1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

The Cutlass became America's bestselling car this year and would hold this title for most years into the 1980s. A restyled front end with waterfall-type split grilles and new rectangular headlights was introduced that would become an Olds Cutlass trademark in coming years, lasting into the late 1980s. Coupe bodies were reshaped for a smoother, less contoured look than the 1973-75 design, a design change shared with Buick's A-body coupes. Cutlass sedans and wagons kept their bulges through the end of model year 1977. Taillights were revised and the license plate/fuel filler was moved above the bumper. The base Cutlass line was dropped, with the Cutlass S nameplate now applied to the entry-level coupe and sedan this year; both of which featured an aerodynamic slanted front nose in contrast to the upright front ends of other Cutlass models including the Cutlass Supreme coupe, sedan and wagon, Vista Cruiser wagon, Cutlass Salon coupe and sedan, and the new Cutlass Supreme Brougham coupe. The 4-4-2 option was still offered on Cutlass S coupes as an appearance/handling package.

For consignment, a survivor if you will in the form of a 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Sporting a title verified 27,335 miles, consignor stated original silver paint and a wonderfully contrasting bright white interior all wrapped up in a very European styled Colonnade body. While horsepower may have been down, looks and luxury were on the rise.

Exterior
Consignor stated Inca Silver covers the steel panels which have only a sprinkling of surface rust on the front gravel shield and a few chips off on the filler panel between the trunk and rear window, but no invasive rust is noted. A black Landau style vinyl roof is on and looks nearly showroom new. Fit and finish as to gaps are very good and the chrome is presenting well with no delamination or pitting. All of the glass presents well and is crack free with shiny stainless trimmings. This writer's eyes are drawn to the split waterfall front grilles that wrap up and over the header panel and frame the rocket hood ornament. Body matching sport mirrors are on either door and for a little extra pizazz the trailing end of both the front and rear fenders flare out. Standard 15-inch wheel covers over steel wheels are noted on all 4 corners and are shod in almost new thin whitewall rubber.

Interior
Almost all original and looking just dandy for the interior. White door panels show off in a mix of vinyl, plastic and carpeting. The plastic shows almost no wear and the chrome and black carpeting remain looking factory fresh. Up front, a white split bench seat with separate folding armrest stretches from door to door. Finished in a mix of narrow and broad tuck and roll vinyl, this bench appears as new but upon further investigation, has been recovered. A white vinyl rear bench seat runs from interior panel to interior panel and presents with light yellowing and a similar tuck and roll pattern as the front. We note thin striping in the narrow tuck and roll of the rear seat. The original dash shows no wear and cracking, dressed with wood appliqué, and is loaded with slides for the heater and ac controls, wipers and various other functions. Front and center are deeply inset dual gauge pods that at first glance look like the large end of a pair of binoculars. Black carpet floods the floors and shows as new. Up above is hanging a tight white headliner.

Drivetrain
Filling the unrestored and lightly patined engine bay is the blue painted numbers matching Oldsmobile 350ci V8 topped with a rebuilt 4bbl carburetor capable of making 170hp. A 10-bolt 2.56 geared rear axle takes the power from the numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. All looking good, just the way it should down to the ducting for the air cleaner assembly.

Undercarriage
Unrestored and original is the theme here. A heavy film of undercoating was applied when the car was new, preventing invasive rust from forming although we do see a few areas of surface rust where the undercoating has chipped off. Independent coil spring front suspension is on and works in conjunction with a 4 link and coil spring rear suspension to provide that cushy Olds quality ride. Power disc brakes are seen on the front and power drums are on the rear and a stock single exhaust system splits off to a dual system after the catalytic converter and sends the exhale through Flowmaster mufflers then ending with chrome tips under the rear bumper.

Drive-Ability
As expected this car runs beautifully. It starts quickly, has great acceleration, and drives and rides very smoothly. All working components are there save for AC blowing warm, otherwise it is a great cruiser.

A wonderful survivor and a well-kept car ready to be shown and enjoyed for ages to come. Original paint and a mostly original interior compliment the numbers matching drivetrain and low, low miles to make this Cutlass a standout among rides in your fabled Hallowed Halls.

VIN DECODE
3J57R6M444415
3-Oldsmobile
J-Cutlass Supreme
57-2 Door Hardtop
R-350c V8i 4bbl 170hp
6-1976
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
444415-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 76 3AJ57-1976 Cutlass Supreme 2 Door Hardtop
BDY LAN569761-Lansing Body #
TR 11W-White Vinyl
PNT 13 13U-Inca Silver Metallic
06C-3rd Week June
A65-Split Bench Seat
19X-Unknown
B84-Body Side Moldings

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.