump, spark plugs, radiator, heater core, windshield, tires, and battery. This Cutlass is well-sorted and ready to drive and enjoy.
The Cutlass name has history within the Oldsmobile lineup that dates to 1961 when it was first used to identify a sub-model of the F-85. The Cutlass was marketed as a sporty variant that came with a unique drivetrain, an upscale interior, and standard bucket seats. The car evolved through several more generations over the 1960s and 1970s as did its fellow General Motors A-body platform siblings.
For the Cutlass’ fifth generation in 1978, the car was downsized to a 108-inch wheelbase and offered in sedan, coupe, and station wagon variations. A special fastback roofline was available for sedans and coupes that was called the Salon or “aeroback,” although this model sold in fewer numbers when compared to the traditional notchbacks.
This Cutlass Salon two-door from the first year of its generation presents well according to the seller, with straight, rust-free panels that show no evidence of prior collision damage. The white paint and black vinyl top are original to the car, and the interior is well-preserved with exception of the headliner that exhibits some sagging as shown in the photographs.
“This car is an excellent driver overall. Engine starts and runs smoothy, transmission shifts well, and the power steering is smooth and quiet. Brakes are strong and stop the car well,” the listing concludes.
The seller has provided hyperlinks to three YouTube videos showing a driving experience, a walkaround, and a short clip discussing the engine rebuild.
The seller is asking $12,500 or best offer for this nicely refurbished Cutlass.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Interior reminds me of our ’85 Cutlass Supreme 4-door, white with a blue vinyl roof and a blue interior. Large enough for the 5 of us and an occasional grandparent as the kids were all small. Went from 2 kids within 15 months in a 2-door ’79 Buick Skylark to the Cutlass in ’85 as we did need it as child #3 appeared in mid 1987.