1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon 442 Coupe
This car was sold new at Royal Oldsmobile in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. It lived in Alabama until 2016, when it was purchased by a collector of Oldsmobiles from the Flint, MI area. He recently passed and I purchased the car from his Son.
As equipped, it cost almost $17,000 when new. I have a copy of the Window Decal showing all options and accessories as it was sold when new. It is a nicely equipped Cutlass with the 442 option package.
This car has the High Output version of the 307 cubic inch Oldsmobile Rocket V8. It has a four barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. The transmission if the 200-4R overdrive and the rear axle contains 3.73 to 1 gearing. A very nice combination.
This car has bucket seats with center console and shifter, power steering and brakes, power windows and locks, dual remote mirrors, heavy duty suspension, air conditioning, Soft Ray tinted glass, glass Tee-tops, 6 way power seat, tilt steering, Lamp and Convenience group, Gold Accent Chrome 15 inch wheels. It came with a fancy AM/FM/Cassette stereo and rear speakers.
The color is Dark Teal Blue Metallic over Silver Metallic. It has accent stripes and 442 call-outs. The interior is upholstered in Blue cloth. The original GM color coordinated floor mats are present. The original Owner’s Manual is present, along with numerous service manuals. There are three sets of keys, including the originals. The original Tee-top storage bags are in the trunk along with the original jack, spare and wrench. The original radio, a new set of spark plugs and a new steering component are also in the trunk. A very nice car cover and a Club steering wheel lock are also present.
This car is very, very original. The only modifications that I have noticed are 134a Freon conversion for the Air Conditioning, the chrome tips on the tail pipes and the installation of a different stereo. The present stereo is from another GM vehicle and it has AM/FM/CD player. It fits perfectly. It works perfectly, including the digital display and clock. A nice upgrade.
I believe the paint on this car to be completely original. I see no sign of a repaint and there certainly has not been any body work. I have looked closely to find tape lines from masking and overspray and I simply have to say that I believe the paint is original. If not, it is a wonderful respray that was done so well it fooled me. I do see the 442 decal on the trunk lid is on the wrong side of the car and that the Oldsmobile decal is missing. Considering the quality of workmanship at the car factories during the 80’s, it is possible that it was this way from new. The 442 decal looks original to me.
I have been under this car and the floors are still showing factory paint. There is not even any surface rust. The weather seals are all original and not even cracked. The header where the Tee-tops sit is like new. In my opinion, the mileage is actual at 46,369, the car sat in a garage and we know it didn’t see salt due to life in Alabama.
The interior is certainly original. It is very, very nice. The headliner is taut, as are the visor covers. The seats show no flaws, the carpet is not faded or worn. The driver’s side floor mat shows some wear, but that is to be expected after so many years. The foot pedal pads show minimal wear. The dash is not cracked. The power seats moves quickly and easily, the power windows go up and down quickly and the power locks work properly. These are all signs telling me that the mileage is correct.
The 80’s G-body cars had fragile interiors. The headliners were always an issue. The dashes cracked from the sun. The tops of the door panels faded easily from the sun. This car shows none of that. I can’t say the interior is perfect because there are a few singe marks at the top and front of the driver’s door panel. Otherwise, the interior is in amazing condition.
The body is very straight. The paint is wonderful and shiny. No clear coat issue anywhere. There are a few door edge nicks and stone chips, but very minimal and never touched up. There are a few small areas where the decals are blemished.
This is a very, very nice car. All features, lights and gauges are working properly. This car drives nice. The tires are like new. The wheels are beautiful. I am very impressed with the originality and absence of any repair or touchups.
I hate to use the word Survivor, because that suggests that the quality may not be so good. Yes this car survived in original condition, while still looking and acting fabulous. I believe the reason is life in Alabama, a previous owner that offered the car great care and a garage to reside in.
I know these cars well and have seen the weak spots. This car is not showing weakness. In fact, I believe it would stand tall and strong at any local car show or cruise night. The best part, you will enjoy the drive to the event.
I drove the car the short distance to the storage facility. I had the stereo playing both radio and CD, the heater was on, the Cruise Control was working perfectly. I adjusted the seat and the mirrors. It handles well and everything feels right.
Life in Alabama was good to this car. I am pleased that it was driven sparingly and was cherished.
