Tag: salon

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Hardtop

For consignment, a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon hardtop with unknown miles but a list of go fast modifications that resulted in a 499 horsepower dyno pull and built to be bulletproof, as our consignor states, “a really driver that goes, a go car, not a show car.”.  Well, let’s take a closer look and see if you wouldn’t mind checking this one out at a show! 

Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.*  

Exterior

Painted about 18 months ago, the car presents in Medium Gray Metallic, looking at first like your pedestrian Cutlass.  Digging a bit deeper finds a sporty bulge on the hood and 15-inch Weld Rodlite wheels with staggered size tires and suddenly things look a bit different.  Out back, a vintage Wynn’s decal gets our attention and so does the shut off switch on the bumper and braided lines visible under the bumper.  Clear lense tail lights are a piece we never knew existed and dress up this G-body with a more modern display.  Nothing unusual on the grille, just the usual split unit with quad headlights.  Why the Trans Am reference on the front plate?  We’ll find out.  The paint, metal, and half vinyl top are in great shape and we could not find any exterior imperfections. 

Interior

Things get more interesting, but the door panels are familiar GM G-body units with faux woodgrain decoration, gray velour, gray plastic, and gray carpet, and both doors are in great shape.  The gray velour bucket seats look clean and stock as well and the back seat looks showroom fresh.  But turn your attention to the front and behind the standard steering wheel, things start showing up.  An air/fuel meter on the A-pillar, a shift light on the dash pad, a big tachometer in the middle, and a three pack gauge cluster in the center console.  The standard instrument cluster in the dash, nothing unusual there.  But the myriad of toggles in the center stack is different.  And wow!  The Lightning Rod shifter assures you’ll never miss a shift because there’s a stick for each gear.  It’s incredibly intimidating looking and feels like something out of a fighter jet.  Only this time, it’s for a street fighter.  Meanwhile, a Mallory ignition system is in place of a glove box.  Carpet and headliner bring us back to normal for this wolf in sheep’s clothing. 

Drivetrain

Under the hood is an engine built by Mondello Olds and it’s a 1979 403ci, dyno’d at 499 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor and a built 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission, good for 750 horsepower according to our consignor and sending power to a Currie Ford 9″ rear with 3.90 gears.  Power disc brakes are found front and rear.  The Trans Am reference?  1979 models produced in California were equipped with a 403ci Oldsmobile V8 and displayed “6.6 Litre” on the hood scoop. 

Undercarriage

From back to front, the first thing we notice is some seepage from the fuel cell, then an underside that is uniformly black, including the FlowMaster mufflers which are part of the dual exhaust that originate from headers on the engine and conclude with black pipes behind each rear wheel.  There is no catalytic converter onboard.  A driveshaft loop is present as well as a G Force transmission crossmember.  There’s some surface rust underneath but overall clean and dry.  Suspension includes coil spring up front and a 4 link with coil springs in the back.

Drive-Ability

If you had a Monte Carlo or Regal in this era, the interior will feel very familiar.  That is, until you look around and suddenly you’re feeling like Don Prudomme!  We take to the test loop where this Cutlass on steroids fulfills the consignor’s desire for a fast, powerful and stable car.  Our crack staff tutored us on the shifters and they’re as fun as they are dependable!  It gets to fourth gear in a hurry and fully engages the driver while the gauges around us display all the important info.  Other than the power windows, all functions on this four wheeled F15 work as intended.  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. 

This writer’s first car was a ’79 Trans Am with the 403.  It had less than 200 horsepower and I always wondered if there was more potential in that engine.  Well, this Salon answers that question with close to 500 horsepower from the same engine!  Would you want to take a closer look at this car at a car show?  Maybe peek inside the cabin to see those shifters?  Absolutely!  We have to correct our consignor, this car is for go AND show!  And is ready for its next pilot!

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 or call us at 610-901-3804. 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.

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