Image of 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme: A Testament to American Automotive Craftsmanship

The 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme stands as a gleaming example of the era's American automotive excellence. Born from the assembly lines of Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, this model was part of a lineage that would become one of the best-selling car lines in America. With its sleek lines and robust build, the Cutlass Supreme was not just a car; it was a statement of style and power during the mid-1970s. A unique fact about this vehicle is that it was one of the pioneers in incorporating rectangular headlamps, which became legal in the United States just a year prior to its release.

Design and Innovation

The 1976 Cutlass Supreme's exterior styling was characterized by its broad shoulders and confident stance. The classic long hood and short deck design were complemented by distinctive chrome trim and a split grille front fascia. Inside, occupants were greeted with a cabin that exuded comfort, with plush seating and woodgrain accents. The quality of materials reflected an era where durability met luxury, with options such as velour or vinyl upholstery. Technologically, it featured advancements like an optional tilt steering wheel and power windows—luxuries at the time. The car came in a variety of color options, with popular choices including Classic White, Firethorn Red, and Antique Green. Among body styles, the two-door coupe was particularly iconic, often equipped with the landau vinyl top for an extra touch of class.

Historical Significance

The 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme's impact on automotive design was profound. It helped set the standard for personal luxury coupes—a segment that burgeoned throughout the 1970s. Its blend of performance, style, and affordability set it apart from competitors and cemented its place in automotive history.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Cutlass Supreme boasted engine options that ranged from a modest 110-horsepower V6 to a robust 200-horsepower V8. While top speeds were not record-breaking by today's standards, the V8 models could reach 60 mph from a standstill in under 10 seconds—a respectable figure for its time. On the road, drivers enjoyed a smooth ride thanks to its coil spring suspension, though handling could be described as more comfort-oriented than sporty. The engine's rumble provided an auditory thrill synonymous with American muscle cars.

Ownership Experience

The Cutlass Supreme served various roles from being a reliable daily driver to gracing car shows as a cherished classic. Its maintenance was straightforward for the era, making it accessible for average owners to keep running. However, like many vehicles of its time, it could be prone to rust if not properly cared for.

Fun Facts

This model year saw special editions such as the Brougham and Colonnade Coupe that added extra flair and features. While not known for breaking speed records, the '76 Cutlass Supreme did break sales records for Oldsmobile at the time. Despite criticisms over fuel efficiency—a common issue during this period—the model remained popular among consumers.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors value a well-maintained 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on condition and originality. Production numbers were high for this year; however, finding one in pristine condition can be challenging due to age and previous care levels. Price trends suggest that values are steadily appreciating as nostalgia for '70s American iron grows.

Conclusion

The 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is more than just a classic car; it's an emblematic piece of automotive culture that represents an era where luxury met muscle on America's highways. Its enduring legacy continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike—a testament to its design prowess and performance capabilities.

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Molded Door Seals with Clips. For 2-door hardtops-LM 12-YMolded Door Seals with Clips. For 2-door hardtops. Replaces OEM #9870752/3. Each is 95-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Basic kit-RKB 2003-115Basic kit. '73-'76 GM A-body Colonade, Formal, and Sport Coupe (Body Style 57 only). Includes Buick Century Luxus Colonade Coupe, Buick Centurion Sport Coupe, Buick Regal Formal Coupe, Buick LeSabre Sport Coupe and Custom Sport Coupe. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme and Supreme Salon Coupes. Doors (LM 12-Y), roof-rails (RR 5019-G), and trunk (TK 46-E/16) seals. 5-piece kit.

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Molded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop-RR 5019-GMolded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop. Fits '73-'76 GM A-body Colonade, Formal and Sport Coupe (Body Style 57 only). (Ex: Buick Century Luxus Colonade Coupe, Centurion Sport Coupe, Regal Formal Coupe, LeSabre Sport Coupe, LeSabre Custom Sport Coupe.) Replaces OEM#'s 9629700/01. Pair. R&L.

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Rear roof rail seals, ’73-‘77 GM body 4 door hardtop models-RR 5019-RRear roof rail seals, '73-'77 GM body 4 door hardtop models, pair. Replaces OEM #'s 9878794/9878795

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Front Roof Rail Seals-RR 5019-SFront Roof Rail Seals. Fits 4-door stationwagon and 4-door pillared hardtop sedans. Pair

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Rear Roof Rail Seals. Fits 4-door stationwagon. Pair-RR 5019-TRear Roof Rail Seals. Fits 4-door stationwagon. Pair

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Tailgate Seal for 4-Door Station Wagons. Each-TG 15Tailgate Seal for 4-Door Station Wagons. Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Trunk Seal. Each-TK 46-E/16Trunk Seal. Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 204Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel. 3/4" x 1-3/8". Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons-WF 208Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons. Made of steel. 5/8" x 3/4". Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1"-WF 209Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1". Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon-WF 214Lower Side Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of nylon. 1-1/4" x 3/4". Each

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 223Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1/1/8" X 3/4". Each