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 Chevrolet 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 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Brougham with a
title verified 20,289 actual miles. Formerly owned and preserved by
an Oldsmobile enthusiast, this two owner car has been kept in a
climate controlled garage its entire life and sports 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
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 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 and are wrapped in tires with
an early 2024 date code. The only imperfections we note are clear
coat blemishes on the wheels and some dings and water stains on the
chrome rocker panel trim piece.
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 midsize 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. Our consignor put in a new
radiator and converted the A/C to R134 in 2025.
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 while power
disc brakes are up front with power drums in back. 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
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 20k 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
the A/C was not working but all other operations functioned as
expected. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
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
Ciera 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
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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