Say what you want about this 1978 Cutlass Supreme, but you can’t deny it looks incredibly intriguing in the photos shared by the owner on Craigslist.
The 1978 Oldsmobile lineup isn’t necessarily highly desirable for collectors, but the Cutlass Supreme still flexed a unique mix of looks and engines to turn the car into a fancy ride.
This example rolled off the assembly lines with a 260 unit under the hood, and the same engine still puts the wheels in motion today. Unfortunately, we’re not getting too many details about the engine, and this somehow makes sense.
Shortly after the owner’s passing, the car ended up in a garage in 1990. The nephew says the last inspection expired in 1991, so the car has been sitting for at least three decades. It spent the last few years parked outside; unfortunately, this isn’t good news.
The body doesn’t look that frightening, as I can’t spot any rust or rot, but potential buyers should still get the car on a lift and inspect the undersides. The photos suggest the Oldsmobile spent the time outside in an area full of vegetation, so the humidity level was probably high. Humidity doesn’t go well with metal, so the floors and the trunk pan might require some work before returning to a tip-top shape.
The roof also comes with a dent, as the seller explains that a tree limb broke off and fell on the car. It also broke a side mirror, but they still have it today.
The one-owner Oldsmobile looks great outside, but we’re not getting a closer look at the interior. I believe the cabin is complete and clean, but potential buyers will determine the condition with an in-person inspection.
The Cutlass sells with the complete documentation, including the owner’s manual and other receipts, and all these papers make it even more special considering it’s a survivor. That’s right, the car is a survivor, as it hasn’t been altered or molested since rolling off the assembly lines.
The mileage is impressive too. The odometer indicates just 25,000 miles (about 40,000 km), and considering the vehicle spent most of its time inside, they are all original. This is why I believe the engine could still be alive, but bring your mechanic, and you’ll figure this out on your own.
The selling price makes sense for a car in this condition, but I believe it’s too ambitious for a 1978 Oldsmobile. The owner wants to get $9,000 for this Cutlass Supreme. Buyers who want to see it in person must travel to Whitehall, PA, where the vehicle is sitting. Given its low mileage and the uncertain engine condition, you should also bring a trailer to take it home safely.