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1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon: A Classic Blend of Style and Comfort

The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon emerges as a testament to the era's automotive craftsmanship, encapsulating the transition from the flamboyant '70s to the more pragmatic '80s. Born from the assembly lines of Oldsmobile, a marque synonymous with middle-class luxury, this model offered a blend of comfort and style that resonated with American drivers. Notably, the Cutlass Salon was part of a lineage that would become one of the best-selling car lines in America during its time. A unique fact about this vehicle is its role in pioneering the aeroback design trend, which was both lauded and criticized for its distinct departure from traditional sedan silhouettes.

Design and Innovation

The 1979 Cutlass Salon boasted an exterior that was both bold and polarizing. Its aeroback styling, characterized by a sloping rear roofline that merged seamlessly into the trunk lid, was a daring move by Oldsmobile designers. Inside, passengers were greeted with plush seating and an array of woodgrain accents that exuded a sense of understated opulence. The quality of materials reflected Oldsmobile's commitment to comfort, with options like velour upholstery elevating the cabin experience. Technologically, it featured amenities such as air conditioning and power windows, which were considered advanced for its time. The color palette ranged from classic whites and blacks to more vibrant hues like reds and blues, with popular choices often leaning towards earth tones that mirrored the era's tastes. Body styles included the two-door coupe and four-door sedan, but it was the aeroback sedan that left an indelible mark on automotive design.

Historical Significance

The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon's impact on automotive design cannot be overstated. It challenged conventional design norms and paved the way for future experimentation with car profiles. While not universally embraced, its aerodynamic focus foreshadowed an industry-wide shift towards efficiency and performance-oriented design elements. The Cutlass Salon's influence is still observed in modern vehicles that prioritize sleek aesthetics alongside functionality.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its distinctive exterior, the 1979 Cutlass Salon was engineered to deliver respectable performance for its class. With available V8 engines, it could achieve a top speed that competed well against its peers and sprint from 0-60 mph in a manner befitting its sporty aspirations. On various driving conditions, from bumps to windy roads, the car maintained composure thanks to a well-tuned suspension system. Drivers often reported a smooth ride quality complemented by the throaty hum of the engine—a symphony for those who appreciated American muscle.

Ownership Experience

The 1979 Cutlass Salon found its place as a versatile vehicle suitable for daily commutes, weekend shows, or even occasional racing among enthusiasts. Its reliability was one of its strong suits; however, as with many vehicles of its age, maintenance can now require more attention to detail due to parts scarcity. For most owners, ease of repair remains relatively straightforward thanks to a simple mechanical layout and robust aftermarket support.

Fun Facts

This classic has been known to grace collections with limited editions and has occasionally been spotted in celebrity garages. While not known for breaking speed records, it did set sales records during its heyday. Despite some criticisms over its unconventional rear styling at launch, it has since become an iconic piece of automotive history.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors might find a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon valued within a broad range depending on condition, mileage, and originality—potentially anywhere from $5,000 for models in fair condition to upwards of $20,000 or more for pristine examples. Production numbers were substantial given its popularity; however exact figures are elusive making each well-preserved Salon increasingly rare on the market. As interest in '70s vehicles grows among collectors, this model may continue to appreciate in value.

Conclusion

The 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon stands as an intriguing chapter in automotive history—a blend of innovation, comfort, and performance wrapped in a design that challenged norms and paved new roads for future cars. Its legacy endures among enthusiasts who cherish not only the driving experience but also the distinctive statement it makes about an era defined by bold choices.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Hood and cowl seal-CS 13-GHood and cowl seal. Fits '78-'88 GM A-body, A-Special (A-SPEC) and G-body 2-door hardtop coupes with rear wheel drive (RWD). Dual-durometer extrusion with flexible metal core. Easy to install; fits over pinchweld. Replaces OEM# 20255857 and 25505704. Made in the USA. Each.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon T-top Side Seals. Each piece 25" long. Pair-ELP 5020T-top Side Seals. Each piece 25" long. Pair

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores-IS-MW00101Trunk Seal (Imported). Made with steel cores. 1-3/8" X 3/4" X 17'. Each

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Molded Door Seals. 2-Door Coupe-LM 16-JEMolded Door Seals. 2-Door Coupe. Replaces OEM part numbers 20008188/9. Pair. R&L.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Lower Door Sill Seal, 78-88 GM G Body 2 Doors, Pair-LM 16-JSLower Door Sill Seal, 78-88 GM G Body 2 Doors, Pair. Replaces OEM # 20376226. These seals fit in between the panel and the lower part of the doors.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Front molded door seals. For 4-door sedan and wagon-LM 16-SFront molded door seals. For 4-door sedan and wagon. Replaces OEM#'s 20008186/7. Pair. R&L.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Rear molded door seals-LM 16-S/RRear molded door seals. Fits 4-door sedan only (except Ciera). Replaces OEM#'s 20008190/1. Pair. R&L.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Trunk seal-MW00101Trunk seal. Also replaces '75-'79 Buick Skylark hatchback seal. Made with steel cores. 1-3/8 in. x 3/4 in. x 17 ft. L. Each.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Basic kit. ’78-’80 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon 2-door coupe-RKB 1900-106Basic kit. '78-'80 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon 2-door coupe. Door (LM 16-JE), roof-rail (RR 5020) and trunk (MW00101) seals. 5-piece set.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Molded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop-RR 5020Molded roof-rail seals. 2-door hardtop. Replaces OEM#'s 20154101/2. Pair. R&L.

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Glove Box Bumper. Each-SB 78-AGlove Box Bumper. Each

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 204Rear Quarter Window Molding Clip. Made of steel. 3/4" x 1-3/8". Each

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1"-WF 209Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 13/16" x 1". Each

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon 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