1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Brougham 

GM's A-body platform dominated the world of U.S. commuter cars in the 80's.  Millions were produced between 1982 and 1988, refreshed through '96.  The front wheel drive feature meant plenty of room on the inside where most were fitted with front bench seats and crushed velour.  The similarities between the Chevy Celebrity, the Pontiac 6000, the Buick Century, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera were so obvious, the term “badge engineering” was used and prompted GM to dedicate better design efforts to differentiate cars in the future.  That said, the A-body was an unmitigated success. 

For consignment, a nicely optioned upgrade on the base Ciera, a 1987 Cutlass Ciera Brougham.  Owned and preserved by an Oldsmobile enthusiast, this car has been kept in a climate controlled garage its entire life and sports just 19,726 title verified actual miles and leather upholstery.  Whether or not you consider this a classic yet, one thing is for sure - you might not find one in better condition than this.  Oldsmobiles from the 80's elicit more emotion and response from our social media than any other group of cars.  Why? Because we either had one or knew someone who did.  And fond memories prevail. 

Exterior
Single stage Silver Metallic covers the car and is in showroom condition.  The composite headlights were new for '87 and instantly gave A-bodies a more modern face.   A red pinstripe runs along the shoulder line and an Oldsmobile windshield banner proudly proclaims the brand in bold white letters.  Who can forget the international flag emblem which was to denote international design and appeal.  It's perfect on the car and adds a spot of color.  A luggage rack is on the trunk lid and the metal is in great condition and houses the third brake light.  The black trimmed tail lights were a design cue for the GT and Brougham models and the 14-inch mesh aluminum wheels were a sporty choice given the wheel options.  They're wrapped in letters out Firestone Firehawk SS tires.  The only imperfection we note is clear coat blemishes on the wheels.

Interior
This car excels in the interior feature department as we're greeted with rich oxblood colored door panels complemented by chrome backed controls.  A tuck and roll insert houses the door pull which feels robust and dare we say, European?  Front bucket seats in oxblood leather, part of the Comfort Group Option, look fantastic and electric adjustments are noted on the driver's seat.  More tuck and roll in the back seat which is accessed easily through rear doors.  A color keyed padded steering wheel also feels robust and the rally instrument cluster includes a tachometer along with the typical information provided in round gauges.  The column stalks are standard GM used on millions of cars and include cruise control and wiper switches.  The small stalk in the back is for the tilt column.  The center stack has an AM/FM/Cassette radio and heater/AC controls.  A T-handle shifter is in the center console surrounded by open storage and closed storage where the padded armrest acts as the lid.  The plush burgundy carpet is in excellent condition covered by just-as-plush optional floor mats, and the burgundy headliner completes the interior that feels like a warm corner booth at your favorite pub.   

Drivetrain
The biggest gasoline engine offered in the Ciera is optioned here, the 3.8 liter V6 with electronic fuel ignition and rated at 150 horsepower.  For a mid-size car of the mid-80's, that's a respectable number.  The 440-T4 4-speed automatic transmission spins the front wheels where 2.84 gears are found as well as power disc brakes.  Power drums take up the rear. 

Undercarriage
We can say with some confidence that the owner of the car likely never took it out in foul weather and most certainly not snow.  It's in near factory fresh condition underneath and the lack of surface rust has us pleasantly baffled.  The single exhaust is in stock configuration and exits modestly under the rear bumper.  The car is equipped with MacPherson struts on the front independent suspension and torsion beam with coil springs in the rear.  We note some residual oil on the crossmember of the subframe.  

Drive-Ability
As the previous owner of an '87 Celebrity EuroSport that spent countless hours on L.A. freeways, the cab is a very familiar place to this writer and it brings back some great memories.  Yes, the boxy design and parts bin collection of GM accessories are not going to win any design awards, but this was a staple back in the day and this option package was as nice as you could get.  The car drove as well as a 19k mile, pampered car is expected to.  Its 150 horsepower won't win any races against modern 4 cylinder cars, but it was adequate power to move this mid sized car well.  The brakes feel fresh and the transmission shifts like butter.  We note a vibration buzz coming from somewhere in the exhaust, probably touching a heat shroud.  We also note the horn, radio and power locks are not working.  I'd check the fuses. 

Once common, now classic?  Well  maybe not in the true sense of the word but this is likely one of the best surviving 1987 Cutlass Cieras you'll find for sale.  This car would be more than welcome at GM shows, orphan brand shows, Oldsmobile club shows, and a little thing called Radwood, where our affinity for 80's cars is on full display.

1G3AM5138HG333029

1-USA
G-General Motors
3-Oldsmobile
AM-Cutlass Ciera Brougham
5-4 Door Sedan
1-Manual Belts
3-3.8 Liter V6
8-Check Digit
H-1987
G-Framingham, MA Assy Plant
333029-Sequential Unit Number

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