General Motors G-body cars were once ubiquitous across America. GM used the midsized rear-wheel platform for the Buick Regal - opens in new window or tab., Chevrolet Malibu - opens in new window or tab., Chevy Monte Carlo - opens in new window or tab., and Pontiac Grand Prix - opens in new window or tab.. This cherry Cutlass recently offered on eBay is also a shining example.
During its decade of production, the G-bodies were used as commuter cars, raced as drag cars, and customized as lowriders. They even spawned the Buick Grand National - opens in new window or tab., a factory hot rod. GM offered a dizzying array of options and colors across its brands, but nearly any G-body seen today has already been relegated to hooptie status.
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That’s not the case with this 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. With just under 30,000 miles on the odometer, it’s practically brand new. Early models came in groovy disco-era colors, and this one’s Carmine Red Metallic repaint in the original hue fits the bill perfectly.
A Leisure Suit for Your Driveway
This 1979 Cutlass Supreme features a matching bordello red leather interior and white Padded Opera Top option. Earlier two-door versions have stylistic touches that appeal to 1970s nostalgia, such as the trademark Oldsmobile waterfall grille and color-matched Super Stock III wheels - opens in new window or tab..
The terminology can be confusing:
- These models, introduced in 1978, are known collectively as GM A-body cars.
- They are downsized from their muscle car predecessors.
- The chassis was renamed G-body three years later when The General introduced a new front-wheel-drive platform dubbed the A-body.
- Technically, the 1979 example for sale is an A-body but is referred to as a G-body.
The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Brougham is loaded with factory options that are commonplace now but were deluxe in the day. Those goodies include air conditioning, a tilt wheel, cruise control, delay wipers, illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visors, cornering lamps, and an 8-track player attached to the AM/FM stereo. Power seats, locks, windows, and a sunroof add more conveniences to the plush coupe.
A Yacht-Like Ride
Power comes from a Chevy 305 cubic-inch V-8 - opens in new window or tab., good for 140 horsepower. It’s mated to an automatic transmission. That’s not a lot of power from a 5.0-liter engine, but all power figures suffered from fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technology in the late 1970s. These days, you’d be buying a 1979 Cutlass Supreme for its looks and the G-body’s heavily boosted power steering and relaxed yacht-like ride.
The Cutlass only had three owners. Apparently, all of them babied the car. The car wears a newer California license plate, so it hasn’t lived in the Golden State its whole life. However, Palm Springs has a thriving classic car community with affluent and design-centric residents who mostly take excellent care of their cars.
So its location is a good omen. The seller says the car drives like new and should serve as a time machine to the age of bell bottoms and shag carpets - opens in new window or tab..
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.