1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon: Top 10 Facts About Oldsmobile's Mercedes (Don't Laugh)!

[@jayweiss4378]

These videos need to be on the loop on the big screen at every car museum in the US!

[@ExtremelyOCD]

You keep pulling out surprises. Not often not super well known, or remembered. But for those of us who grew up in the 60 and 70s, you're videos are awesome! ❤

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

My 1976 Salon lasted over 15 years. Best car I ever owned. Besides my 70 98 Oldsmobile.

[@bryantint1339]

Cool. The 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme can be a companion too. We had a 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and a 1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass. We had a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue too.

[@geraldscott4302]

You must live in the rust belt. A 1976 Oldsmobile should STILL be on the road. My 1972 Ford Pinto Wagon is still running fine at 52 years old, body is rock solid and rust free. And it was intended to be a disposable car. It has had the engine replaced, but that is no big deal on older '70s cars. Engines and transmissions are still readily available for these cars, and the GM A body cars had full body on frame construction.

[@Jerry-ok8gj]

@geraldscott4302 It was stolen! Sorry for leaving that part out.

[@gordonborsboom7460]

I love the 1970 full size Oldsmobiles. Great front end styling to finish off that final year of the design. Make mine a 1970 Eighty Eight or Ninety Eight two door hardtop with vinyl roof. Triple green. 455.

[@LSSwapEverything-y6m]

@@geraldscott4302Yeah, my daily driver 76 supreme is still on the road lol. Original engine too.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, A chart of sales in each year from 1970-79 would really drive home the point of how the Cutlass ruled the 70s. "If your friends could see you now!"🤩

[@coreyjones1518]

Don't forget the Monte Carlo.

[@slicksnewonenow]

​@@coreyjones1518those Monties were popular, but I'm pretty sure that everyone and their dog had a Cutlass from about 1974 until well into 80s. I grew up in Houston and that whole corner of southeast Texas was CRAWLING with them 😂

[@coreyjones1518]

@@slicksnewonenow Same where I live too. Just VERY popular cars.

[@mattskustomkreations]

A best seller for years! Also the top of the list for car thieves…

[@RobertJarecki]

During that time, Oldsmobile Cutlasses were used as taxis in Munich, Germany and Zurich, Switzerland. A driver in Munich said it was because of a favorable currency exchange rate. BTW, Europeans will say it's not true.

[@BobSakamoto]

My dad always drove Chrysler products since that's what his dad drove. But he came to me since I was the car guy (service manager at independat shops) and I recommended a 71 Cutlass Supreme sitting at my small town local dealership. He was really impressed, so much so that in 74 he bought a Salon coupe from the same place. It was truly eye opening - maybe not for him but certainly for me when I drove it. I consider this platform the height of US cars. The 71 that he traded in was bought from the dealer by a sister of a very good friend - remember, small town. She drove it for over 250k miles with no major problems. The last time I saw the Salon it still looked great and had over 150k. A rare time when a US manufacturer got everything right. Quiet, nice interior, good handling, good power, and good build quality.

[@mattwhaley9917]

Love this Cutlass' body lines and shapes. That back bumper flowing into the shape of the quarter panel is the shiz!

[@GeneBossaller]

Hi Adam, great video. After several wagons needed for my family hauling I wanted two door 4-speed car of my own. After many searching worn out Firebirds and Camaros' I found a 73 Cutlass Supreme 4-speed. The original owner car that was a Mom's car with two daughters. I found my 2-door 4-speed ride, with air, black with white interior buckets, console and the original white vinyl top. I gave it a poor man's frame on restoration, upgraded 350 with white wide center stripe and side moulding stripes and still after 45 years I still enjoy my 4-speed Olds. At car cruises you never see a 73 Supreme with a 4-speed. I've enjoyed driving my 73 to OCA National show events to at least 25 states. Were both still going strong. Keep your videos coming.

[@McVaio]

Beautiful story! I love that you held on to it!

[@jimo2983]

The column mounted dimmer was not available in Minnesota. Too many drivers were getting their leg caught in the steering wheel.

[@I-Libertine]

yes, sounds like a Minnesota issue. 😂

[@tdvandy2]

😂

[@tdvandy2]

😂😂😂

[@johnfinnerty252]

HEY!!! I resemble that remark!!!😂

[@gracelandone]

Now that’s funny.

[@jamesplotkin4674]

Dad bought a nice-as-new 1972 Cutlass Supreme in 1974 and that was a sweet ride.

[@marko7843]

Me too! My first car was a '72 Cutlass Supreme with no options except the 4-barrel carb and the vinyl top... But man, that Rocket 350 ran like a raped ape despite the de-compression, and got 20 MPG on the highway. I wound it out one night to 130 MPH, and what appeared ahead in my high beams? A freaking Pinto! Don't want to rear end that!! 😂

[@paulwatson1507]

I was a new car prep mechanic at an Oldsmobile dealer in Van Nuys, CA in 1973. These cars were very popular, especially the 442 and the Hurst Olds.

[@jeffshadow2407]

Was that Pioneer Oldsmobile?

[@paulwatson1507]

@ Century Oldsmobile. 😎

[@robertobrien9706]

Great video ! I had a '73 Cutlass Salon. Ordered it in early June, just after receiving a job offer. Black with the camel velour-corduroy seats, and limited slip differential. A couple of comments: that turn signal lever-mounted dip-switch was a little floppy, and didn't have "flash-to-pass," which GM wouldn't incorporate until the late '80s or early '90s; and those bucket seats reclined, as well, albeit via a hand-turned knob on the outboard side -- they were VERY comfortable. I drove it in the '75 running of the "Car and Driver" Cannonball Sea-to-Shining Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, and got it up to 120 just west of Shamrock, Texas (east of Amarillo). One problem with the styling, though, was that those "skegs" or "pontoons" ahead of the rear wheel openings attracted pebbles kicked up by the front tires more quickly than a porch light attracts moths, and subsequently got very pitted. Always got 20-22 MPG on the highway, driving at 65-75.

[@tomwspoon]

I owned a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon - if by Mercedes you mean a vehicle that needs to be constantly repaired, then you nailed it. I replaced three alternators, a transmission, multiple air conditioning repairs, cooling issues, and many other smaller repairs. Its too bad because otherwise it wasn't half bad, and pretty good looking too.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Yes, a wonderful trip down memory lane! I remember being so excited to see the new bumpers as the cars looked so different. My friend and I would ride our bicycles to all of the dealers to see the new vehicles.

[@toddbonin6926]

I’ve always loved the ‘73 Cutlass. My favorite teacher in elementary school had a lime green Cutlass Supreme, with a white vinyl roof and white interior. One day she took me home from a school event, and I will always remember that day. She was so pretty … and so was the car!!!

[@OLDS98]

Thank you Adam. Thank you for keeping the memory of Oldsmobile alive. Thank you for sharing the design proposals. I have seen these before but I do not recall where. The information was interesting was the about Cutlass Salon. I have seen those seats in the coupes as well. It seems GM was aware of the impact of European cars because of the Cutlass Salon and Pontiac Grand Am of that era. It is interesting what those cars went on to become later too. The flags were used on Cutlass Ciera/Ciera in the 1980's and on the International Series trim levels in the 1980's. It was around a globe. Yes, they were on a Cutlass kick in the 1980's. Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass Ciera and Cutlass Calais. Chrysler was too with LeBaron.

[@joshuagibson2520]

The Cutlass and Monte Carlo body swoops are awesome.

[@rumplestilskin5776]

These were hugely popular cars. In the mid 70s this was the official senior citizens car.

[@Paul1958R]

I thought that was reserved for Buick. The joke was the Buick Century name reflected the age of its buyers.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

If you check the right option boxes...a GM car could handle decently...think of the F41 suspension package. These are attractive cars, but unfortunately were very rust prone. My Dad's friend had one that was about 4 years old and starting to show rust blooms on the doors and fenders. I think any car of that era had issues with corrosion resistance. My favorite Cutlass of that era was the 1976 to 77 Cutlass Supreme Coupe with the square headlamps and the waterfall grill. Our neighbor's son in law had a white one....with Cragar wheels in the summer, the standard Rallye wheels in the winter....white with a burgandy interior and t-tops...and very well cared for...very envious of that one.

[@Primus54]

Of course rust-proofing has greatly improved since these cars were sold, but one of the reasons they tended to rust more quickly was the relatively sparse numbers of tunnel style car washes compared to today. The prevalent car washes at the time were the power wash do it yourself bays that during the cold and windy winters were not a pleasant chore and therefore under utilized. Road salt was the bane.

[@499marvin]

My dad had a 4 door '73 Merc Marquis Brougham with the brown body colored wheel covers and the comfort lounge seats that you like. The seats were covered in that nice shiny vinyl that looks like leather. It was a sharp car!

[@halhenryg]

Adam, you tell a great story and well documented history of whatever you share with us, bravo! Like this design better than was proposed.

[@stevevogelman3360]

I just love this series. I’ve watched every one so far….really enjoyable. Thank you.

[@jimo2983]

Glad to see all these new videos Adam.

[@drakec.9327]

Purchased a '75 Salon new. Was in the family for 25 years. No engine or transmission issues. Excellent car.

[@normbittner3762]

Yes- the first seemed to end up going mostly into the Toronado for sure, the taillights in the green model sketch remind me of the early 70's Delta 88 taillights. Good video.

[@dastardlydave1455]

Great video on this car. My dad bought a new 76 sloped nose Cutlass S Supreme. Light blue with dark blue vinyl top. First car my parents bought with air conditioning.

[@ImpalamansGarage]

My dad bought a brand new 75 Cutlass Salon coupe. I loved that car as a child. We were amazed by the column mounted dimmer and the reclining seat backs.

[@wjtinatl]

I owned a ‘77 Salon coupe from ‘78-‘80. I got it with about 60k miles on it, it was an off-lease company vehicle driven by my dad’s Sales Manager. It hadn’t been well cared for but a good cleaning, waxing and interior deep clean and it looked pretty decent. Dark Green with the Buckskin color interior and half vinyl roof. It needed a good tune up, the air filter was the original AC unit installed on the assembly line. The tune, new Gabriel shocks some Goodyear GT Radials and a catalyst delete and it ran and drive fantastic. 350 4 barrel and a THM 350 with a 2.41 axle was great on the highway. Probably one if my favorite cars ever, I sold it for a new Trans Am but would love to have it back

[@MrPoppyDuck]

Wow! Talk about a blast from the past. I remember seeing Cutlass Salons all over the place as a young kid. I dont think I have ever seen one at a cruise in. Here in the rust belt those fenders did not last long sadly. Thanks for a great video!

[@joshuagibson2520]

Love the console and shifter.

[@XCELERATIONRULES]

I prefer the foot mounted dimmer switch,much easier to replace,when it does fail,which is rare. I hate loose stalks on the steering wheels.

[@oldsguy354]

I hear ya on the foot switch, but my 1979 Oldsmobile does not have a loose stalk on the left side of the column. If the turn signal stalk is loose, it's very likely to be caused by a failing turn signal switch, which are easier to replace (on the A, B, and C Body cars at least) than you are imagining. The hardest part is getting the harness down through the column, but once you learn to use a fish tape to pull a string up through the column, tie it to the harness, and then pull it back down, the job almost becomes easy. ;) I've never seen a failed column mounted high beam switch on a GM from the old days, but I've seen more than a few broken/worn out turn signal switches. Sloppy shifter handles is another story. They seem to be a factory installed feature. You can adjust/shim/bush shifter linkages to make them better, but I'm sure they put play in that linkage to keep the engine torque from shifting for you. ;)

[@XCELERATIONRULES]

@oldsguy354 I hate having cruise,wipers,dimmer ,turn signals on same stalk,I'd rather have individual switches,but ymmv

[@oldsguy354]

@@XCELERATIONRULES Oh they definitely overdid the crap included on the turn signal stalk over time. Mine has the turn signal, high beam, and cruise engagement button on the very end included on the lever. The wiper switch and the switch to turn the cruise control on are on the dash. The cruise switch is over on the passenger side of the instrument panel and you have to reach for it to turn it on, but I much prefer that over a 30 function turn signal lever. Lol

[@jerrycallo]

Yep I prefer the floor dimmer also. So easy to pop with your foot. the column mounted design felt so cheap I was afraid to pull on it.

[@bobwilson758]

The Oldsmobile price was not even close to the Mercedes- Benz So , you got a great deal ! Damn .

[@TheoLucassen]

Adam, hat off to you. This is the only channel in my favorites that only shows some nice pictures with a guy telling stories about the pics. Boring. But actually you have a gift, I just keep listening to real good and informing stories which are very interesting for any petrolhead. Love your work and dont stop!

[@RareClassicCars]

I appreciate that!

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

I remember being very impressed by the '73 Cutless when they came out. Really nice styling!

[@gregt8638]

Regarding the international flags on the fenders, Once again you've brought back a great memory to me of the era: Our friend Betty got a new one of these in silver. They were a two Cadillac family, but she liked the smaller car and that was still very comfy.... when pointing out the flags on the front fender.. she asked her husband if that meant she had to run over somebody from each one of those nationalities?. Yes, yes... I know we weren't so politically correct back then. But it was funny. She was kidding!!!

[@beenbeatenbybishops5845]

I absolutely loved driving the 76 and 77 Cutlass S Four door Colonaides 350 4bbl R engine with hydramatic 350 (M38). Great handling, good acceleration and fuel economy. I would not WANT a Mercedes. No other manufacturer had anything better. The Olds was top notch and no pains in the rear end if I had to work on them. I am sure that the Salon would have been even more impressive. Thank for the video. .

[@jimellison6157]

Adam. I have a special fondness for the 1973-1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass. My oldest Sister, while not a 4-door, had a 73 Cutlass Supreme coup that she bought in 1977.

[@steeldandansteely1027]

Okay, Adam. The corduroy seats ARE pretty sweet.

[@W.Michigan]

I had a 74 Solon couple, best car I ever owned

[@W.Michigan]

Coupe

[@ScottAllison-jf4ke]

Me Too.

[@e.a.p3174]

I knew a guy in Germany, who traded his Mercedes and bought a Cutlass. He was a successful architect and he wanted to be different

[@oliverrojas3185]

I like how you have so much information to share. Thanks for posting a view of what has to be among the most beautiful models of 70s Cutlass. After seeing some of the proposed designs for the colonnade vehicles , Maybe I’m going to garner a lot of dissension, but I think that GM styling is world class..

[@keniacobelli1618]

I totally remember the 2 door Cutlass Salon, ESPECIALLY those awesome seats... this is a very hot car

[@DD-dj4jr]

Swivel seats!

[@jameslatham2655]

Top 10 facts we may not know about the Cutlass Salon... Hell, I didn't know about this car at all. I always learn multiple gems in every one of your videos. Just superb info and video production. Thanks for all your effort and time.

[@chevken1831]

I'll take one with a 455 and a posi rear..In the late 80's and early 90's, I had a 1973 98 that I loved, but I always wanted THIS car with a 455.I especially like the electric rear window defroster. General Motors always seemed to have the best ones. Best air conditioning and heat, as well.

[@taffy320]

My Dad had a ‘75 Cutlass Salon. Great car! Blue with white top.

[@jedjohnson6781]

In 1973 I bought a new Cutlass Supreme 2-DR HT with 350-4BBL. Was driving about 100 miles a day due to work: 8 MPG! Had the car about 3 months. Fortunately sold it before the oil embargo.

[@gm12551]

Wow 😮

[@gordonborsboom7460]

Hope you didn't replace it with a Vega!

[@johnplovanich9564]

This is the BEST channel on you tube. KUDOS to you Adam.I learn something new in every video.The,1st car to have a dimmer switch on the column and the Olds handling better than the Mercedes of the era.Your videos are so informative. I look forward to every video you put out.Keep up the good work and as always cheers from Eulethra.

[@RareClassicCars]

Appreciate that!

[@D65-i5v]

Great video. Brings back such fond memories of the most beautiful now classic cars that I had been around or owned and driven. A better time indeed . Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@danglin69]

Grew up in an Oldsmobile family but always thought the front end of these were fugly. Fixed it in 78 thankfully..Cheers

[@rmick66]

You said it. Styling courtesy of the federal government.

[@madmike2624]

I still miss my 73 Buick Regal. Dimmer switch, never would have thought that obscure item to become a topic, only Adam would pick out!!!!~ Just love the content, never know what's coming!!!!~~

[@alan1071]

The 73 Cutlass Salon and Supreme coupe, the Pontiac Grand AM and Grand Prix were probably some of my all-time favorites. I wish I had those today. Exterior and interior styling were amazing; I only wish they’d had rear center armrests to compliment the image.

[@johnandrus3901]

Very nice! A friend of mines parents bought a new 'Gutlass' every few years. They were real good cars. I like that last mock-up quite a bit. It had that Corvette look to it on the real quarter. I got to ride in my friend's Cutlass a number of times. It was a good riding car and fairly sporty, too. An excellent video, as always.

[@stevieraycharles1799]

Adam, thanks for the vid. A close friend in the day had a 73 442 4 speed and it was a tire shredder. Watermelon green with white stripe. I love the coupes of this gen but they were a challenge after OPEC, NHTSA, EPA and Insurance companies castrated domestic automakers.

[@ComblessMan]

Really like these videos, thank you. I have been missing the station wagon and coupes for a long time now and it is tragic that US will no longer be producing sedans. The US made car is gone. Sad.

[@neil6958]

I can't believe I grew up with all these cars and never really ever thought two inklings about them. Oh, the cars look ok restored, but they were so common and everywhere back then!

[@colibri1]

Those '73-77 Cutlasses were everywhere in the mid-seventies, particularly the Cutlass Supreme coupes and the Vista Cruiser wagons. You really didn't see as many Cutlass Salons. In my opinion, the '73s were the best-looking of that 1973-77 Cutlass era, with the '75s also handsome-looking. My sister's first car was a maroon 1973 Cutlass Supreme coupe with black vinyl roof and black interior, and several family friends also had '73 Cutlass Supreme coupes.

[@andrewbillingsley9377]

I really enjoy the artist renderings and clay mock-ups of concepts. It's one of my favorite features of your videos. Keep up the fine work.

[@Lee-u1f]

Thanks for producing these videos and congratulations on your success in life as well. Isn't this an amazing country?

[@RareClassicCars]

Having traveled to many countries around the world, I’m very glad to live here, yes.

[@ragtopdeluxezl1]

Just found your channel and love it! Subscribed!!!

[@kevinfestner6126]

My grandmother bought one of these in the early 80s. After she couldn't drive, I would drive her to the store, doctor, etc. in the car. She had the salon. It was my driving miss Daisey, errr Miss Emma days, 😂 She bought it used from a gentleman who was also trying to unload his 68 4 door metallic brown glambird with the brogham top. I've mentioned that I got close to buying a glambird, well that was an opportunity lost. He was going to throw it in for an additional 1 thousand bucks. It was in pristine condition. Darn The 73 cutlass 4 door was a nice looking car wearing the 5 mph bumper, quite well. I agree with the road feel. If you had to slam on the brakes, well, it had minor issues. All in all, I've been a fan of this year if cutlass. I'm also a fan of these colonnade cars, both 2 door and 4 door. There were no blind spots on the 4 door. The trunk was large for the midsize car. The back seat was roomy.

[@michaelwhite2823]

Love what you're doing here. Focusing on individual model generations. I saw one of these for sale with all the options. Four doors so rare. Please put the four door hardtop Cutlass models of the mid 60s too!

[@DSP1968]

Another fun episode on a car that most people have never heard off. I don't recall ever seeing one of these in person here in California, even back when they were new.

[@SuperBooboo02]

had a 88 Cutlass Calais..loved it...wish i still had it..

[@Romiman1]

Very love to see those design proposals in Your videos!! (In the early 90s, when those W116 Mercedes were very cheap used cars, as a German I drove a 1978 280SE and dreamt about driving something American like this Olds...)

[@americanrambler4972]

When this saloon model came out, I was excited to see it. Not particularly because it was an ‘American Mercedes” but because of its content. It was a car with a more road touring style instead of the freeway cruiser. One to enjoy driving in the mountains and on curvy roads. It had a firmer less big car floaty suspension and more of a more solid compliant suspension that had plenty of travel and shock tuning to deal with lumpy thumpy roads. It was among the first domestic cars offering things like front reclining seats, rear window defroster, tachometer, intermittent wipers, better brakes and a very likable body style. I was not a fan of the wheel covers. I preferred the rally wheels with trim rings myself. (Factory alloy wheel packages were not a thing quite yet. Still a few years into the future.) This car was a transition period for styling, where car shapes were changing, and decorative trim tastes took a while to catch up. This body did not look right with a vinyl roof and chrome trim garnishments. It took a while for the market to catch up. This is a period where the entry level base trim models actually were the best looking models on the outside.

[@GenXtra65]

Really enjoyed this one! There were some cool styled cars in the early 70’s and they look even better today in the absence of “styling.”

[@Atomwaffen-y3s]

These are sought after for sawing up for late 40's/early 50's Mercury builds.

[@mbd501]

My family had a '74 Olds Vista Cruiser, which was the Cutlass wagon. It was maroon with wood. Great car.

[@Cadillac61]

That’s a great looking Olds! I never wanted an American Mercedes,I wanted a Mercedes killer. I do prefer the grand am and even more the Chevy Laguna. Another great video on a great car thanks Adam!

[@johnfarillo255]

Great video Enjoyed the Salon story

[@donb782]

I bought a brand new 4 door 1973 Cutlass Salon. It was white with a red vinyl top and red corduroy seats with all red interior. I loved it. It was so comfortable and roomy. Having said that, the gas mileage was not great, the rust began almost immediately and the paint peeled all over the car. I had it repaired and repainted but the paint started peeling again. I sold it and bought a new Toyota Celica which was an even better car.

[@shadowstate552]

I remember my grand dad's big Old's Cutlass, mostly because as a kid, I really liked all the international flags on it for some reason, LOL. My grandma had the Old's Delta 88.

[@2259r3z]

Bonus point for use of the word "antediluvian". One of my friends in high school (1977-ish) had a pristine '74 Cutlass Supreme, white with red interior and a matching red vinyl half top (Landau?). Very sharp car. The many versions of Cutlass were so common on the streets in the mid '70s. It was the beginning of the era when Olds put the Cutlass name on almost everything.

[@Troy_nov1965]

I miss floor dimmer switches.

[@raggdoll1977]

My mums very first new car was a 73 Supreme, 350 Rocket with buckets and duals. My 15 year old self couldnt believe my luck LOL

[@BrianLarson1326]

As usual, another job well done sir.

[@carscloseup]

Proud to see my very small country on the logo🇩🇰….Maybe because of the impact on GM’s history (William S. Knudsen)😅

[@kellyshannon18]

Super informative episode! I’d love to see an episode showing what all the B-bodies were supposed to look like in 72 (delayed by a strike?) without the 5mph bumpers. The Cutlass in particular would have been so nice with the grill more framed/exposed (like the C-bodies).

[@howebrad4601]

Love your channel and content. Well documented and produced. One small nit to pick however. Ive owned a 2 door 73 cutlass and they are not in any way small cars as you referred to. Vegas and stuff like that are small. These weren't huge either but in the middle. Just not small by most standards

[@JC-ec7ey]

Adam, the 1970 Caprice and Monte Carlo also had body color wheel covers as options (I believe those were standard on the '70 Caprice unless you ordered the rally wheels or the turbine-style wheel covers). As for the 1973-'77 Cutlass, I think all the models are attractive with nice lines, including the 4-door variants. (While I still much prefer the 1968-72 Cutlass and all other GM A-body cars, the colonnade cars are still good looking.)

[@johncummings4494]

Learned to drive on a 76 light blue CS. Those ribbed seats were great. Only problem we ever had was a gas tank leak after about 15 years.

[@ericvardek4108]

Good analysis, great advice.

[@bobwilson758]

Good video sir - Thank you Most entertaining -

[@Morgorn1]

What a pretty car! I would have loved to have one of these in the driveway.

[@nathanexplosion5478]

Growing up my family had a 1975 Chevy Malibu Classic wagon. We ran that car for over 20 years through northeast PA winters. We actually transplanted frame rails from a donor Olds wagon when ours rusted through. Just over 200,000 miles on the original 350 2 barrel and TH-350 when we sold it to a guy needing a replacement engine for his truck. The floor mounted dimmer switch worked fine to the end, maybe was a fluke.

[@robertkeefer1552]

A sharp looking car with nice styling.

[@pm6613]

My 1973 Cutlass had an engine referred to as a 'rocket 455'. The 2 huge long bench seats were great for sleeping on road trips. the hi/low beam switch you describe is not a 'dimmer switch'; that is the rheostat that adjusts the dashboard lighting. JOKE: they built the Delta 88, then the 98, and finally the Urinate, which was just for pissing around town.

[@bobwilson758]

The Cutlass steering wheel was very nice also - I liked ‘em .

[@hotpuppy1]

People in my neighborhood had almost the same one pictured but without the vinyl top>> had bucket seat, console, 350 4bbl. Their daughter got in a wreck with it (front). It was repaired using a hood from a 442. It looked really good. I'd take one today.

[@HelpingHand-ic4wt]

"Pillared hardtop" was Ford's name for their quasi-hardtop/reductive sedan. A full B pillar with no metal frame around the door glass took me a while to digest back in late 1972 when I discovered this in a new 1973 Ford brochure.

[@leonardpoindexter5289]

I owned a 1972 Cutlass Supreme two door and it was a great car. Wish I still had it.

[@fleetwin1]

Cutlasses of that era were great cars indeed, glad those other concepts were shelved...

[@61rampy65]

In typical fashion, GM tried to emulate European cars by using the column mount turn signal stalk. Also in typical fashion, the way they designed it turned out to be extremely chintzy, with a plasticky feel, and also the feeling that it would break off at any second. The rest of the car was quite good looking, and nice to drive.

[@kevinroeber4181]

my first new car was a 74 Cutlass S 350 swivel seats black on black with the FE3 suspension. Fond memories dating in that car

[@davem8790]

The Colonnades did not age well. Most were off the road (in my area) by the 80s. Growing up in the '70s they were everywhere and most of them looked like crap after only a few years. The whole upper greenhouse would deteriorate with rust steaks, dislodged brightwork trim (was it plastic?) and severely deteriorated soft seal weather stripping. The lower skeg lines were also always rusty being traps for stones and pebbles. Being a 'Volvo man', my dad would always point these things out in traffic (engineer family) and remind me why we drove a box built like a tank.

[@davehunt6176]

Just beautiful work, Lee. IMO the ‘73 was the only successful year for the reverse skeg line. The following 5 mph rear solutions were disastrous.

[@stanleycostello9610]

I had a 1973 Cutlass. It was the best car I ever owned. I was in graduate school, lacking money, so I sold it to a friend of mine. He totaled it a month later.

[@gixxer750r3]

The 5 mph bumpers for both front and rear were not required until the 74. The rear in 73 only had to be 2.5 mph so this one was not burdened by the more ugly 5 mph bumpers in 74. The two door “S” had wet look vinyl swivel bucket seats. Overall the 83s were nice cars.

[@coreyjones1518]

I bought a 77 Malibu/Chevelle in 81. It was a 4 door so it had the same roof line as the Cutlass in the video. 350 4BBL, air, ps, pb, rear defog. Ugly as the day is long but what a reliable car. It had never been wrecked but on the back left corner it said Malibu and on the front right fender itsaid Chevelle. And I prefer the column dimmer.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

The previous cutlasses are some of the most handsome cars ever made, but I do still like the colonnades! The later coupes with square lights I think are particularly attractive for their era.

[@MG-sj1em]

These drove great. I would say one of the best driving cars of its time, so smooth. I had a lime green one with lime green interior. Oh and none of us at the time knew what the flags meant, lol. As for interiors of Mbz and Cutlass, the Mercedes interior parts were good but not great and stuff would come off or break like trim pieces I'd say just as much if not more than a Olds. I had friends that had a Mbz sedan. I still say (as you did) the Olds rode better and drove better. My friends Mercedes i think a 280 had a 3 on the tree it felt like a bus when you rode in it. lol