1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Hardtop Who buys an Oldsmobile, and why? That's not a question, it's an ever present challenge to those who produce the cars of the Oldsmobile Division. Over a half million Americans will buy a '76 Olds, each one with his or her own tastes, needs and lifestyle. Yet all, we believe, will share certain traits in common. From the 1976 sales brochure. For consignment, a 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon hardtop with a title verified 26,181 actual miles and a numbers matching drivetrain. This incredible survivor was sorted mechanically and cosmetically by our consignor, the car's third owner. More than 495,000 Cutlass' were produced in 1976 and included variations such as the Supreme and Supreme Brougham, the S coupe, 442, and sedan, and even the Cruiser station wagon. Exterior Not an uncommon color in the mid 70's, Cream Gold adorns this classic with a contrasting tan vinyl roof that covers the entire roof, an option typically reserved for the Brougham. 1976 represents a redesign for the Cutlass, taking the singular round headlights and applying square dual headlights that bookend a two part grille that boasts the interesting design element of folding to top the nose next to the hood ornament. The Colonnade fixed window in back cants forward and the rear decklid takes on the same angle is an intentional design, capped by flush vertical tail lights with the familiar Olds jet logo. Tan pinstripes define the top lines of the car and 15-inch Oldsmobile Super Stock II wheels complete the original look, here wrapped in white walled 215/75R15's with a late 2020 date code. Imperfections include scratches on the front fender, some residue on the fender where molding may have been, surface rust at the base, chips and bubbling low on the door, more surface rust on the rear quarter panels and fender, and the gravel guard separating from the body along with more peppering of bubbles on both rear fenders, chips to the black plastic bumper guard, a dent with surface rust on the fender where it meets the nose, flaking rust inside a wheel arch, and various other chips. Interior Tan is the interior color option, beginning on the door panels with both vinyl and plastic wearing the shade trimmed in wood strips and the international flag badge to signify European sophistication. Both doors present cleanly and open wide to the tucked and rolled and pleated vinyl bucket seats, sporty, wide, perforated, and in great shape, mirrored in design by the rear. Up front, it's molded tan plastic and fantastically clean and simple, with two round gauges ahead including the speedometer and simulated wood framing the switchgear and the A/C and AM radio center stack which turns towards the driver. A center console provides lots of open and covered storage and houses the sporty shifter, all over tan carpet and vintage GM rubber mats and under a clean headliner. We were informed about some previous water induced rust spots in the trunk which have been corrected, and that's evident in the otherwise clean compartment.  Drivetrain Under the hood is a driver quality but clean numbers matching 350ci V8, rated 170 horsepower, typical 70's sub 200 power. It's mated to its numbers matching TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the 10 bolt rear axle with Positraction.   Undercarriage Outside of some surface rust and peeling paint, there is no invasive rust, and our consignor states this car received a rust preventative when new, which appears to have paid off, even as it appears in driver quality condition. That said, the catalytic converter shield does have a sizable rust hole. Power brakes are on board as front disc and rear drum, and suspension includes coil springs front and rear with a 4 link in back. A single exhaust runs through a stock style muffler and terminates before the bumper.  Drive-Ability If you're a child of the 70's, this cabin will seem like a familiar place undoubtedly. From the dri