1988 Olds Cutlas Supreme International

It's taken 16 months to tell the story of the rescue and resurrection of this first year, I-Series Cutlass Supreme, a car that I lusted over ever since I first saw one in 1988.

[@jimowens381]

Nothing says 80s more than red velour interior. I loved that glove box

[@ewanstewart8011]

That car is a credit to you, it looks great, love the seats (but I’m a sucker for velour) and the paint and wheels are like it just drove off the dealership four court 👍🏻

[@BuzzLOLOL]

So when the V8 RWD Cutlass Supreme/442 ended in1987 they moved the Supreme name over to the little V6 FWD Cutlass Ciera...

[@2KONIC123]

I had a 4-door Supreme Black w/Oyster interior -One of my favorite cars

[@mrdaykurutakuchannel]

Quite an underrated coupe of the 80s. Love the canopy top!

[@fhwolthuis]

I love this car, especially the outside and the dash. It has a real cool sleek art deco like exterior. Great that you saved it! 👍

[@jiggity76]

Beautiful and rare car, thanks so much for posting this and for giving it so much love! They're aren't very many videos about these cars unfortunately. I own a 91 International Supreme coupe so I know these cars very well. I totally understand you saying how you couldn't get enough of them when you were a kid. I felt the same way! For 1988, they are pretty rare in that they have some one year only features. This includes the lack of rear shoulder belts like you mentioned. Also, the International emblem on the cluster bezel is a one year only thing. Same goes for the trunk emblem with it surrounding the key hole. All 88 International cars had the 15" cross laces and all W-body's in general were 2.8 cars. Either with the 4 speed auto or 5 speed manual (excluding the Regal). Also, A/C was standard on these cars as well, not optional. Things like cruise, tilt, pwr windows/locks/mirrors were optional though. Beautiful interior with it's correct Garnet Red floor mats, (one piece rear mat on the earlier coupes like this), and still sporting it's original black with white font radiator cap. These plastic top caps were switched out to metal ones in 1992. Again, thanks for posting this beautiful example and really enjoyed watching it!

[@landyachtfan79]

My Uncle Jerry had a 1988 Cutlass Supreme International Series as a company car back in the day. Whenever I would go over to his & my Aunt Sue's house with my parents, I loved to sit in it & pretend I was a fighter pilot due to the cool digital instrumentation it had. 2 S's, BTW.

[@sullivanbiddle9979]

I got my license in 1993 and had one of these base versions as my first car. I got BJs and laid in that car almost daily. Thanks for bringing back happy memories!

[@dennisbrown2571]

Your knowledge about cars is amazing, as is your attention to detail in restoration.

[@rodger7029]

Loved these cars. Sold pretty well too

[@kameronstout4847]

I just bought a 1991 Cutlass Supreme coupe base model with the 3.1 v6. It only had 46,740 when I bought and I love my car it rides so good!

[@ondrejbures3909]

Greetings from Europe. The more I watch your videos the more I am fascinated with Us cars and I highly appreciate the love and the detail you show towards these cars. The money is well spend and you deserve all the joy from these cars. I am saving now to get a daily car with a soul aiming for a nice Park Avenue, but if this showed up in a good condition I will spend even more to get one. Thank you for your videos. Keep them comming!:-) Aaaand if you ever plan to visit Prague anytime in the future, let me know. I'll buy you a beer and show you the cars we had here in 1980s. You won't stop laughing. Yeah, eastern block quality:-)

[@bigsprinter]

Bringing back memories. That infamous GM10 platform

[@EricWallwin]

I owned a 1988 international.. 2 tone grey / silver... One of the best cars i ever owned... Next but... The Old Trofeo...❤

[@cjmarsh504]

Back then, digital dashboards we're cool. Then, went out of style. Now, back in style since technology had advanced.

[@johnbarnes9379]

you have just the most amazing homely looking cosy home brother and of course beautiful cars

[@charleybarley939]

I had a 1989 and they had the seek buttons for the radio right in the steering wheel. It was a really cool feature, especially when you were cranking the radio. Drove like a dream.

[@travelingfool9096]

that car brings me back

[@MattKremer39]

Always love seeing these. 1990 Cutlass Supreme SL sedan was my first car.

[@samhain8220]

I had a 1988 supreme, burgundy paint with the same for the interior. It was an awesome car, also had a 93 supreme. I miss those cars

[@daveh2612]

I love this car! My friend had an 88 Cutlass Supreme International in high school. The digital dash is the best part of the car.

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

I loved this particular Cutlass, and want one some day, as well as a Ninety Eight.

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Thanks for sharing the information

[@elbarto4394]

I remember when these cars were new. It's nice to see one in almost new condition

[@JohnHoganN8]

What a fabulous car! It looks incredible. Great job. 👍 Best wishes from 🇬🇧 UK.

[@hullinger]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JohnHoganN8]

@@hullinger 👍🤣

[@chrisurschel6832]

I had a friend that had a 1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 with FE3 sport suspension, 3800 engine, red leather seats, honeycomb aluminum wheels. Driving and riding that car was great. Firethorne metallic paint. He purchased it brand new. He had the car till just before he passed then sold it to his cousin. A car I'll never forget.

[@christopherlaflam6383]

Very cool car! I had a 91 Lumina Z34, and we what character that car had! Mine had the 3.4 Twin Dual Cam, 210 HP. Sold it when the engine started ticking at 14 years old. Before that, I had an 87 Chevy Celebrity Eurosport with that 2.8 V6. Great sound!

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Wonderful.

[@antny109]

Loved this car growing up! Great video!

[@daviddavis4444]

My mom had one just like it white with red interior she drove for about 10 years she will be 82 in Dec and still talks about it being one of the best cars she ever had

[@joelsbulk]

Love that interior!

[@kwd3109]

This Oldsmobile is more than just a great car. It represents a time when our Nation was happier and undivided. Like any vintage machine it's the memories and good feelings these vehicles have the power to bring back to us.

[@robertdiehl9003]

2.8 was an absolutely beautiful and flawless engine back in the day.. Awesome video!!

[@slikrhodez3336]

Reminds me of the Cutlass I saw at the Post Exchange lot at Rhine Main Airbase back in 90!

[@jonscott7686]

Yes I love that when people bring those cars that I grew up with back to life! My high school car was a 1990 Chevy Lumina euro 3.1

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

Loved those dash’s

[@y.t.928]

Love this video! Almost bought one of these BITD. That digital dash was like a space ship.

[@terrymeadows1827]

Thank you for sharing, When these came out, I thought they were the ugliest cars GM had ever made. Now, I marvel in them. 👍

[@stepheng3667]

Great review. My dad had a 91. Great looking cars. Love the GM V-6 tuned exhaust sound and the excellent visibility with all that glass.

[@michaelduffek2866]

Beautiful car! Love these, used to see them all over the place a decade ago.

[@OlayerB]

Loved this vid and love your car. Thanks for sharing.

[@kevink.2719]

Great car

[@victorswanson2019]

Absolutely love this video friend. Good on you for taking this car under your wing. I’m trying to do the exact same thing right now.

[@reesescales8969]

That’s the exact car that I had in high school. Mine had the grey interior.

[@robertsuper7451]

Working and Oldsmobile dealer for many years got to drive all types of the w body style everything from the deluxe sport packages convertibles and even a few with manual transmissions. Cool car for my youth 👍

[@londonstone3441]

Used to like those cars. Wanted one “when I grew up” lol. 👍🏿

[@90scarguy]

That is a beauty. I love it.

[@tripyramidpictures9224]

This is the car we had in our high school drivers ed.

[@katiejameson]

That looks so nice and clean!! GM did make some cool cars with really cool features, always was curious why they went away from digital gauges

[@JCT442]

Bought a '93 International new from an Olds dealer in Delco. Not a great experience with the car. Kept it less than three years. Had an '87 442 also bought new from the same dealer and thank God I never sold that and still have it now. The International was a very good riding car and it handled well. It did have ridiculous torque steer where the steering wheel would jerk out of your hand if you started with any speed from a standing stop. Quality issues were immediate. Leaking windshield, leaking trunk, rattling exhaust, cloth door panel in a leather interior. Dealer fixed everything except the leaking trunk which they frankly gave up looking for the leak. I found it eventually caused by a lack of body sealer in the fender well. The car was expensive listed for $25,000, two door electric blue with 17" wheels and the aformentioned leather. Five years into the model the only interior change from your '88 was a trunk pass through and optional heads up display. The engine was the new dual twin cam 3.4 V6. I understand it proved to be costly to maintain. It was the last Oldsmobile I ever bought after buying four in the '80s. Not the best example of Olds or GM and helps explain what happened to Olds ten years later.

[@hullinger]

Great comment and thanks for sharing. GM just wasn't doing any favors at that time with the cars they built. Kuddos to you on keeping the 442! They're stunning cars. My neighbor had a similar experience as you with an early 1990's Cutlass convertible. Issue after issue and problem after problem and ended up getting the car bought back by Oldsmobile.

[@jiggity76]

That would be a uber rare car now! 1993 was the last year for the International Series trim and the lowest production numbers. Incorrect about the 17" alloys, it would have had 16" pie alloys. Most 92-93 International cars were very well optioned, the 3.1 cars are actually more rare because of this.

[@jiggity76]

Also, HUD was available in production cars starting in 89 so five years into the model year isn't accurate. The Twin Cam 3.4 V6 debuted in the Spring of 91.

[@stevesmith6554]

Alot to put into this kind of vehicle as you admit. But when you are done, how satisfying it will be!! Would like to see a future video when you are happy with the restore.

[@nycstarport8542]

I like the outside door handles and the seatbelts, it's different.

[@buddyrevell6369]

Remember those cars well. Very good looking car for the times. Olds had some good cars back then. Wasn't fully the old man division of GM.

[@EricWallwin]

Enjoyed your video. !!! Thank you

[@henriquebrenzinger4406]

I'm in love with this car

[@charleybarley939]

Me too!

[@bulbhorn]

What a fun restoration. Thanks for the peek.

[@rumrunner1756]

Don’t you just love folks who try to take advantage when they sell you a car? I’m not sure how they sleep at night. I don’t believe that it would have been a whole lot different if you were a single mom with three kids and that is unconscionable. I have been called various names (idiot) for listing everything that a car needs or it’s shortcomings (high mileage) in my ads. However, I never feel badly when I watch someone driving or towing one of my vehicles down the street. I’m still digging your channel. That interior reminds me a whole lot of a few Celebrities and a Beretta that I owned. I hope your wholesalers license works out great for you. 👊

[@969thewhip]

I love the sound of the GM 2.8/3.1.

[@hullinger]

I totally agree with you. I think it adds to the experience.

[@dixonrenyin95ugo]

.... Thanks Chris, for letting me know more about these old classics on this channel than any other Channels

[@fuglyfeet3373]

I always enjoy your vids. I like the classics you present. For all their assets, and deficents. Thanks

[@sccarguy8242]

Not many people realize those seat belts are designed so you don’t have to undo them when you get in and out. It’s designed so you can slide in and out by lifting the lap belt and leaving it hooked up… it was GM’s answer to “automatic” seat belts.

[@mexicanspec]

Yes that is true, but people didn't want to fight with it.

[@frankm8533]

Cool car you got it looking alot better

[@1955gaylord]

The color , condition, lo miles you may break even . 80 's cars are becoming popular .

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

Another nice video. I remember these cars well.

[@LaSouthernGemini]

I have been watching for months and this video is well done. Tonight I hit 'SUBSCRIBE'.

[@jefferysmith3930]

Sharp looking car. What a nice piece. I can understand your love for the car. I admire your level of commitment. The Cutlass was the best looking of the W body cars..:especially in 2 dr. form. I do love that 2.8 v6 burble. Sounds like my wife’s old Z24 Cavalier. My grandfather had a high spec 94’ white/maroon leather Cutlass Supreme 4dr. as his last car in 2005. It was very nice to drive: soft riding but handled curves surprisingly well. He lived in Florida so, of course, it had an ugly maroon carriage roof tacked on spoiling the look of the lovely wrap around glass. His last act as a lifelong bad driver was to almost rip the driver’s door off by backing out of the carport with the door open. I had a surprisingly hard time finding a replacement door for what was then only an 11 year old car.

[@mhassouneh]

That exhaust sound is rather beefy.. Very nice 😎

[@DISCODAN1]

I’m actually looking at one of these right now that’s for sale near me lol! So many things I love and hate about GM’s of this era! Thanks for pointing out all of the good and the bad! Great job on the paint btw! Hope you are having fun with it!

[@timl9cas5696]

Great job getting it going

[@emeyer6963]

Nice job on the video as always Chris.I never dug this generation of these.After the G-Body that we were all used to this version looked like it was from another planet.Sold the Pontiac version in 1991 and with the mini quad lights up front for the 91' facelift thought that was a bit of a looker and even ordered one for a demo.Wasn't heartbroken when it came in with some damage on the body and I opted to pass on it and dealer swapped it to Lancaster PA for a Grand Am that somebody sold right away. Anyways.Good Luck and stay safe out there

[@behbahthu]

Nice Car..👍

[@chev500l8]

A friend of mine sister had a 89’-90’ Corsica and the paint did the same thing, peeled on the hood, roof and trunk.

[@1VaDude]

Props to you for resurrecting this 1980s front-drive classic! I still like the 1988 and earlier rear-drive GM coupes better -- the Monte Carlo, Cutlass, Grand Prix and Regal - all them were the last of a breed. My girlfriend's daughter had a 1993 Buick Regal 2-door. It looked a lot like your '88 Cutlass, but it appeared to be slightly larger and was powered by the 3.8-liter "Series Ii" V6 engine.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

The rear shoulder belts were added in 1989...I think it was a government mandate. I worked for one of the top 3 rental car agencies in the early 90s and the W cars were a fleet staple. During the recession of 91...a decision was made to stock Cutlass Supreme International Series as our luxury class. When my daily driver was in the body shop for a week, I used my employee discount to rent one....dark red with a gray tweed interior...and it was pretty decent, especially all of the seat adjustments. I had some other W body car rentals, a base model Cutlass Supreme that had the carpeted door trim pulling away from the doors...and a Pontiac Grand Prix we took on a road trip...no real issues. and a Chevy Lumina..and all had the classic GM ergonomics with sharp interior trims and budget plastic that plagued GM in the 90s....

[@klavers]

Great car beautiful crisp design there are many sold in the netherlands along with the buick regal and pontiac grand prix , the pontiac and buick where the most popular . Enjoy yours have great miles with it!

[@thinkabout602]

Always enjoy this channel 👌 🚗💨💨💨💨💨💨

[@hullinger]

Much appreciated

[@kxngearner698]

I had a red and silver 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme International Coupe with the red interior the same color as yours my steering wheel had the radio and ac controls it had the 3.1 Multi Port V6 it also had the digital climate control and the digital driver information center it had every factory option that you could get except for the sunroof HUD(head up display) and leather seats if I knew what I know now I should have never sold that car I been looking for one in great condition ever since

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

Can't believe it has been *34 YEARS (!!!)* since this car was new. It was way ahead of its time. Now here we are in 2022, and I can remember how well advanced this car was when new. It was as if the year 2000 came 12 years early. Now these Cutlasses are a rare sight, and most of them have made their way into junkyards. Those digital instruments were a sight to behold in 1988. Wonder how well they worked after 10 or 15 years? This one here, though, is still immaculate today. The new FWD Cutlass Supreme was leaps and bounds over the old rear-drive model (that one was still available for '88 as the Cutlass Supreme Classic). I wonder, however, why "only" a 2.8-liter V-6, even though it was sufficient enough for this size car? Seems like there could have been a way to get the 3800 V-6 under the hood, and make it at least optional. I loved the CSIS when it was new, and I still love it today! (1/22/2022)

[@dj1698]

Hey Chris!! Keep the 🔥 VIDEOS coming!!

[@hullinger]

You got it!

[@allanegan6502]

Pitch perfect review with personal touches ( likes & dislikes ) Good luck with more work on the Love Child.

[@joeyye12]

Well keep it for couple of years it will be a small fortune nice work loved it

[@Julian-do7bv]

Wow that car actually looks really im sure this is one of the few that are left and this one because of you is in great condition you may hold on to it a few years and enjoy it then get your money back because im sure they will go up in value some someday

[@WJHandyDad]

2:22 I like those rear seats

[@fscottgray9784]

Love this car. My first car was a 1979 Olds Cutlass Calais. Wish it had a bit more horse power.

[@dave11686]

What a beauty

[@MG-sj1em]

Nice video!

[@TheBBodyBuilder]

Cool W body Chris. Glad to see that it’s responding well to the TLC. I always liked the styling of those, except the seatbelt design. I remember when those were considered to be peppy machines :) You might be upside down financially…but you do have a nice example of a now rare platform from an orphaned GM brand. When’s the last time you saw another one? I suspect the value will catch up and hopefully the KZbin ad revenue will help offset the investments made. I dig it! It would catch my eye at a car show or cruising down the road. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@goleafsgo8496]

Not one of my favorite GM builds of the day. But it looks great and the tour was appreciated!

[@hullinger]

Thanks man for checking out today's video.

[@mexicanspec]

@@hullinger I rented a '92 model and couldn't reach the dash controls with the seat blt on. That was not a good design.

[@brianhayes7618]

Good looking interior I have a 95 cutless convertible dark green with new tan top tan interior $500 going to refresh with new paint should make fun cruiser no rust either being in Florida

[@hullinger]

Love it man and enjoy that Cutlass!

[@91myroc]

My aunt had one of these in the mid 90s

[@blairwilliams136]

I liked it alot more after they added dual exhaust and a few other options a couple years down the road . I had 1991 International series coupe in white with grey leather, steering wheel controls and dual exhaust, sounded awesome!

[@jiggity76]

I currently have a 91 International coupe. Would love to hear more about the one you had!

[@pdennis93]

This is not your father's Oldsmobile. This is the new generation of Olds.

[@RaadYacu]

looks more powerful than what it is. A meow instead of a roar

[@jdrancho1864]

Your video inspired me to take another look at the '88 Olds Cut Sup - with the aero cladding - sitting in my backyard. I love the look and design of the car, but I'm not sure if it's worth the effort. I am so torn. 🤐

[@remembergodisalwayswithyou6862]

Hey Chris i hope you have a amazing weekend ❤ love from Morocco

[@hullinger]

Hey there my friend and thanks for checking in today. Stay safe!

[@remembergodisalwayswithyou6862]

@@hullinger you're very welcome my friends Chris ❤ thank you so much for your communication with me 👍 good night

[@smartkid1201]

Ahh yes the sweet sound of a late 80's early 90's GM exhaust.

[@johnnysmile01]

I think they wanted to compete with Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica and Nissan 240sx because of the coupé shape but really looks beautiful almost a luxury coupé with all those Nice carpets congrats Chris 👍

[@romanaroun]

Do a 77 Cutlass supreme brougham, With t-tops!!!! Beautiful car 🚗

[@redneckbryon]

Something you missed, it's something you will definitely never see nowadays rear ashtray. You never know a Hardcore GM collector could be interested Hoovies Garage or Big Al's bike and Auto both Kings of the Hoopties.

[@scottsmith6519]

Hello. I had an 88 and Olds repainted the entire car FREE. Reason....acid rain. Apparantly GM painted them and parked them outside....I had to fill out paperwork, but I had 50 to 60,000 miles on mine when it was repainted.