The Legacy of the Cutlass Supreme Convertible

The brand’s last drop-top

I know I’m dating myself, but I remember Oldsmobile cars. Probably my best-known is the 442 because of its performance, but it was the Cutlass that was the brand’s bread and butter until it was shut down in 2004, over 20 years ago, which makes this week’s spot a 93ish Cutlass Supreme Convertible super-rare.

From 1988 through 1997, the Cutlass Supreme shared the front-wheel-drive General Motors W-platform with the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Lumina, and Pontiac Grand Prix. One of the key initial marketing programs for the Cutlass involved using it as a pace car for the 1988 Indianapolis 500. One ad said, “The first car to cross the finish line at Indy will be a Cutlass Supreme.” It turns out that was the last year too.

This wasn’t an option from the factory; rather, the conversions were carried out via a partnership with a company called Cars & Concepts. One of the most noticeable characteristics of the drop-top was its prominent B-pillar, which remained in place even when the top was down. According to a story from Hagerty, the main reason for this feature was that the Cutlass’s door handle was on the pillar. In order to relocate the handle, the entire door would have needed to be retooled. Instead, designers incorporated a hoop that went up and over the cabin.

Options included the standard 3.1L V6 or the more powerful 3.4L DOHC LQ1 V6, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission and producing 160 horsepower. Inside were power windows that lower all at once and bucket seats up front. The rear window is made of glass with electric defrost, and the seatbelts are uniquely mounted to the doors.

Depending on condition and mileage, these cars generally trade between $7,000 and $19,000 on the collector market. Pristine, low-mileage models can occasionally reach higher prices up to $19,000. This one would probably be toward the lower end of that range.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out this week’s spot. Be sure to Like, Comment, or Share. Have a great rest of your weekend and week ahead. Come back next Sunday for another one of my finds along with some of its history.