Vehicle Description
1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Brougham
GM's A-body platform dominated the world of U.S. commuter cars in
the 80's. Millions were produced between 1982 and 1988, refreshed
through '96. The front wheel drive feature meant plenty of room on
the inside where most were fitted with front bench seats and
crushed velour. The similarities between the Chevy Celebrity, the
Pontiac 6000, the Buick Century, and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera were
so obvious, the term "badge engineering" was used and prompted GM
to dedicate better design efforts to differentiate cars in the
future. That said, the A-body was an unmitigated success.
For consignment, a nicely optioned upgrade on the base Ciera, a
1987 Cutlass Ciera Brougham. Owned and preserved by an Oldsmobile
enthusiast, this car has been kept in a climate controlled garage
its entire life and sports just 19,726 title verified actual miles
and leather upholstery. Whether or not you consider this a classic
yet, one thing is for sure - you might not find one in better
condition than this. Oldsmobiles from the 80's elicit more emotion
and response from our social media than any other group of cars.
Why? Because we either had one or knew someone who did. And fond
memories prevail.
Exterior
Single stage Silver Metallic covers the car and is in showroom
condition. The composite headlights were new for '87 and instantly
gave A-bodies a more modern face. A red pinstripe runs along the
shoulder line and an Oldsmobile windshield banner proudly proclaims
the brand in bold white letters. Who can forget the international
flag emblem which was to denote international design and appeal.
It's perfect on the car and adds a spot of color. A luggage rack is
on the trunk lid and the metal is in great condition and houses the
third brake light. The black trimmed tail lights were a design cue
for the GT and Brougham models and the 14-inch mesh aluminum wheels
were a sporty choice given the wheel options. They're wrapped in
letters out Firestone Firehawk SS tires. The only imperfection we
note is clear coat blemishes on the wheels.
Interior
This car excels in the interior feature department as we're greeted
with rich oxblood colored door panels complemented by chrome backed
controls. A tuck and roll insert houses the door pull which feels
robust and dare we say, European? Front bucket seats in oxblood
leather, part of the Comfort Group Option, look fantastic and
electric adjustments are noted on the driver's seat. More tuck and
roll in the back seat which is accessed easily through rear doors.
A color keyed padded steering wheel also feels robust and the rally
instrument cluster includes a tachometer along with the typical
information provided in round gauges. The column stalks are
standard GM used on millions of cars and include cruise control and
wiper switches. The small stalk in the back is for the tilt column.
The center stack has an AM/FM/Cassette radio and heater/AC
controls. A T-handle shifter is in the center console surrounded by
open storage and closed storage where the padded armrest acts as
the lid. The plush burgundy carpet is in excellent condition
covered by just-as-plush optional floor mats, and the burgundy
headliner completes the interior that feels like a warm corner
booth at your favorite pub.
Drivetrain
The biggest gasoline engine offered in the Ciera is optioned here,
the 3.8 liter V6 with electronic fuel ignition and rated at 150
horsepower. For a mid-size car of the mid-80's, that's a
respectable number. The 440-T4 4-speed automatic transmission spins
the front wheels where 2.84 gears are found as well as power disc
brakes. Power drums take up the rear.
Undercarriage
We can say with some confidence that the owner of the car likely
never took it out in foul weather and most certainly not snow. It's
in near factory fresh condition underneath and the lack of surface
rust has us pleasantly baffled. The single exhaust is in stock
configuration and exits modestly under the rear bumper. The car is
equipped with MacPherson struts on the front independent suspension
and torsion beam with coil springs in the rear. We note some
residual oil on the crossmember of the subframe.
Drive-Ability
As the previous owner of an '87 Celebrity EuroSport that spent
countless hours on L.A. freeways, the cab is a very familiar place
to this writer and it brings back some great memories. Yes, the
boxy design and parts bin collection of GM accessories are not
going to win any design awards, but this was a staple back in the
day and this option package was as nice as you could get. The car
drove as well as a 19k mile, pampered car is expected to. Its 150
horsepower won't win any races against modern 4 cylinder cars, but
it was adequate power to move this mid sized car well. The brakes
feel fresh and the transmission shifts like butter. We note a
vibration buzz coming from somewhere in the exhaust, probably
touching a heat shroud. We also note the horn, radio and power
locks are not working. I'd check the fuses.
Once common, now classic? Well maybe not in the true sense of the
word but this is likely one of the best surviving 1987 Cutlass
Cieras you'll find for sale. This car would be more than welcome at
GM shows, orphan brand shows, Oldsmobile club shows, and a little
thing called Radwood, where our affinity for 80's cars is on full
display.
1G3AM5138HG333029
1-USA
G-General Motors
3-Oldsmobile
AM-Cutlass Ciera Brougham
5-4 Door Sedan
1-Manual Belts
3-3.8 Liter V6
8-Check Digit
H-1987
G-Framingham, MA Assy Plant
333029-Sequential Unit Number
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