1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

For 1983, the most visible changes to the Cutlass Supreme occurred on the grille. Coupes were given a new sloping-forward rectangular-patterned grille with recessed horizontal bars and vertical bars. The sedan and wagons were given a new square-pattern grille that stood upright.

The Cutlass was available as Supreme and Supreme Brougham coupe and sedan, Calais coupe and Cutlass Cruiser wagon. The Supreme and Cruiser were powered by a 231 cubic-inch V6, with optional 307 cubic-inch V8 or 5.7-liter diesel V-8. Supreme coupes and sedans could also be powered by the 4.3-liter V-6. All models had a three-speed automatic gearbox.

Inside, the Cutlass had either cloth or vinyl custom sport bench seats with fold-down center armrests.

There were around 2,500 examples of the Hurst/Olds optioned Cutlass Calais coupes. These were painted black and silver. There were red and silver stripes along the upper bodysides and the front-end panel. They came equipped with a specially-tuned 307 cubic-inch engine that offered 180 horsepower and 245 foot-pounds of torque. Another feature of the car was a dual exhaust system, a dual-snorkel air cleaner with chrome cover, and a special 70-degree secondary air valve travel. They also had a four-speed automatic with torque converter ratio and a Hurst 'Lightning Rod' shifter with a 3.73:1 rear axle. On the exterior of the car were special shadow-lettered Hurst/Olds decals. The dash and C-pillars had a special 15th-anniversary Hurts/Olds medallion. Inside, there were special reclining bucket seats, tachometer, and quartz cloth.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2011