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1978 Oldsmobile Supreme Emerges With Mysterious News Under the Hood

1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 22 photos
Photo: eBay seller BackyardClassicsTRF
1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme1978 Oldsmobile Supreme
The Cutlass was already bringing home the bacon for Oldsmobile, and the 1978 model year did not disappoint. The parent company operated several notable changes, including a platform change that brought the Cutlass in line with the Chevy Malibu and the Pontiac Grand Prix.
Oldsmobile also made big changes in the engine department.

The company offered the Cutlass with a new standard V6 engine borrowed from Buick. It was a historical change of strategy that replaced Olds' V8 engines with mills specifically supposed to allow for important weight savings. However, Olds didn't abandon its engines completely, as it still offered the 260 and the 350 units on the new Cutlass.

A 305 V8 donated by Chevrolet was also available as an option.

The Cutlass Supreme in these photos rolled off the assembly lines with a 260 unit under the hood, but it's unclear if the factory engine is still in the car.

However, the vehicle is all kinds of mysterious from a powertrain perspective. The people at BackyardClassicsTRF claim on eBay that they haven't tried to start the engine, so it's impossible to tell if the engine is still alive. The car comes in a rough shape, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the engine exhibiting major problems. I don't believe it's locked up from sitting, but a good mechanic should still inspect the engine before committing to a purchase.

The Supreme exhibits obvious body damage, and it's unclear how it ended in this condition. A small crash is likely, and this is why an in-person or third-party inspection is strongly recommended to anyone interested in the car.

The owners explain that they couldn't get in the trunk because the keys are gone, so the mysterious side of this Cutlass expands beyond the engine bay. The vehicle needs a thorough verification, albeit most signs suggest it could easily become a daily driver.

The best thing about this Cutlass is that it sells for iPhone money. Of course, everything depends on its condition and whether the engine is still in working shape, but a $1,500 Oldsmobile is a rare thing. Bringing the car back to the road won't be easy, but it all depends on what you'll find when you see it in person.

The price is firm, and this is unsurprising, considering how affordable the car is in the first place. Anyone can see it in person in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and potential buyers will need a trailer if they want to take it home, considering the mysterious engine under the hood. The listing will expire in approximately one month, so you have enough time to convince your significant other that an old-school Oldsmobile deserves a place in your garage.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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