1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon

Description

Even in the mid-70s, Oldsmobile hadn't lost its mojo. In fact, cars like this nicely preserved/partially restored 1976 Cutlass Salon Colonnade Hard-Top Coupe suggest that Olds was still hitting just the right blend of sport and luxury by combining traditional V8 power with muscle car cues and lots of options to make a car that remains a desirable yet affordable hobby vehicle four decades later.

The odometer reads 46,915, and that's actual miles. With only three documented owners (the original family, then a dealer that entered the car into a museum, and lastly the current owner), this is one of those rare cars where we have the ownership history back to the beginning. Despite the documentation, it's easy to see how the rest of the car bears it out, as it's obviously been a cared for, favorite vehicle for all these years. The color is simply called White and has a pleasant neutral look that's offset by the rolling stock, neatly fitting into the Oldsmobile image. Repainted in 2018, the workmanship was excellent, ensuring this car looks better than it did driving out of the factory in 1976, and a fresh white, padded vinyl top was installed as well. To complete the look, a contrasting tan pinstripe matches the interior shade, adding a bit of interest without going crazy with detail. The big, bold grille flanked by square headlights is recognizable from a quarter-mile away and the heavy chrome bumpers are in good original shape, including the rubber trim. T-tops and tinted windows give the car a bit more attitude, as do the five-spoke wheels, which means people will think twice before challenging this Cutty at a red light.

Finding bucket seats and a center console in an Olds wasn't all that unusual back in the day, and it's a big part of this Cutlass' appeal. The tan upholstery is in fantastic shape, with only light signs of use on the driver's seat and no rips or tears in the cloth fabric seating surfaces. The original steering wheel should look familiar to anyone who has driven an Oldsmobile from the '70s, and the wrap-around dash is a wonderful combination of sporty styling and luxurious faux wood paneling. The gauges cover just the basics so they were augmented with aftermarket units below the dash and on the A-pillar, and if you're looking for features, this Cutlass has you covered: A/C, a tilt column, cruise control, power windows and locks, power steering and brakes, and an AM/FM/8-Track stereo radio were all part of the program. The carpets and door panels are often places that you'll see some signs of age, but they're quite nice in this case. The only notable alteration other than the auxiliary gauges is the control pad for the Holley EFI system, but it's unencumbering position doesn't get in the way of the classic feel of the cabin. The full-sized trunk is shockingly clean, and includes what may very well be the original spare tire with jack assembly.

In 1976, a 350 cubic inch V8 with a Rochester 4-barrel carb was still a decent performer, but not quite enough for modern road conditions. Rightfully so, the engine was rebuilt in 2017 (8k miles ago), bored .030 over, and augmented with a Comp Cam, aluminum heads, and a Holley Sniper EFI system that all work in concert to not only make this motor more powerful, but more dependable as well. The block is topped with an Edelbrock open-element air cleaner and chrome valve covers, and with long-tube headers feeding a burly Flowmaster dual exhaust, the note is throaty enough to put a little scare into the neighbors. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and firm, assisted with a 2,000 stall convertor that can handle all the extra power from the refurbished motor, and it spins the original 10-bolt 3.08 posi rear end with ease. Underneath, the entire chassis is quite original and nicely preserved, and sport power steering and power front disc brakes to maintain that smooth '70s ride. Five spoke alloys look very sporty, and with 225/70/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials, this car has a lot of street presence.

Not expensive, this Cutlass represents a lot of V8 fun on a budget. Someone's made sure that this car had a good life so you can enjoy it without a second thought. Call today!