Image of 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon: A Blend of Comfort and Muscle

The 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon emerges as a testament to the enduring appeal of American muscle, wrapped in the comfort of a luxury sedan. Born from the assembly lines of Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors with a storied history dating back to 1897, this model served as a bridge between the waning era of muscle cars and the rise of modern automotive technology. As a unique fact, the Cutlass Salon was part of the fifth generation of the Cutlass line, which at one point in the 1970s was America's best-selling car.

Design and Innovation

The exterior styling of the '86 Cutlass Salon is characterized by its sharp lines and boxy silhouette—a hallmark of its era. The chrome-accented grille and quad headlamps exude a sense of power and prestige, while the aerodynamic contours hint at its muscle car heritage. Inside, occupants are greeted with plush seating and an array of woodgrain accents, reflecting the quality materials that were a cut above typical family sedans. Technological features for its time included power windows and locks, air conditioning, and an optional Delco stereo system. Color options ranged from conservative shades like Silver Metallic to more vibrant hues such as Dark Teal Blue. Among these, Dark Cherry Metallic was particularly popular. The two-door coupe was iconic, but buyers could also opt for a four-door sedan or even a station wagon.

Historical Significance

The 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon played a pivotal role in transitioning from raw muscle power to more refined performance vehicles. It stood out for its blend of luxury and power, offering an alternative to those who yearned for muscle car thrills without sacrificing comfort. Its legacy is evident in how today's performance sedans balance these same attributes.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the '86 Cutlass Salon could be equipped with several engine options, including a 5.0-liter V8 that delivered respectable performance figures for its time. While not as fast as its predecessors from the 1960s and early '70s due to stricter emissions regulations, it still managed to capture the essence of American muscle with a 0-60 mph time that could dip below 9 seconds in its most potent form. Handling was typical for midsize cars of the era: stable on straightaways with a soft ride that absorbed bumps gracefully but exhibited body roll during tight cornering. Driving this Oldsmobile meant enjoying the throaty rumble of a V8 engine while cruising comfortably on leather seats.

Ownership Experience

The Cutlass Salon served various roles from being a reliable daily driver to gracing car shows as a cherished classic. Its maintenance and reliability were considered good for its time, with many parts shared across GM's A-body platform making repairs relatively straightforward for the average owner.

Fun Facts

A little-known trivia about the '86 Cutlass is that it occasionally found itself in celebrity garages and even featured in period films and TV shows, adding to its cultural footprint. While not known for breaking speed records, it held its own in sales figures during its heyday. Common criticisms often revolved around its fuel efficiency—or lack thereof—typical of V8-powered vehicles from that era.

Collector's Information

Today, an '86 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon can fetch anywhere from $5,000 to over $20,000 depending on condition, originality, and specific model variants—with well-preserved or restored units commanding higher prices. While exact production numbers are elusive, tens of thousands were produced making them relatively available but increasingly sought after by collectors appreciating their nostalgic value. The market trend shows an appreciation in value for well-maintained examples as they become rarer over time.

Conclusion

The 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon stands as an enduring icon that bridged two eras of automotive design: it carried forth the spirit of American muscle while adapting to an evolving landscape that demanded more sophistication. Its significance lies not just in its historical context but also in how it has come to be cherished by collectors who appreciate both its legacy and driving experience.

1986 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.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon T-top Side Seals. Each piece 25" long. Pair-ELP 5020T-top Side Seals. Each piece 25" long. Pair

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Molded Door Seals. 2-door coupe-LM 16-JRMolded Door Seals. 2-door coupe. Replaces OEM part numbers 20201220/1. Pair. R&L.

1986 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.

1986 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.

1986 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.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Rear molded door seals. Fits 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 16-S/WRear molded door seals. Fits 4-door wagon only, with RWD. Pair. R&L.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide-M 30Trunk Liner. Loose weave, jet black. 50" wide. Sold by the foot

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Basic kit-RKB 1900-107Basic kit. '81-'88 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, '81-'84 Cutlass Calais, '85-'87 Cutlass Salon 2-door coupe. Door (LM 16-JR), roof-rail (RR 5020-M) and trunk (MW00101) seals. 5-piece set.

1986 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.

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon Glove Box Bumper. Each-SB 78-AGlove Box Bumper. Each

1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon T-Top to Body Seals. Fits models with factory T-top option-TP 5020T-Top to Body Seals. Fits models with factory T-top option. Replaces OEM #20211820/20211821. For matching T-Top Side Rail Seals, see ELP 5020. Pair