Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

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Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
FR layout (1966–1988) Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive (1988–1997)
Chronology
Successor	Oldsmobile Intrigue

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a mid-size car produced by Oldsmobile between 1966 and 1997. It was positioned as a premium offering at the top of the Cutlass range. It began as a trim package, developed its own roofline, and rose during the mid-1970s to become not only the most popular Oldsmobile but the highest selling model in its class.

It was produced as a rear-wheel drive two-door

.

When production ended there was no direct replacement for the Cutlass Supreme, although the Intrigue introduced for 1998 was designed in size and price to replace all the Cutlass models.

First generation
A-body
Related	Chevrolet Malibu Buick Skylark Pontiac LeMans
Powertrain
Engine	330 cu in (5.4 L) V8
Transmission	4-speed manual 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual

The Cutlass Supreme name first appeared for the 1966

For the 1967 model year, the Cutlass Supreme line was expanded into a full series that also included a two-door

Morocceen

" vinyl bench seat with armrest in sedan models and all-vinyl Strato bucket seats in coupes and convertibles.

For both years, the standard Supreme engine was Oldsmobile's 330 cu in (5.4 L) "Ultra High Compression" Jetfire Rocket V8 rated at 320 hp (239 kW) with a four-barrel carburetor. Transmission offerings included a standard three-speed manual with column shift, floor-mounted four-speed manual with Hurst shifter or a two-speed Jetaway automatic.

In 1967, the high-performance 442 package with the 400 cu in (6.6 L) 350 horsepower (260 kW) V8 was available on three Cutlass Supreme models including the sport coupe, Holiday coupe and convertible. Also available on each of those three Supreme two-door models was "Turnpike Cruiser" option that included a 400 cubic-inch V8 with two-barrel carburetor and 300 hp (220 kW) rating along with a numerically lower rear axle and Turbo Hydramatic transmission.

Second generation
GMC Sprint
Powertrain
Engine	330 cu in (5.4 L) V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8
Transmission	2-speed automatic 3-speed automatic 4-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Coupe: 112.0 in (2,845 mm) Sedan/Wagon: 116.0 in (2,946 mm) Vista Cruiser: 121.0 in (3,073 mm)

The Cutlass and other GM

was now based. Also the standard Rocket V8 was enlarged from 330 to 350 cubic inches with 310 hp (231 kW).

The 1969 models received only a minor facelift such as a new split grille and vertical taillights with the same model and engine offerings. A new three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 350 was added to the option list to replace the two-speed Jetaway automatic. Headrests were made standard equipment due to federal safety mandate and the ignition switch moved from the instrument panel to the steering column, which also was designed to lock the steering wheel. This ignition/steering wheel interlock, found on all 1969-model General Motors passenger cars, except for the Corvair, debuted one year before the federal government mandated it on all 1970 models.

For 1970, the Cutlass Supreme nameplate was switched to

(Holiday Sedan) and regained the convertible bodystyle.

Supreme interiors were more luxurious that those of other Cutlass models, with a choice of a Custom Sport

.

For 1970 and 1971, both the Cutlass Supreme coupe and convertible were available with the Code Y-79 high performance "SX" option package. The SX option included several versions of the larger 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 borrowed from the Olds 442 along with the cutout rear bumper and exhaust trumpets, 442's rallye suspension (optional), distinctive SX badges and other features.

A W31 option added distinctive stripes and badging, and a camshaft with increased lift and duration for the 350 engine. The W31 option was offered on Supreme coupes only in 1968, but continued on lower-line F-85 and Cutlass S coupes through 1970.

1972 was the only year in which the Cutlass Supreme notchback hardtop could be equipped with the L75 455 and M20 four speed transmission, and only 77 of these cars were produced. All 1972 L75 455/M20 cars used the larger 2.07 valves and the W30 automatic camshaft. This gave the L75 455/M20 cars 270 net horsepower, as opposed to the TH400 automatic-equipped L75 cars, which produced 250 net horsepower.

The 1972 Hurst/Olds was based on the Supreme two-door hardtop and convertible, powered by both versions of the 455 Rocket offered on the 4-4-2, along with a Turbo 400 transmission with Hurst Dual/Gate shifter. The H/O convertible also served as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car in 1972.

1972 was also the final year for Olds to offer the Cutlass Supreme convertible, until 1990. In its final year, it was the best-selling convertible in the U.S., with 11,571 sold, or 16% of the market, beating the

From 1973 to 1975, the only Oldsmobile convertible offered was the full-sized Delta 88 Royale.

Third generation (1973–1977)

Motor vehicle

Third generation
1974 Cutlass Supreme coupe
Overview
Also called	Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon
Production	1972–1977
Model years	1973–1977
Assembly	Lansing Car Assembly, Lansing, Michigan, Arlington Assembly, Arlington, Texas, Buick V6 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6 260 cu in (4.3 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8 403 cu in (6.6 L) Oldsmobile V8 455 cu in (7.5 L) Oldsmobile V8
Transmission	3-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112 in (2,845 mm).
Length	207.0 in (5,258 mm)
Width	77.7 in (1,974 mm)
Height	54.9 in (1,394 mm)

In 1973, the Cutlass Supreme, like other GM mid-size cars, was redesigned. Hardtop models were replaced by new "Colonnade" styling with fixed center pillars. Concerns over proposed rollover standards caused many automakers to phase out their pillarless hardtops and convertibles throughout the 1970s, and the Cutlass was no exception. Despite some initial controversy over the disappearance of hardtop models, the new 1973 GM mid-sized line proved highly successful. Cutlass Supreme coupes had a unique roofline with vertical opera windows not shared with other Cutlass coupes, as well as unique front end styling.

The Cutlass line soon became Oldsmobile's biggest seller, accounting for 43% of the division's total volume in 1974, with the Cutlass Supreme coupe being the single most popular model. With rectangular headlights newly legalized in 1975, the Cutlass received a facelift for the 1976 model year featuring quad headlights and a waterfall grille. This attractive redesign boosted sales even further. The Cutlass line as a whole was America's best-selling car in 1976, helping Oldsmobile to become the only marque outside of

. That situation would last only that one year, as GM planned to downsize the Olds Cutlass and other intermediates for 1978.

In addition to the Colonnade

nameplate previously used on Oldsmobile's stretched-wheelbase station wagons with raised roof and skylights from 1964 to 1972 while the Cutlass Supreme Cruiser was offered with the same equipment and dimensions without the woodgrained appearance.

The Supreme Colonnade sedan was available in 1973 as the Cutlass Salon, which was an option package that included radial tires, upgraded suspension and reclining bucket seats upholstered in corduroy or vinyl trim along with color-keyed wheelcovers - designed as sort of a European-style luxury/touring sedan similar to the Pontiac Grand Am of the same period. For 1974, the Salon package was also made available on the Supreme Colonnade coupe and in 1975, the Salon was upgraded to a separate series available in both sedan and coupe. The 1975s received a new, more squared off grille, slightly larger and incorporating parking lights. The bumpers also continued to grow ever larger.

For 1973–74, the 350 Rocket V8 with four-barrel carburetor and 180 horsepower (130 kW) was the standard Cutlass Supreme engine with a 250-horsepower 455 Rocket offered as an option. Both three- and four-speed manual transmissions were offered in 1973, but the greatest majority of Cutlasses (including Supremes) were built with the three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic automatic transmission which became standard equipment in 1974, along with variable-ratio power steering.

The 1973-74 energy crisis resulting from the

replaced the Chevy inline six as base power in most Cutlass models.

For 1976, the Cutlass Supreme Brougham coupe was added to the line, featuring a more luxurious interior trim than the regular Supreme model with pillowed crushed velour upholstery and 60/40 bench seats similar to the larger

Regency. It also received quad square headlights. For 1977, the Brougham was also available as a four-door Colonnade sedan. The grille was also changed, with each half divided into five rather than two segments of bars divided by chrome strips.

A five-speed manual transmission was available as an option with the 260 V8 in all models except Supreme Brougham and station wagons for 1976–77.

Fourth generation
Chevrolet V8 307 cu in (5.0 L) Oldsmobile V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8 260 cu in (4.3 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile diesel V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual (diesel)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2,743 mm).
Length	200.0 in (5,080 mm)
Width	71.6 in (1,819 mm)
Height	54.9 in (1,394 mm)

The Cutlass Supreme was downsized for 1978, along with the rest of the Cutlass line. An upscale Cutlass Calais model was added, differing from the Cutlass Supreme only in minor trim details. The new notchback Cutlass Supreme proved to be far more popular than the controversial fastback Cutlass Salon coupe and sedan introduced at the same time.

The Cutlass Calais, essentially replaced the previous Cutlass Salon series, as far as model position and content were concerned. The Calais featured reclining Strato

mimicking an ice cube tray (as opposed to the waterfall style used with the Cutlass Supreme) and more.

Both the Cutlass Supreme and Calais were available with T-tops or a factory sunroof, even on the base Cutlass Supreme coupe with the factory radio delete option.

From 1978 through 1980, a high-performance 442 model was available, and for 1979 (Cutlass Calais), a special-edition performance model, the Hurst/Olds was offered. These used the Supreme's notchback body, rather than the standard fastback coupe's. Around 2,499 Hurst/Olds were produced - all were powered with an Oldsmobile 5.7L (350 cubic-inch) Rocket V8 (not the diesel engine) sourced from the full-sized Delta 88 and Ninety Eight Regency. Also included in the Hurst/Olds package was the Hurst Dual/Gate shifter for the three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic transmission.

In 1978, the Cutlass line featured

which had a lighted Oldsmobile rocket logo in the center.

In 1979, the

on the Cutlass line dropped the rocket logo.

In 1980, the two-door models went back to four

(known as Cutlass, Cutlass LS, and Cutlass Brougham) replaced the unpopular 4-door "aeroback" Salon, which continued in two-door form for one more year. The Supreme Brougham package was available on and off throughout 1978-1988 production. This was also the first year GM introduced the OBD-I computer controlled engine management and emission control system.

The 442 option moved from the aeroback Cutlass Salon coupe body to the notchback Cutlass Calais for 1980, with content upgraded from a mere "appearance and handling" package back to a legitimate performance option with content similar to the 1979 Hurst/Olds including its 350 Rocket V8. This would be the last 442 until that model was revived in 1985 again on the Cutlass notchback body as a successor to the 1983–84 Hurst/Olds.

In 1981, the Cutlass Supreme coupe received an

) didn't take one checkered flag, and many teams moved away from it in 1983 to the Regal, Grand Prix, and restyled Monte Carlo SS. This was a rude awakening to Oldsmobile, which was getting used to wins on the NASCAR circuit.

In 1982 GM introduced the

G-Body

.)

The Hurst/Olds reappeared on the Cutlass Calais coupe for two years, first in 1983 as the black over silver 15th anniversary, and then as the silver over black 1984 model. Both featured chrome wheels, red striping and a high output Oldsmobile 307 V8 with 4 barrel carburetor, dual muffler exhausts and Hurst's then new three stick Lightning Rods shifter (the latter eventually becoming a magnet for thieves.) All Hurst/Olds were automatics.

The Cutlass Cruiser stationwagon nameplate was moved to the Cutlass Ciera in 1984.

The 1985 Cutlass Supreme was produced by Oldsmobile and designed after the

Cutlass Calais was renamed the Cutlass Salon (taking its name from the upscale Supreme coupe and sedan that preceded the Calais).

“ 5.0-liter V8 engine, available. The added performance that adds to the pleasure of driving.”[4] The Olds Cutlass Supreme coupe and sedan were stock with a 3.8-liter V6, 2 barrel engine, while a 5-liter V8 engine was available at extra cost.

Brougham Coupe and Sedan - Although very similar to the original Cutlass Supreme, the Brougham is slightly better equipped. It has the same exact 3.8-liter stock engine and 3-speed transmission, but has a divided front bench seat with individual controls and the choice of velour trim in five colors. Also includes a convenience group with lamps, visor vanity mirror and chime tones. To finish off the specialization of the premium model, Oldsmobile created specific Brougham hood ornaments.^[4]

1987 was the final year for the rear-wheel drive sedan, and the coupe models received a restyled header panel with composite headlights (sedans retained the quad sealed beam design). A Buick 231 was the base motor alongside the Oldsmobile 307. For its final year, the 442 package was moved to the Supreme model.

1988 was the final year for the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme. It was badged Cutlass Supreme Classic, and 27,678 were built.^[5] The 2-door coupe (produced alongside the Chevrolet Monte Carlo at GM's Pontiac, Michigan plant) continued, until the new front-wheel drive version was released in December 1987. The Olds 307 was the only available engine.

Two high-performance variants were created, both using a high-output version of Oldsmobile's 5.0 L (307 CID) V8 engine:

• 1983–1984 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds
• 1985–1987 Oldsmobile 442

Fifth generation
4T60 automatic[6] 5-speed Getrag manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	107.5 in (2,730 mm)
Length	1988–89: 192.1 in (4,879 mm) 1990–91 2dr: 192.3 in (4,884 mm) 1990–91 4dr: 192.2 in (4,882 mm) 1992–95 2dr: 193.9 in (4,925 mm) 1992–95 4dr: 193.7 in (4,920 mm) 1996–97: 193.8 in (4,923 mm)
Width	1988–95: 71 in (1,803.4 mm) 1996–97 2dr: 71.5 in (1,816 mm) 1996–97 Sedan: 71.9 in (1,826 mm)
Height	1988–89: 52.8 in (1,341 mm) 1990–95 Coupe: 53.3 in (1,354 mm) 1990–95 4dr: 54.8 in (1,392 mm) 1990–91 Convertible: 54.3 in (1,379 mm) 1992–95 Convertible: 54.7 in (1,389 mm) 1996–97 2-dr: 53 in (1,346 mm) 1996–97 4dr: 53.7 in (1,364 mm)

A front-wheel-drive Cutlass Supreme based on the

was also introduced for 1990. Models included base (later called S), SL, and the sporty International Series. Throughout its run, the convertible was especially popular and considered a separate trim level.

International Series models could be equipped with unique features such as quad

became standard in 1994, and a new ergonomically curved dashboard with dual airbags debuted in 1995.

The trim levels and the lineup were gradually pared down over time. The

, built on the next version of the W platform. The Cutlass Supreme ended production on April 24, 1997.

The W-body Cutlass Supreme was built in Doraville, Georgia from 1988 to 1995, and at the Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kansas from 1996 to 1997. The first 1988 Cutlass Supreme rolled off the assembly line on January 13, 1988.^{[citation needed]} The last Cutlass Supreme convertible was completed on February 15, 1995.^{[citation needed]} The reason for this is that the last 34,743 cars built in Doraville were sedans, the coupe production was sent to Fairfax, Kansas around March 1, 1995, and Cars and Concepts did not have a facility near Fairfax.^{[citation needed]}

In 1988 the Indianapolis Motor Speedway chose Oldsmobile to pace “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, with retired United States Air Force General Chuck Yeager behind the wheel.^[7] Traditionally a manufacturer builds many pace car replicas, often thousands.^[8] But in 1988 Oldsmobile chose to build only 50 Cutlass Convertible Indy Pace Car editions. All 50 (used on track on race day and in 500 Festival activities) were essentially hand-built. General Motors/Oldsmobile contracted Cars and Concepts of Brighton, Michigan to build each of these 50 unique cars. Following the race 50 very select Oldsmobile dealers were given the opportunity to purchase one of these cars. The price was set at full invoice price for a standard International Series coupe (~$14,000) plus the cost of the convertible conversion (an additional $13,997).^[9][10] Each was highly optioned, including the first-ever application of Heads Up Display in an American production vehicle developed by Hughes Electronics. After the 50 were in the dealers' hands across the country, General Motors discovered some issue with the certification of these one-off models. Each dealer was asked to return them to GM (where they were to be destroyed) and receive full credit of their purchase price. Most of the 50 were returned for credit, but a few dealers objected and kept their cars, leaving (by all accounts) less than 10 in the general population. Mr. Thomas Knobloch, a second-generation Oldsmobile dealer in Erie, Pennsylvania was one of those dealers who refused to relinquish his car.^[11] He instead held on to it as a collectible. Realizing its incredible rarity and place in both GM/Oldsmobile and Indy 500 history, he drove less than 800 miles (1,300 km) over his many years of ownership. The Knobloch family sold the car after his death.^[11]

Engine	Years	Power	Torque
2.8 L (173 cu in) V6	1988–1989	130 hp (97 kW)	170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m)
3.1 L (191 cu in) LH0 V6	1989–1993	140 hp (104 kW)	185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
2.3 L (138 cu in) Quad-4 (LD2) I4	1990–1991	160 hp (119 kW)	152 lb⋅ft (206 N⋅m)
2.3 L (138 cu in) Quad-4 (LG0) I4	1990	180 hp (134 kW)	160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m)
3.1 L (191 cu in) L82 V6	1994–1997	160 hp (119 kW)	185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
3.4 L (204 cu in) LQ1 V6	1991–1995	210 hp (157 kW)	215 lb⋅ft (292 N⋅m)
3.4 L (204 cu in) LQ1 V6	1996	215 hp (160 kW)	220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m)

• 
  1990–1991 sedan
• 
  1990 coupe
• 
  1995–1997 coupe

• Oldsmobile Cutlass
• Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
• Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais
• Oldsmobile 442
• Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds

• 442.com
• Oldsmobile Club of America
• 1970-1971 Cutlass Supreme SX registry
• 1972 Oldsmobile "V Code" Registry (455/M20 cars)
• w-body.com
• GM W Body