1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass

The 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass continued to be a very versatile vehicle, being offered in many different body styles, option packages, and models. Options included the Cutlass S, Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass Salon, Cutlass Supreme Brougham, and the Vista Cruiser. Bodystyles included Coupe, Sedan, and Station Wagons. The bodies were referred to as 'Colonnade' hardtops. The base model was the Cutlass S and was available as a coupe or sedan. The 4-4-2 appearance and handling option was available on the Cutlass S and included new stripes and decals, and FE2 rally suspension.

The base engine was 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed column-shift transmission. They had disc brakes in the front and drums at the rear. Other standard features included power steering, woodgrain vinyl instrument panel trim, and FR78 x 15 Blackwall steel-belted radial tires.

The Cutlass S fastback coupe had a new sloping front end with a vertical-bar twin-section grille, recessed quad headlamps, and triangular quarter windows.

Powering the Cutlass Supreme and Vista Cruiser was a 5.7-liter four-barrel V8 engine fitted to a Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. A 455 cubic-inch four-barrel V8 was available as optional equipment. The station wagons came standard with two seats with space for six passengers. A third seat was available, offering seating for up to eight passengers.

The Supreme Brougham models had a 60/40 divided front bench seat, with the loose-pillow appearance.

S, Supreme, Salon, and Brougham models could be purchased with a new five-speed overdrive floor-shift manual gearbox.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2014