Originally expected to debut for the 1972 model year, GM delayed the introduction of the new “Colonnade” hardtop body style until 1973 due to a protracted UAW Union strike in 1971.
The 1973 Collanades were a substantial upgrade from the 72 models. Oldsmobile redesigned the body to incorporate many new government imposed auto standards as well as cosmetic upgrades. First rear roll down windows for Supreme coupes were gone, with fixed opera windows in their place. Longer doors create a sleek look and were incorporated for better rear seat access. The roof was reinforced to comply with strengthened roll-over standards as well as front energy absorbing bumpers. All in all the Colonnade body style was a substantial upgrade to the GM A body platform. This body style ran from 1973 through the 1977 model year.
Oldsmobile during this time was one of the most popular car makes in the world. Knocking Chrysler out of third place and putting Olds in the ‘big 3’ (Chevrolet, Ford and Oldsmobile) for more than one year in the 70’s.
The Cutlass line was the best selling line of cars in the US (and most stolen car too) for many years in the 70’s and early 80’s. They were, arguably, the best all around cars made. Consumer Reports ranked them at the top of their list in the early 70’s.
This particular Cutlass Supreme was built at Oldsmobile’s San Antonio Texas assembly plant and spent most of its life in the mid west, Oklahoma and Nebraska. The men that worked that San Antonio plant must have had pride in their workman ship as this car today shows the care that was built into it.
All Supremes came standard with Oldsmobile’s 350 Rocket V8 and a 4 BBL carb. A 455 was optional. This car has the original 350 Rocket and its original Turbo 350 transmission. In fact, most all of this car is original. I purchased this car a few years back from a collector whom decided it didn’t fit into his collection. The car was in pretty much the same condition on the inside and out as it is now. I did do some maintenance to the Olds. Here’s what I did:
Replaced:
Head gaskets, water pump, radiator, battery, alternator, timing chain and gear as well as plugs, wires, cap, rotor, belts and hoses. New dual exhaust system. 17” rims and tires. Rebuilt the Quadrajet carburetor.
Why did I do all that? My plan when I bought the Olds was to have it be my daily driver. I live in Western North Carolina where the weather is good much of the year. I love these Colonnades, having had several of them through the years. So I did all the work to the motor so it would be dependable. This motor had NEVER been touched. Being a Olds guy, I knew that the original timing gear is aluminum with neoprene teeth. The weak spot of the Olds V8’s of this era.
When I removed the timing cover the chain did show normal stretching but the gear was fine. I replaced both anyhow. And if you want the car to be a daily driver, then an almost 40 year old water pump and radiator does not inspire confidence. So, the work I did to the top end of the motor was for long term reliability. The car didn’t show any signs that these repairs were necessary. I made these repairs with care.
After all that, why am I selling it? Well – this may sound corny – but it’s too nice (for me) to be a daily driver. This Olds is beautiful. There’s not one parking lot ding. There NO rust. NONE EVER. The Olds deserves better that I was going to do to it – which was to drive it every day till it wore out. I can’t do that to a car this nice. In fact, I can’t leave it outside. When I’m not driving it the Olds is in my garage (next to my 1969 442). The car is in EXCELLENT overall condition. I would guess that it has been garaged its whole life.
Moving on - It will be easier for me to tell you what I’ve found is wrong with the car than to list all the stuff that works as it should. Here goes:
AC is not working. It holds Freon and the compressor builds pressure, cold, but I think the control valve is not working so it can’t circulate.
The climate control levers have recently become ‘stuck’. I think it needs a new vacuum switch or a vacuum line in the system has sprung a leak. As these pieces move with the aid of vacuum.
The cruise control is not working. I removed the ‘bolt onto the manifold’ pieces and didn’t put them back on. I have them though.
I think that’s it. For a 38 year old car it’s in amazing condition.
Options on the car:
It has the Rally Pack Gauges. Which comprise: Oil, Temperature and Fuel - actual gauges rather than just warning lights. Oh, the factory temperature gauge is flaky. It works part time. That’s why there’s an after-market gauge down by the ash tray.
It has dual exhaust from the manifolds – not via a blocked crossover pipe like most Olds dual exhaust.
There’s a center console for storage. I know that is a valid option for 1973 as it’s in the 1973 Olds sales brochure (that my dad stopped and got for me when I was 10 years old)!
And a word about the photos: I’m 57 years old. I don’t abuse my cars. So the burn outs that you see in the parking lot photos were from someone else. I just liked the way the Olds looked behind the old abandoned Sears store. But there is the power there to turn the tires.
Any questions, shoot me an email. I’m not open to taking a lot less for the car as it’s probably the nicest 1973 Cutlass Supreme out there.
