Especially '70-'72 - I think they are the best looking Cutlasses of all time. I didn't like the Colonnades when they came out, and then we got a new '75 Cutlass Supreme coupe, so I grew to like them.
Almost had a 72 for my first car in about 2000-2001. I walked to school eyeing it every day. I wrote my phone number in the dust and the old man actually called me. Was going to “give” it to me essentially, but my dad didn’t want me to learn on it. In hindsight, I’m glad he did cuz I would have tore it up
The oldsmobile that made Cadillac and Buick owner think back , is the Flag ship 98 - and they look wonderful from 1970 to 1984 , and if they come in good color, they are great looking cars . add to that the 70 to 73 Olds cutlass to date the best sharpest looking Olds.
* Any Hurst Olds - Any color combo! * And let's not forget that wild 1970 monochrome Sebring Yellow Olds 350 Rallye that should have stole the show from the Buick GSX but "No replacement for displacement!" in the end, I suppose... A 350 ci vs. 445 ci is like taking a pop-gun to a gunfight unless you're quick off the line and can rev the engine like Hell...
The Aurora. It was a beautifully designed car. Sporty, luxurious, with an elegant styling to it. After the closing of Olds, I think the Cadillac took on allot of future tech and styling cues from Olds and the Aurora.
@@danr1920 "Aurora by Oldsmobile"... I guess as separate as thinking an Imperial was something different from a Chrysler. 🤔🤨 Once upon a time, there was the Chrysler Division (luxury) and Imperial Division ("luxury and then some!"). "Does a rose by any other name smell as sweet...?" Maybe someone all ready knew Oldsmobile was a goner before the Aurora came out and they getting ready to shift the Aurora name to another division. "Coulda / woulda / shoulda"...! Poor Aurora! Rest in peace! It never really had a chance to live before it died!😢😭😿
I first saw this car new as a 9 year old. Red convertible with the top down in the sunshine. I was smitten - all that stainless and chrome - and with the rear end treatment with 4 taillights where the siblings only had two. Exotic, yet not too over the top. It was also fast. One example overtook us at 100 mph on a highway trip cross country. Just a great car. @@MarinCipollina
The 1962 Starfire was a beautiful car. It is one that I wished I had kept. Beautiful silver paint and gorgeous interior. It rivaled the interior of the bullet bird Thunderbirds.
I would add, the 1967 Oldsmobile 442, 1963 Starfire and any Vista Cruiser. Adam, you hit the nail on the head with the 66 Toronado, and yours is the perfect color.........
I come from an Oldsmobile family. My dad owned Olds from model years 1950,1954,1956,1957,1960,1965,1967,1968,1973,1974,1975, and 1978. I have owned Olds model years 1980,1986,1989 and 1996. And still have a 2004 Bravada. Sorry to see the brand go.
I think nothing outdoes that 1966 Olds Toronada. It’s so sharp, cool looking, and classy for a car that was ahead of it’s time. Would love to have one!
I've always liked the '68 Cutlass. I was 14 when they were new in the showroom and wished I could've had the 4-4-2 convertible. The '67 Cutlass should get an honorable mention.
I paid $700 for a 1968 Cutlass S in 1979, it was good car. It had perfectly fitted plastic seat covers when I got it, I took them off and the white seats looked new, it was great surprise. Shortly after I got it, I dropped it off to get inspected, when I picked it up there was hole in the driver seat, the mechanic must have sat in it with a screwdriver in his pocket. I was sick. When I pointed it out he just gave a dumb look. It was great car, I had a lot of fun in it. Good video. Thank you.
@@c2jones No, nothing. He was friends with my brother in law, his kids and my nieces and nephews were friends, so I didn't want to start a feud. It was just an old car as far as everyone else was concerned.
@@c2jones I actually only owned it a few days at that point. I had wrecked my 1972 Road runner. I paid $700 for the olds. I had it maybe six months then bought a 1972 Cadillac Fleetwood. I think I paid $500 for that. I started driving the Cadillac and let a friend use the olds. A few months later the motor went on the Cadillac, I got the olds back, then shortly after that I bought a 1974 Road runner for $1500. I can't remember what I did with the olds at that point.
As a fairly new owner of a black 1995 Aurora, I wholeheartedly agree with Adam’s choice of honorable mention. I sometimes just go out to the garage and look at how the light plays off the surfaces of the car. I’m not a very big guy, and I don’t normally have a lot of passengers, so I love how the cockpit feels.
Always liked the Aurora. Think it would have been a game changer if it had been RWD. Same for the last generation Riviera. Both were well executed cars from a design standpoint.
Honorable mention 'modern classic': Olds 98 with the 3800 block, I really dig how the cab has a separate style from the body... clean, subtle lines all around, but not blahs-ville... form-follows-function, but not obnoxiously utilitarian... very comfortable, handled and drove incredibly well... probably the most Mercedes-esque sedan I've ever driven.
There are so many beautiful Oldsmobiles to choose from, even a top ten list would leave somebody's favorite off the list. Add the 98 hardtops from '63 to your 5-list + HM's, you'd have 8 of my top-ten! Thanks Adam, I'm loving your content 😊
Great list! I’ve always thought the 1971 Cutlass Supreme was the best looking, but there are so many attractive Oldsmobiles. Loved seeing the 76 in here, enjoyed those as well
Well done Adam! My first car was a '66 Cutlass convertible. There were times my folks would take my car because it handled so well and of course it was a convertible. My feeling is that the Toronado and the Aurora are milestone cars in the Olds line up. We owned a last series Aurora. My father in law said the instrument panel looked like the cockpit of a rocket ship at night. One of my personal favorites is the '70 Cutlass Supreme. I bought one from the original owner who equipped it with a heavy duty 3 speed manual on the floor with console and buckets. It was a sad day in my world when the announcement came that Olds was going away. I currently own a '69 442 that has been in my collection since 1980 and a '67 442 sports coupe for nine years that is similar to one I owned in high school. I will always have at least one Olds!
Your inclusion of two Cutlasses reminded me of just how popular those 1968-72 and 1973-77 Cutlasses were. We had a '69, a '73, and a '77. Neighbors and family members had '70s, '72s, '73s, and '75s, and those are just the ones I can remember. They were everywhere. (I should add that not one of the Cutlasses that we or family and friends had were the performance models you mostly see preserved today. Cutlass 442's really weren't seen that much. People in the seventies liked luxury trim and practicality more than aggressive-looking performance.)
Adam, Other than the G-L-A-R-I-N-G-L-Y inexcusable omission of the Vista Cruiser, you did a pretty good job. 😉 When it comes to the inner beauty of reliability in a stylish yet practical package, the 68-72 Vista Cruiser might very well be as close to perfection as the American auto industry has ever come. 🤔
My dad was an Olds guy, I grew up on them. In 1967 when I was 8 we had a 65 98 four door post. Spring of 1970 dad brought home a 1968 442 w30. That got rear ended in 1973, replaced by a 1969 Delta 88 350 4bbl. Took my driver license test with that car in 1975. Some time in early 1976 he bought a 1970 ToronadoGT W34. Drove that for high school graduation.
Outstanding line up! I would even extend that list to the '73-'77 Cutlass...the '76 and '77 Cutlasses are masterpieces. Especially when you get the bucket seats with the ultra cool floor shifter?? Just badass...great video!!
@@dukeallen432 Up to 1976 you could order swivel bucket seats on the Cutlass S. Order a 442 package and a 455 and you have something that could handle and move.
I still remember my 1980 Cutlass Supreme Brougham. I really loved everything about that car. It was reliable, beautifully designed and rode amazingly smoothly. My grandmother had a 1956 Olds Rocket 88 with a two-tone gray and white paint scheme. Always loved the fluidity and simplicity of its design. Olds created some really great cars and I sorely miss the brand.
Well, if I look objectively at each car, the Toronado has the vote. But personally the 1976 Cutlass has my heart. Probably because I had a 1976 Buick Regal with the 350 in (of course) Independence Red with Red velour interior and T-tops. The 2 cars were so similar. I got it used from my grandmother in 1986 and (as we did back then) drove it until the wheels fell off. Loved that car.
My Mama had a 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Town Sedan. Dark forest green metallic in color, with "Lime Gold" metallic vinyl interior. Fully loaded with options. Even as a pillared sedan, they were still gorgeous. That longer wheelbase of 116" vs. 112" for the coupes, really made a difference in the ride quality. It was powered by the 4bbl Rocket 350 with 315hp. No engine in the world could replicate that beautiful, "rumbling-metallic" V-8 thump sound like an Olds 350/400/455 cid Rocket did in those days. That car rode like a soft, fluffy cloud, yet took corners as if it were on rails. Our Uncle sold Oldsmobiles here in Dallas at W.O. Bankston Olds ever since 1946! LOL! Everyone in the family bought an Olds. Bankston switched to Lincoln-Mercury in 1973. We kept that Olds Cutlass until 1973, then we bought a 1973 Cadillac Calais Coupe. All of us in the family shamefully agreed that the Oldsmobile Cutlass, though smaller, actually rode better than the Cadillac! In 1977, Mama got a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham Coupe in solid black. Gorgeous car, with the 350 4bbl V8. It too, rode better than the Cadillac she traded in. And I LOVE Cadillacs! But I must admit that Oldsmobiles just have a certain ride quality that could not seem to be duplicated by any other marque. Wonderful automotive memories of my youth.😊
Love this one. I’ve had a few Oldsmobiles that caught my eye. My brother had a ‘72 Cutlass Supreme back in the mid 80’s. My grandparents had a brand new ‘ 71 Delta 88 455 2-door hardtop that I remember doing crazy speeds in Nevada before speed limits. But my favorite was my high school buddies dad’s 1962 Starfire 2-door hardtop. This was in the early 80’s and the car still looked brand new.
I prefer the '73-'75 Cutlass with its sculpted skeg lines, to the clean-sided '76-'77. At least four doors and wagons retained the skeg lines for '76 and '77. I kind of like the '69 Cutlass a little better than the '68 with its gap-tooth look - thanks to the long turn signal lens between the high and low beam bulbs.
Hands down the '66 Tornado. I was 16 and it was on the cover of most car magazines. FWD was very controversial, but growing up with Saabs in the snowy North Country I instantly saw the FWD advantage. Very clean design that looked like nothing else at the time. Restyles after '66 just went down hill. My favorite car of the era.
1979-85 Toronado gets my vote. I actually prefer it to the 76 Cutlass. I spent a good portion of my preschool years in both as mom and grandmother had toros; dad had the cutlass. Really cushy velour seats in all of them! 😁
Great choice. The 1979 in particular has a special 1 year only grille treatment. But that whole generation is very nice and practical as a daily driver too.
I agree, I had an '80 Eldorado, which was a handsome car. But I honestly liked the Toronado from that generation better then my Eldo. Never got a chance to own unfortunately. Later on I did own an '81 Cutlass Brougham for a while -which I think is also a valid honorable mention as far as style goes -I think Olds definitely nailed that one as well🙂
I always drove Oldsmobiles until they quit making them, 8 of them through the years and I still have a '72 Toronado. Loved all of them! My '91 Trofeo was a particular favorite...bought a '95 Aurora after it.
Had a 66 toro, LOVED that thing, wish I could afford another. That being said, My other sweet spot is the 83 hurst olds, bought one brand new, the hurst package aside i thing that the 83's had one handsome profile and was quite good looking. And with the hurst package it was a wonderful cruiser, loved it on long trips plus for it's day was a hot little number
Definitely the Silhouette.... but thanks for the tip of the hat to the Aurora. I remember reading about it before it came out, and then seeing them start to pop up on the roads... that car was the pinnacle of 90's moderne design!
All solid picks, Adam, but I think these (in no particular order) at least deserve to be among the honorable mentions: -All 1967 A-bodies (F-85, Cutlass, 4-4-2, and Vista Cruiser). Great body side detailing, split headlights like the full-size cars, and cool two-tier rear light treatment on non-wagons. -1992-'97 Achieva coupe. (In)famously delayed about six months while designers and production engineers removed the sedan's son-of-Ninety-Eight rear wheel spats, the result was clean, well proportioned and easily recognizable as an Olds (at least from the front and rear), and even looked a bit mean in SCX guise with 14" 5-spoke alloys and their beefy sidewalls. -1965 Starfire and Jetstar I coupes. Similar sublime side sculpting and two-story taillights in the tail panel and bumper as the '67 A-bodies, with the added bonus of that neat reverse-curve backlight and C-pillar roof treatment. And the Starfire's through-the-quarter-panels tailpipes are just wild.
Styling wise if I could have any Oldsmobile ever made it would be a '71 ninety-eight LS coupe - loved the "W" front end styling, the back end with the 'mini' tailfins and the way the lower body line bulged out over the front wheel and fender skirts, the whole car had a "sculptured" look that could've passed as a Cadillac IMO. Others on my list would be the '71Toronado, '77 Toronado XS with the wrap around rear window and the '80-'84 ninety-eight.
The 1971 olds 98 LS 2 Dr is a beautiful car. My daughter bought one from the old lady next door. It was my daughter's first car. 80k original miles. This was in 2002. My daughter still has it today. Her boyfriend and I totally restored it in 2017 for her wedding day. My daughter still owns it today. Only 98k on the odometer. It looks brand new inside & out.
Oh ya I forgot my Grandfather had a 98 2dr ls 1972 witch looked just like my daughters 71. But his was triple black. Beautiful cars. My daughters is olive color. I prefer the triple black.
I was certainly surpised to see 73-77 cutlass on the list! As an owner of a 77 Vista Cruiser, it's a distinct vehicle from the era. Agree 100% with your list, as usual sir
Yea I’ve owned a couple Olds, that were all fine cars, very comfortable, stylish and reliable, plus powerful. The oldest was a 66 Delta 88 sedan, with window frames and pilar posts, off the original owner after he was hit in the rear passenger door, that was rendered permanently closed, glass intact. The rest of the car was in amazing shape and special ordered by him personally, with every option he could get including a Rocket 425/4brl High Compression engine that had 375hp, 500 lbs ft tq, with TH 400, plus tow package with 3:09 posi that was for their family Airstream 26’ Globe Trotter and snow. That car ran like a scalded cat on the highway and could spin both rear tires for about 10’ after power braking. Then the second was one that really grew on me after I sold the Delta. Again off the original owner with low miles, a 1971 Toronado, in red, with black roof and beautiful leather interior that could fit 6 big adults. That car only had 31,000 miles that was owned by a little old lady who passed away and her son wanted nothing to do with it. But that was one of my all time best driving cars of all time, after I had sorted a couple things out. Like new rear springs in the rear and KONI shocks all around, plus I tweaked the front torsion bars, that lifted the car 3/4” and really settled everything down on a bumpy road with 4 adults and three kids! In a ski trip! That car also had a455/4 brl dual exhaust high compression engine with fwd, that was amazing in snow, especially after I put 4 H70-15 Firestone Town&Country Snow tires on it! Heck one year my best friend and I entered it in a SCCA Sanctioned Winter Rally in Northern N.E.! Yea a 24 hour time distance Rally we came in 18 out of 48 cars! In the seat of the pants class, meaning no clocks just speedometer. For that I had the front tires studded, that made it unstoppable but totally under control! Actually made some goodwill points pulling the small sports cars out of snow banks! The only issue we had was finding gas stations up in the middle of nowhere late at night. Yea the car had a 25 gal tank, but winter driving on mostly back roads meant no more than 10-12 mpg! What a night though! Talk about looks being subjective! We got a LOT of looks!
Olds is a tough category to list favorites because every enthusiast very passionately has their own. I was lucky enough to grow up in the 70s and 80s and had the opportunity to fall in love with many. 1949 Futuramic 88 has a tragic story ending but loved nonetheless. My personal favorite was a decked out 1980 Toronado, but that doesn't detract from the 1972 Delta 88 my Grandfather bought new the year I was born. There were several others, but those are the "stand outs" to me. Thanks for the post and the memories !!
The San Diego Auto Museum reached out to me in the late 1990s offering me a donated 1980 Toronado XS for $1,500. I did not buy it because I had just leased a 1998 Aurora from my Oldsmobile dealership. I still have the color photo in my Oldsmobile Club of America briefcase.
Being a Olds fan since I was a kid and currently owning a 1966 442 convertible there are so many I love. The 62 cutlass is a favorite of mine and also the 65 Starfire.i owned a 76 cutlass supreme brougham which to this day was the most comfortable car I ever owned.
I owned a fully restored 1970 Cutlass supreme sx, Original 455 , it was Sebring yellow with white vinyl top,and white interior. It was so beautiful. It got torched, in a car fire.
As usual, a very knowledgeable and professionally presented video. Suggestion: How about the top 5 best looking Buicks? 1968 Buick GS 400 was a beautiful car.
For me, one honorable mention is the 1981-87 Cutlass Supreme coupe. As a kid growing up in that era, those were everywhere, and I thought it was the most classy looking of the GM G Bodies(the 1981-87 Buick Regal coupe was a close second). It was so popular that it was sold alongside the new 1988 W Body FWD Cutlass Supreme, but the 1988 RWD Cutlass Supreme was called the Cutlass Supreme Classic.
I’ve got a 1968 Cutlass Convertible. I bought it from a friend who painted it Black Cherry with white stripes. You are correct. The 68 is a beautiful car.
As the top selling car of the time, the 1976 and 77 Cutlasses were everywhere. I would also say the 68-72 Cutlass was commonly seen on the roads after the later ones had disappeared.
The ‘66 Toronado is a staggeringly beautiful design. I did love the late 60’s Cutlasses and mid 70’s Cutlasses - but for pure design…nothing beats the ‘66 Toronado.
I’m probably in the minority on this one, but my all time favorite Oldsmobiles were the 1980-1984 98s, they were so classic and I loved the fender skirts. We had 2 growing up, and they both had the terrible diesel engines, but they looked amazing.
Love the 80-84 98s! I had an 82 with the diesel engine... that thing was in the shop every other month getting the injectors cleaned/replaced.. but beautiful car and fun to drive.
Wow - so many thoughts on these. Of course the Toronado was amazing, but it was almost a boutique car. I think it's harder to make something out of a vehicle constrained by mass market requirements - I would say the Olds 68-72 Cutlasses were the best looking of the A-bodies, especially in 2 door and wagon form. I actually like the G bodied Cutlasses, especially 1981+. And along with the Aurora, all of the design language around it - the Intrigue and Alero - this was really Olds coming back into its own regarding styling. I understand the reason (China) why they axed Olds and kept Buick - doesn't mean I like it, though. But there are so many more - the 73 to 76 Cutlasses deserve to be mentioned, too - I could go on and on. I owned so many of these, I loved them all.
My honorable mentions - 1961 88 bubble top coupe. Looks like a missile with the lower "fins". The 1963 98 with those tail lights that followed the contour of the fenders. And I still have a soft spot for the 1962 and even 1961 F-85 which added Olds elements to a shared body and looked unique compared to the other compacts of the time. Re: 1988 Cutlass - I remember their introduction. The problem was that they were late arrivals (originally due out in 1986, I believe), and the general opinion is that they were very overweight (compared to the A bodies) and therefore underpowered sharing the same 2.8L MPI V6. They were also very expensive relative to the A body. Other than style, there was little to recommend them over a Ciera with the 2.8, which sold in the billions. You still see a few of the old A bodies around, with rust on the bottom of the doors but still cockroach cars - you just can't kill them.
My vote would be the 1970-72 Cutlass Supreme. These were such beautiful brutes. I also think the 1963 F85 should be on any list of great-looking Oldsmobiles.
Can't argue with your list at all, but my top Oldsmobile is the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30. Honorable mention: 1986 Oldsmobile AeroTech, designed by Ed Welburn and powered by the new Quad 4 engine to 218 mph.
The dustbuster minivans were pretty cool, but underappreciated at the time, simply because we didn't yet know what was going to come after them. I still kind of miss the Trans Sport we used to have...
You picked some goodies, and nobody can discount your #1 pick. My pick was the '67 Delta vs '68 until you mentioned, it's the first year of the 455. The bodies did mimic a linebacker wearing ballerina shoes. I'd change the 68 Cutlass to '70. Now the Aurora, was one of the best American engineered vehicles of it's time. If buyers had opportunity to drive it they would bought. Solid, feel, cockpit styling, (I loved that dash) handling, economy. They were over built, had to dismantle '02 recently. Hard to pick a top 10.👍🏾🇺🇸
I had a '68 Cutlass back in 1979 one of my high school rides, they were fun a point & shoot driving experience it cornered ok but mine had bald tires most of the time
I have an original low mies 77 olds omega that I think is beautiful,silver with a red interior.I know olds purists will not appreciate the small block chevy engine but its an absolute time machine in beautiful condition with only 66,000 miles and drives exactly as it should. I would pick the 76 cutlass on your list!!
I wholeheartedly agree with the Tornado at number one. I'm a Ford man, but the Toronado, 1971 Riviera boat tail and the 1963 split window Corvette are three of my favourite cars ever. I think overall, even though their quality wasn't the best, GM designed the best looking cars.
In terms of 2nd Gen Cutlass coupes, I'd go with a 71 or 72 instead of a 68. The headlights are more conventional, but less weird, and it had those great six-taillights per side.
I'm an Oldsmobile kid. I was born in 73, we had a 70 Cutlass Supreme Holiday Coupe in gold with the vinyl top. My dad's first car was a 53 Olds 98, then a 64 Cutlass, parents married in 66, bought the 1970 Cutlass was the only brand new car they bought. After the 70, they got a 72 Custom Cruiser, then 2 Buick Estate Wagons with the Olds 403. Our last Oldsmobile was a 1982 98 Regency Brougham. They went to Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos once the SUV craze began.
Great list! Personally I’m not a fan of the’59, but I get why you like it. I would add an honorable mention for the early to mid 70’s 98 Regency. Those were lovely cars.
The Key Word for Adam today is: *Stellar* (I am not mocking Adam, just having a little fun. He is such a Good Man with a great sense of humor) However I do agree with his picks. ESPECIALLY the Top 2 Picks. I would LOVE to own a 1966 *Toronado* with everything that was available to put on it. If I could not own one I would LOVE to be able to ride in one just one more time. (The funny thing is that Adam does not live all that far from my location. I sure wish he would allow some of us to view his vehicles in real time. I use to ride to school and back periodically in high school in the early 1970's and I miss riding in that car.
I agree with most of your choices particularly the ‘68 Cutlass/442 coupes. Their sculptured lines made them distinct from the GTO, Chevelle, & Buick GS cousins…And thanks for mentioning the 92 Cutlass! It was gorgeous…a stunner. I’d also add that the sleek , modern lines of the ‘95 Delta Eighty-Eight with those sublime front and rear ends were always eye catchers for me. Another great video…
I like that the 66 Toro is #1 pick - totally agree. 66 to 70 Toros were a timeless design. A couple of Oldsmobiles that stand out for me were the 72 Cutlass, which I think was the best year in the original 68-72 mix which got the Cutlass model so popular, plus there was a Hurst 442 model in the early 80’s with tall gold velour bucket seats which had a look that really stood out. F85 in the early 60’s was unique in size and it had a 215 inch aluminum V8 too. A quaint car they should have kept going, although perhaps not luxurious enough for an Olds.
One of my Aunts owned many cars over her lifetime. From Studebakers to Fords/Mercury’s, Chevys Buicks and Olds. Her favorite car was a blue 4 Dr 1968 Olds delta 88. She owned it probably 5 yrs and never had any issues other than normal service.
Great choices, the '68 Cutlass was gorgeous. Dealers in my town could'nt get enough of them. My vote goes to the '64 Citlass 442, my fave from the era.
I agree totally with your choices, I had forgotten about the Aurora, Back in the day I got to drive a new Aurora with the Northstar V8 and it certainly was a great sounding engine especially at high RPM. My favorite full size Olds is the 1963 Super 88, love the angular design, unfortunately saddled with the roto-hydramatic, too bad they didn't stay with the old 4 speed hydramatic for a few more years.
My additon to your list would be the (almost exclusive to Olds) Vista Cruiser wagon of the mid 60s. Cleanest looking model year IMHO would be 1966 without woodgrain sides.
Well Adam, I’m with you on all your picks, but would have to add the ‘57 Olds with J2. I own a Super 88 and it’s a great car. I also own a ‘68 Hurst/Olds, so am with you there and desire a ‘66 Toro and ‘76 Cutlass Salon w/455. Great video as always. Chris Gall
That '68 Delta 88 was my favorite, with the '66 Toronado a close second. To me, the late 60's were the golden age of styling across the GM divisions. I agree with the Aurora getting an honorable mention, but at the time, it was astronomically priced and I knew it would never get too popular.
I'm a hardcore Mercury/Ford guy, but I always loved the body curves of the '68 Cutlass. It gets my vote as the nicest design ever out of GM in total. I bought a '68 4-4-2 in 1976. I built a '70 455 for it and humped it into the low 12's with a converter and 3.73 gears. I still have it. Also, a neighbor of mine passed away years ago and I wound up with her 1965 Olds Starfire. 425-inch at 370-horse, blue leather interior with console-mounted tach, and those killer through-body exhaust tips. I would have to say it is also worthy of an honorable mention. I have that, too. Great video!
I love your picks and I agree with all of them, but Olds produced so many, many beautiful cars that you really needed to make it a top 10. The main one I would add would be the 1965 Oldsmobile Starfire. I loved those, and I knew of one of them. I was in high school in the late-60s/early-70s. I had a friend whose father gave him a 65 Starfire; green metalflake with NO vinyl top. It had been the Dad's car. My friend just hated the Starfire. He wanted a 442. I tried to point out to him that the girls LOVED his car, and that it was super amazing looking. To no avail. At one point I suggested to my Dad that we should buy it (at the time I had a 1969 Firebird 400). My Dad was amenable to the idea, but my friend's Dad insisted that the Starfire would remain my friend's car. By the 1980s the Starfire had descended to my friend's little sister. I began dating her in the early-1980s. She LOVED the Starfire. We went on many roadtrips in that car (at the time I had a 1963 Mercury Marauder). It remained in totally perfect condition. I tried to buy it from her at some point, but she wouldn't sell. Her oldest son still owns it. The other four would be a 1950 Olds 98 fastback, a 1957 Olds 98 J2, a 1965 442, and a 1967 442.
As a Motorsports person I love the 1976 and 1977 Cutlass S and 4-4-2 with their Slantnose front end. Not as handsome as the standard Cutlass but it made the 4-4-2 brutally effective at Nascars big tracks, being pretty much the automotive protagonist of the legendary 1979 Daytona 500 as well as to this day holding the record for the fastest Daytona 500 ever driven by Buddy Bakers iconic #28 Grey Ghost 4-4-2 in 1980
Me? Hands down---of the ones shown, my pick would be the `59 Olds 98 'Scenicoupe'. Not nearly as wild looking as the Chevy or Cadillac that year, but still a 180 from the heavy, overchromed `58 models Harley Earl threw at the public. And they were always best two-toned!
my pick is the 1981 to 1988 cutlass I was working at an olds dealer back then my job was to inspect the new cars off the truck for damage then a road test and mechanical inspection, then to do any repairs needed, it was a great job, I did not work on anything with over 30 miles on it, still remember that 1st 1981 cutlass it was light blue and white 2 tone, great looking car as compared to all the boxes on wheels we had sitting around
'68 - '72' Cutlass/442 gets our vote, for looks, reliability and performance. 👍
That generation of Cutlass had the inner beauty to match the exterior. Including the Vista Cruiser as a Cutlass seals the deal. 😁
Agreed here, with 1970 being the peak in my personal opinion.
Especially '70-'72 - I think they are the best looking Cutlasses of all time. I didn't like the Colonnades when they came out, and then we got a new '75 Cutlass Supreme coupe, so I grew to like them.
Almost had a 72 for my first car in about 2000-2001. I walked to school eyeing it every day. I wrote my phone number in the dust and the old man actually called me. Was going to “give” it to me essentially, but my dad didn’t want me to learn on it. In hindsight, I’m glad he did cuz I would have tore it up
The oldsmobile that made Cadillac and Buick owner think back , is the Flag ship 98 - and they look wonderful from 1970 to 1984 , and if they come in good color, they are great looking cars .
add to that the 70 to 73 Olds cutlass to date the best sharpest looking Olds.
66 Toro is an almost indisputable choice for #1.
IMO the 1967 442 should be on this list. '83-87 Hurst Olds/442 are also still great looking today.
I agree. That '67 442 is beautiful from every angle. Spectacular design
@@ourkid2000 I can't agree with you more !
Agree about the Toronado.
Agreed. 67 442.
* Any Hurst Olds - Any color combo! * And let's not forget that wild 1970 monochrome Sebring Yellow Olds 350 Rallye that should have stole the show from the Buick GSX but "No replacement for displacement!" in the end, I suppose... A 350 ci vs. 445 ci is like taking a pop-gun to a gunfight unless you're quick off the line and can rev the engine like Hell...
The Aurora. It was a beautifully designed car. Sporty, luxurious, with an elegant styling to it. After the closing of Olds, I think the Cadillac took on allot of future tech and styling cues from Olds and the Aurora.
Yes the early DTS ran on the Aurora platform, a very unique ride that can't be put into words.
Wasn't the Bonneville GXP based on the Aurora? I think those are sharp lookers.
Was the Aurora really even an Oldsmobile?
Yes, it was like ripping the gold dental work out of the mouth of a dead man - He's not going to need it now where he's going, right?!
@@danr1920 "Aurora by Oldsmobile"... I guess as separate as thinking an Imperial was something different from a Chrysler. 🤔🤨 Once upon a time, there was the Chrysler Division (luxury) and Imperial Division ("luxury and then some!"). "Does a rose by any other name smell as sweet...?" Maybe someone all ready knew Oldsmobile was a goner before the Aurora came out and they getting ready to shift the Aurora name to another division. "Coulda / woulda / shoulda"...! Poor Aurora! Rest in peace! It never really had a chance to live before it died!😢😭😿
Number One: 1977 Oldsmobile Toronado XS with wrap-around rear glass - exotic to my teenage mind. All-Time best looking Olds is the 1976 Cutlass.
Thanks for this one, Adam ! I would add the 1957 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight, and the 1962 Starfire to your excellent list.
The 57 Olds had a beautiful instrument cluster and dash. The 62 Starfire with the stainless gills. Yes!
@@Whaticansayaboutit I also liked the 1962 twin marquis diamond cut shaped tail lights.. The rear end looked jeweled.
I first saw this car new as a 9 year old. Red convertible with the top down in the sunshine. I was smitten - all that stainless and chrome - and with the rear end treatment with 4 taillights where the siblings only had two. Exotic, yet not too over the top. It was also fast. One example overtook us at 100 mph on a highway trip cross country. Just a great car. @@MarinCipollina
The 1962 Starfire was a beautiful car. It is one that I wished I had kept. Beautiful silver paint and gorgeous interior. It rivaled the interior of the bullet bird Thunderbirds.
I would add, the 1967 Oldsmobile 442, 1963 Starfire and any Vista Cruiser. Adam, you hit the nail on the head with the 66 Toronado, and yours is the perfect color.........
1962 Starfire…personal favorite.
I come from an Oldsmobile family. My dad owned Olds from model years 1950,1954,1956,1957,1960,1965,1967,1968,1973,1974,1975, and 1978. I have owned Olds model years 1980,1986,1989 and 1996. And still have a 2004 Bravada. Sorry to see the brand go.
I think nothing outdoes that 1966 Olds Toronada. It’s so sharp, cool looking, and classy for a car that was ahead of it’s time. Would love to have one!
FWD
76 and 77 Cutlass Supreme were Beautiful cars..
Yes! Thank You for the Aurora! Great looking vehicle! Now the down sized Northstar, well, we all know...
I've always liked the '68 Cutlass. I was 14 when they were new in the showroom and wished I could've had the 4-4-2 convertible.
The '67 Cutlass should get an honorable mention.
Great list, I'd put the 90-92 Toronado Trofeo on there as well.
I paid $700 for a 1968 Cutlass S in 1979, it was good car.
It had perfectly fitted plastic seat covers when I got it, I took them off and the white seats looked new, it was great surprise.
Shortly after I got it, I dropped it off to get inspected, when I picked it up there was hole in the driver seat, the mechanic must have sat in it with a screwdriver in his pocket. I was sick.
When I pointed it out he just gave a dumb look.
It was great car, I had a lot of fun in it.
Good video.
Thank you.
Did they replace your set, or at least repair it?
@@c2jones No, nothing. He was friends with my brother in law, his kids and my nieces and nephews were friends, so I didn't want to start a feud. It was just an old car as far as everyone else was concerned.
@@bigredc222 Err. Okay. Real shame. The tone of your original text seemed like that the incident may have been near the end of your ownership with it.
@@c2jones I actually only owned it a few days at that point. I had wrecked my 1972 Road runner. I paid $700 for the olds. I had it maybe six months then bought a 1972 Cadillac Fleetwood. I think I paid $500 for that. I started driving the Cadillac and let a friend use the olds. A few months later the motor went on the Cadillac, I got the olds back, then shortly after that I bought a 1974 Road runner for $1500. I can't remember what I did with the olds at that point.
As a fairly new owner of a black 1995 Aurora, I wholeheartedly agree with Adam’s choice of honorable mention. I sometimes just go out to the garage and look at how the light plays off the surfaces of the car. I’m not a very big guy, and I don’t normally have a lot of passengers, so I love how the cockpit feels.
Always liked the Aurora. Think it would have been a game changer if it had been RWD. Same for the last generation Riviera. Both were well executed cars from a design standpoint.
Your top five picks were spot on with an HM to the 61 Dynamic 88 and 98
Honorable mention 'modern classic': Olds 98 with the 3800 block, I really dig how the cab has a separate style from the body... clean, subtle lines all around, but not blahs-ville... form-follows-function, but not obnoxiously utilitarian... very comfortable, handled and drove incredibly well... probably the most Mercedes-esque sedan I've ever driven.
The '68 is one of my favorite years for the Cutlass.
Love the 87 442 Cutlass with the euro headlights. In 87 they smoothed out and just got it perfect. Even the dog 307 had a great low rumble.
The blue Cutlass at 10:00 has a back end that blends in better with the bumper. That's a sweet looking a#s.
There are so many beautiful Oldsmobiles to choose from, even a top ten list would leave somebody's favorite off the list. Add the 98 hardtops from '63 to your 5-list + HM's, you'd have 8 of my top-ten! Thanks Adam, I'm loving your content 😊
Great list! I’ve always thought the 1971 Cutlass Supreme was the best looking, but there are so many attractive Oldsmobiles. Loved seeing the 76 in here, enjoyed those as well
71 Cutlass had very high qualified interior. And beautiful car. Agree. Choose 71 Cutlass Supreme.
I love the 57 and 58 Fiesta hardtop wagons. And the 90s convertibles with the roll bar and the slit headlight openings.
Fun video
I agree, but I would choose a 1964 98 over the 68: Delta 88
Well done Adam! My first car was a '66 Cutlass convertible. There were times my folks would take my car because it handled so well and of course it was a convertible. My feeling is that the Toronado and the Aurora are milestone cars in the Olds line up. We owned a last series Aurora. My father in law said the instrument panel looked like the cockpit of a rocket ship at night. One of my personal favorites is the '70 Cutlass Supreme. I bought one from the original owner who equipped it with a heavy duty 3 speed manual on the floor with console and buckets. It was a sad day in my world when the announcement came that Olds was going away. I currently own a '69 442 that has been in my collection since 1980 and a '67 442 sports coupe for nine years that is similar to one I owned in high school. I will always have at least one Olds!
Your inclusion of two Cutlasses reminded me of just how popular those 1968-72 and 1973-77 Cutlasses were. We had a '69, a '73, and a '77. Neighbors and family members had '70s, '72s, '73s, and '75s, and those are just the ones I can remember. They were everywhere.
(I should add that not one of the Cutlasses that we or family and friends had were the performance models you mostly see preserved today. Cutlass 442's really weren't seen that much. People in the seventies liked luxury trim and practicality more than aggressive-looking performance.)
EVERYwhere.
Had no choice after71 unleaded fuel, low compression, sucked about 100 HP from big v/8 across all lines.there is nothing fun about govt.
I may be alone on this but I would also try to squeeze in the 62 Cutlass and Jetfire.
Adam, Other than the G-L-A-R-I-N-G-L-Y inexcusable omission of the Vista Cruiser, you did a pretty good job. 😉 When it comes to the inner beauty of reliability in a stylish yet practical package, the 68-72 Vista Cruiser might very well be as close to perfection as the American auto industry has ever come. 🤔
I don’t think it’s a pretty car
@@RareClassicCars 🤨
Actually the 1970 Vista Cruiser is one of the best looking wagons ever.
@@andoletube Please make mine with a 350 Rocket V8. In the name of practicality, will settle for the 2 barrel, Regular fuel version. 😉
My dad was an Olds guy, I grew up on them. In 1967 when I was 8 we had a 65 98 four door post. Spring of 1970 dad brought home a 1968 442 w30. That got rear ended in 1973, replaced by a 1969 Delta 88 350 4bbl. Took my driver license test with that car in 1975. Some time in early 1976 he bought a 1970 ToronadoGT W34. Drove that for high school graduation.
Outstanding line up! I would even extend that list to the '73-'77 Cutlass...the '76 and '77 Cutlasses are masterpieces. Especially when you get the bucket seats with the ultra cool floor shifter?? Just badass...great video!!
Not buckets. Brougham. Spit bench. Double cushion.
I worked at a Buick/Oldsmobile dealership back in 1976. I absolutely loved the Cutlass Supreme Brougham, Calais and base Supreme.
@@dukeallen432 Up to 1976 you could order swivel bucket seats on the Cutlass S. Order a 442 package and a 455 and you have something that could handle and move.
I still remember my 1980 Cutlass Supreme Brougham. I really loved everything about that car. It was reliable, beautifully designed and rode amazingly smoothly. My grandmother had a 1956 Olds Rocket 88 with a two-tone gray and white paint scheme. Always loved the fluidity and simplicity of its design. Olds created some really great cars and I sorely miss the brand.
'56 for SURE! But the 98 for me.
81 Supreme. Smooth.quiet reliable.
Well, if I look objectively at each car, the Toronado has the vote. But personally the 1976 Cutlass has my heart. Probably because I had a 1976 Buick Regal with the 350 in (of course) Independence Red with Red velour interior and T-tops. The 2 cars were so similar. I got it used from my grandmother in 1986 and (as we did back then) drove it until the wheels fell off. Loved that car.
1967 442 please
My Mama had a 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Town Sedan. Dark forest green metallic in color, with "Lime Gold" metallic vinyl interior. Fully loaded with options. Even as a pillared sedan, they were still gorgeous. That longer wheelbase of 116" vs. 112" for the coupes, really made a difference in the ride quality. It was powered by the 4bbl Rocket 350 with 315hp. No engine in the world could replicate that beautiful, "rumbling-metallic" V-8 thump sound like an Olds 350/400/455 cid Rocket did in those days. That car rode like a soft, fluffy cloud, yet took corners as if it were on rails. Our Uncle sold Oldsmobiles here in Dallas at W.O. Bankston Olds ever since 1946! LOL! Everyone in the family bought an Olds. Bankston switched to Lincoln-Mercury in 1973.
We kept that Olds Cutlass until 1973, then we bought a 1973 Cadillac Calais Coupe. All of us in the family shamefully agreed that the Oldsmobile Cutlass, though smaller, actually rode better than the Cadillac!
In 1977, Mama got a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham Coupe in solid black. Gorgeous car, with the 350 4bbl V8. It too, rode better than the Cadillac she traded in. And I LOVE Cadillacs! But I must admit that Oldsmobiles just have a certain ride quality that could not seem to be duplicated by any other marque.
Wonderful automotive memories of my youth.😊
Love this one. I’ve had a few Oldsmobiles that caught my eye. My brother had a ‘72 Cutlass Supreme back in the mid 80’s. My grandparents had a brand new ‘ 71 Delta 88 455 2-door hardtop that I remember doing crazy speeds in Nevada before speed limits. But my favorite was my high school buddies dad’s 1962 Starfire 2-door hardtop. This was in the early 80’s and the car still looked brand new.
I prefer the '73-'75 Cutlass with its sculpted skeg lines, to the clean-sided '76-'77. At least four doors and wagons retained the skeg lines for '76 and '77.
I kind of like the '69 Cutlass a little better than the '68 with its gap-tooth look - thanks to the long turn signal lens between the high and low beam bulbs.
Stealth pick: 91-96 Ninety Eight. It had a neat combination of traditional elements, like the wheel spats, and contemporary flowing design.
Hands down the '66 Tornado. I was 16 and it was on the cover of most car magazines. FWD was very controversial, but growing up with Saabs in the snowy North Country I instantly saw the FWD advantage.
Very clean design that looked like nothing else at the time. Restyles after '66 just went down hill. My favorite car of the era.
1979-85 Toronado gets my vote. I actually prefer it to the 76 Cutlass. I spent a good portion of my preschool years in both as mom and grandmother had toros; dad had the cutlass. Really cushy velour seats in all of them! 😁
Great choice. The 1979 in particular has a special 1 year only grille treatment. But that whole generation is very nice and practical as a daily driver too.
They are very good looking. I honestly choose the Toronado over the Eldorado of this generation.
I agree, I had an '80 Eldorado, which was a handsome car. But I honestly liked the Toronado from that generation better then my Eldo. Never got a chance to own unfortunately. Later on I did own an '81 Cutlass Brougham for a while -which I think is also a valid honorable mention as far as style goes -I think Olds definitely nailed that one as well🙂
I always drove Oldsmobiles until they quit making them, 8 of them through the years and I still have a '72 Toronado. Loved all of them! My '91 Trofeo was a particular favorite...bought a '95 Aurora after it.
Had a 66 toro, LOVED that thing, wish I could afford another. That being said, My other sweet spot is the 83 hurst olds, bought one brand new, the hurst package aside i thing that the 83's had one handsome profile and was quite good looking. And with the hurst package it was a wonderful cruiser, loved it on long trips plus for it's day was a hot little number
As a kid, we had a 1972 Vista Cruiser. Came stock with the 455, 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust.
Had 3 -69's Cutlasses...
But was always partial to the 68, beautiful lines - 68 Ram Rod is the dream car....
I have a 68 W30 that I have owned since high school. I always liked to go to an event and be the sole Olds A body there!
Definitely the Silhouette.... but thanks for the tip of the hat to the Aurora. I remember reading about it before it came out, and then seeing them start to pop up on the roads... that car was the pinnacle of 90's moderne design!
Y p lo⁹11
All solid picks, Adam, but I think these (in no particular order) at least deserve to be among the honorable mentions:
-All 1967 A-bodies (F-85, Cutlass, 4-4-2, and Vista Cruiser). Great body side detailing, split headlights like the full-size cars, and cool two-tier rear light treatment on non-wagons.
-1992-'97 Achieva coupe. (In)famously delayed about six months while designers and production engineers removed the sedan's son-of-Ninety-Eight rear wheel spats, the result was clean, well proportioned and easily recognizable as an Olds (at least from the front and rear), and even looked a bit mean in SCX guise with 14" 5-spoke alloys and their beefy sidewalls.
-1965 Starfire and Jetstar I coupes. Similar sublime side sculpting and two-story taillights in the tail panel and bumper as the '67 A-bodies, with the added bonus of that neat reverse-curve backlight and C-pillar roof treatment. And the Starfire's through-the-quarter-panels tailpipes are just wild.
I love the Achieva clay model and concept, but it lost something as it went into production.
Styling wise if I could have any Oldsmobile ever made it would be a '71 ninety-eight LS coupe - loved the "W" front end styling, the back end with the 'mini' tailfins and the way the lower body line bulged out over the front wheel and fender skirts, the whole car had a "sculptured" look that could've passed as a Cadillac IMO. Others on my list would be the '71Toronado, '77 Toronado XS with the wrap around rear window and the '80-'84 ninety-eight.
The 1971 olds 98 LS 2 Dr is a beautiful car. My daughter bought one from the old lady next door. It was my daughter's first car. 80k original miles. This was in 2002. My daughter still has it today. Her boyfriend and I totally restored it in 2017 for her wedding day. My daughter still owns it today. Only 98k on the odometer. It looks brand new inside & out.
Oh ya I forgot my Grandfather had a 98 2dr ls 1972 witch looked just like my daughters 71. But his was triple black. Beautiful cars. My daughters is olive color. I prefer the triple black.
I'm envious, please take care of it - can't remember the last time I saw one in person - truly a styling masterpiece IMO! @@simpleman5238
I was certainly surpised to see 73-77 cutlass on the list! As an owner of a 77 Vista Cruiser, it's a distinct vehicle from the era.
Agree 100% with your list, as usual sir
Yea I’ve owned a couple Olds, that were all fine cars, very comfortable, stylish and reliable, plus powerful. The oldest was a 66 Delta 88 sedan, with window frames and pilar posts, off the original owner after he was hit in the rear passenger door, that was rendered permanently closed, glass intact. The rest of the car was in amazing shape and special ordered by him personally, with every option he could get including a Rocket 425/4brl High Compression engine that had 375hp, 500 lbs ft tq, with TH 400, plus tow package with 3:09 posi that was for their family Airstream 26’ Globe Trotter and snow. That car ran like a scalded cat on the highway and could spin both rear tires for about 10’ after power braking. Then the second was one that really grew on me after I sold the Delta. Again off the original owner with low miles, a 1971 Toronado, in red, with black roof and beautiful leather interior that could fit 6 big adults. That car only had 31,000 miles that was owned by a little old lady who passed away and her son wanted nothing to do with it. But that was one of my all time best driving cars of all time, after I had sorted a couple things out. Like new rear springs in the rear and KONI shocks all around, plus I tweaked the front torsion bars, that lifted the car 3/4” and really settled everything down on a bumpy road with 4 adults and three kids! In a ski trip! That car also had a455/4 brl dual exhaust high compression engine with fwd, that was amazing in snow, especially after I put 4 H70-15 Firestone Town&Country Snow tires on it! Heck one year my best friend and I entered it in a SCCA Sanctioned Winter Rally in Northern N.E.! Yea a 24 hour time distance Rally we came in 18 out of 48 cars! In the seat of the pants class, meaning no clocks just speedometer. For that I had the front tires studded, that made it unstoppable but totally under control! Actually made some goodwill points pulling the small sports cars out of snow banks! The only issue we had was finding gas stations up in the middle of nowhere late at night. Yea the car had a 25 gal tank, but winter driving on mostly back roads meant no more than 10-12 mpg! What a night though! Talk about looks being subjective! We got a LOT of looks!
Olds is a tough category to list favorites because every enthusiast very passionately has their own. I was lucky enough to grow up in the 70s and 80s and had the opportunity to fall in love with many. 1949 Futuramic 88 has a tragic story ending but loved nonetheless. My personal favorite was a decked out 1980 Toronado, but that doesn't detract from the 1972 Delta 88 my Grandfather bought new the year I was born. There were several others, but those are the "stand outs" to me. Thanks for the post and the memories !!
The San Diego Auto Museum reached out to me in the late 1990s offering me a donated 1980 Toronado XS for $1,500. I did not buy it because I had just leased a 1998 Aurora from my Oldsmobile dealership. I still have the color photo in my Oldsmobile Club of America briefcase.
Being a Olds fan since I was a kid and currently owning a 1966 442 convertible there are so many I love. The 62 cutlass is a favorite of mine and also the 65 Starfire.i owned a 76 cutlass supreme brougham which to this day was the most comfortable car I ever owned.
I like your choices. I would have to add the 56’ Super 88, the 67’ Cutlass/442, and the 65’ Starfire.
I owned a fully restored 1970 Cutlass supreme sx, Original 455 , it was Sebring yellow with white vinyl top,and white interior. It was so beautiful. It got torched, in a car fire.
As usual, a very knowledgeable and professionally presented video. Suggestion: How about the top 5 best looking Buicks? 1968 Buick GS 400 was a beautiful car.
For me, one honorable mention is the 1981-87 Cutlass Supreme coupe. As a kid growing up in that era, those were everywhere, and I thought it was the most classy looking of the GM G Bodies(the 1981-87 Buick Regal coupe was a close second). It was so popular that it was sold alongside the new 1988 W Body FWD Cutlass Supreme, but the 1988 RWD Cutlass Supreme was called the Cutlass Supreme Classic.
I’ve got a 1968 Cutlass Convertible. I bought it from a friend who painted it Black Cherry with white stripes. You are correct. The 68 is a beautiful car.
Those 76-77 Cutlass Supremes were everywhere when I was a teen growing up. The Cutlass was popular all through the 80s
As the top selling car of the time, the 1976 and 77 Cutlasses were everywhere. I would also say the 68-72 Cutlass was commonly seen on the roads after the later ones had disappeared.
The ‘66 Toronado is a staggeringly beautiful design. I did love the late 60’s Cutlasses and mid 70’s Cutlasses - but for pure design…nothing beats the ‘66 Toronado.
The 68 Cutlass body style and the 76 Cutlass body style are my favorites, but I also like the 80's G-Body Cutlass too
I’m probably in the minority on this one, but my all time favorite Oldsmobiles were the 1980-1984 98s, they were so classic and I loved the fender skirts. We had 2 growing up, and they both had the terrible diesel engines, but they looked amazing.
Love the 80-84 98s! I had an 82 with the diesel engine... that thing was in the shop every other month getting the injectors cleaned/replaced.. but beautiful car and fun to drive.
Agree that era 98's are attractively styled
1957 Super 88 Golden Rocket 4 door holiday hardtop
As I've mentioned before on your channel, my parents owned a 66'vista cruiser and those definitely deserve a place on the list.
I have a 1981 Oldsmobile 98 Regency and that particular generation was well executed!
Wow - so many thoughts on these. Of course the Toronado was amazing, but it was almost a boutique car. I think it's harder to make something out of a vehicle constrained by mass market requirements - I would say the Olds 68-72 Cutlasses were the best looking of the A-bodies, especially in 2 door and wagon form. I actually like the G bodied Cutlasses, especially 1981+. And along with the Aurora, all of the design language around it - the Intrigue and Alero - this was really Olds coming back into its own regarding styling. I understand the reason (China) why they axed Olds and kept Buick - doesn't mean I like it, though. But there are so many more - the 73 to 76 Cutlasses deserve to be mentioned, too - I could go on and on. I owned so many of these, I loved them all.
My honorable mentions - 1961 88 bubble top coupe. Looks like a missile with the lower "fins". The 1963 98 with those tail lights that followed the contour of the fenders. And I still have a soft spot for the 1962 and even 1961 F-85 which added Olds elements to a shared body and looked unique compared to the other compacts of the time.
Re: 1988 Cutlass - I remember their introduction. The problem was that they were late arrivals (originally due out in 1986, I believe), and the general opinion is that they were very overweight (compared to the A bodies) and therefore underpowered sharing the same 2.8L MPI V6. They were also very expensive relative to the A body. Other than style, there was little to recommend them over a Ciera with the 2.8, which sold in the billions. You still see a few of the old A bodies around, with rust on the bottom of the doors but still cockroach cars - you just can't kill them.
My vote would be the 1970-72 Cutlass Supreme. These were such beautiful brutes. I also think the 1963 F85 should be on any list of great-looking Oldsmobiles.
Can't argue with your list at all, but my top Oldsmobile is the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30. Honorable mention: 1986 Oldsmobile AeroTech, designed by Ed Welburn and powered by the new Quad 4 engine to 218 mph.
Oldsmobile really did have some great models! I see why so many loved it over that long run (Mopar guy)
The dustbuster minivans were pretty cool, but underappreciated at the time, simply because we didn't yet know what was going to come after them. I still kind of miss the Trans Sport we used to have...
I couldn’t improve on your list. The word of the day is “Stellar”.
You picked some goodies, and nobody can discount your #1 pick. My pick was the '67 Delta vs '68 until you mentioned, it's the first year of the 455. The bodies did mimic a linebacker wearing ballerina shoes. I'd change the 68 Cutlass to '70. Now the Aurora, was one of the best American engineered vehicles of it's time. If buyers had opportunity to drive it they would bought. Solid, feel, cockpit styling, (I loved that dash) handling, economy. They were over built, had to dismantle '02 recently. Hard to pick a top 10.👍🏾🇺🇸
I had a '68 Cutlass back in 1979 one of my high school rides, they were fun a point & shoot driving experience it cornered ok but mine had bald tires most of the time
I have an original low mies 77 olds omega that I think is beautiful,silver with a red interior.I know olds purists will not appreciate the small block chevy engine but its an absolute time machine in beautiful condition with only 66,000 miles and drives exactly as it should. I would pick the 76 cutlass on your list!!
I'm so glad you mentioned the Aurora, as I would probably put it number three right behind your top two picks you made.
I wholeheartedly agree with the Tornado at number one.
I'm a Ford man, but the Toronado, 1971 Riviera boat tail and the 1963 split window Corvette are three of my favourite cars ever. I think overall, even though their quality wasn't the best, GM designed the best looking cars.
In terms of 2nd Gen Cutlass coupes, I'd go with a 71 or 72 instead of a 68. The headlights are more conventional, but less weird, and it had those great six-taillights per side.
I'm an Oldsmobile kid. I was born in 73, we had a 70 Cutlass Supreme Holiday Coupe in gold with the vinyl top. My dad's first car was a 53 Olds 98, then a 64 Cutlass, parents married in 66, bought the 1970 Cutlass was the only brand new car they bought. After the 70, they got a 72 Custom Cruiser, then 2 Buick Estate Wagons with the Olds 403. Our last Oldsmobile was a 1982 98 Regency Brougham. They went to Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos once the SUV craze began.
Great list! Personally I’m not a fan of the’59, but I get why you like it. I would add an honorable mention for the early to mid 70’s 98 Regency. Those were lovely cars.
Yes mid 70’s full size GMS were great cars.
The Key Word for Adam today is: *Stellar*
(I am not mocking Adam, just having a little fun. He is such a Good Man with a great sense of humor)
However I do agree with his picks.
ESPECIALLY the Top 2 Picks.
I would LOVE to own a 1966 *Toronado* with everything that was available to put on it.
If I could not own one I would LOVE to be able to ride in one just one more time.
(The funny thing is that Adam does not live all that far from my location. I sure wish he would allow some of us to view his vehicles in real time.
I use to ride to school and back periodically in high school in the early 1970's and I miss riding in that car.
All great cars you host, I would add the '67 Cutlass, spectacular from every angle - esp the rear tail lights
I agree with most of your choices particularly the ‘68 Cutlass/442 coupes. Their sculptured lines made them distinct from the GTO, Chevelle, & Buick GS cousins…And thanks for mentioning the 92 Cutlass! It was gorgeous…a stunner. I’d also add that the sleek , modern lines of the ‘95 Delta Eighty-Eight with those sublime front and rear ends were always eye catchers for me. Another great video…
My father had a 1970 Cutlass Supreme. I always thought that had a very sleek and classic look. 66 Toronado was the best though.
I like that the 66 Toro is #1 pick - totally agree. 66 to 70 Toros were a timeless design. A couple of Oldsmobiles that stand out for me were the 72 Cutlass, which I think was the best year in the original 68-72 mix which got the Cutlass model so popular, plus there was a Hurst 442 model in the early 80’s with tall gold velour bucket seats which had a look that really stood out. F85 in the early 60’s was unique in size and it had a 215 inch aluminum V8 too. A quaint car they should have kept going, although perhaps not luxurious enough for an Olds.
I love the 1968 Delta 88! I am actively looking for one. Thank you for another great video!
I used to be regularly driven around in a Delmont from that era which still leaves an impression on me. The Delta 88 could only be better. 😁
Dad had a 67 delmont with the high compression 425 WOW... For a huge four door, it could really move.
One of my Aunts owned many cars over her lifetime. From Studebakers to Fords/Mercury’s, Chevys Buicks and Olds. Her favorite car was a blue 4 Dr 1968 Olds delta 88. She owned it probably 5 yrs and never had any issues other than normal service.
Find one with a W-33 390 HP 455!!!
@@Marc816 had a 70 tornado w 34 400hp 500tq ....
Great choices, the '68 Cutlass was gorgeous. Dealers in my town could'nt get enough of them. My vote goes to the '64 Citlass 442, my fave from the era.
I agree totally with your choices, I had forgotten about the Aurora, Back in the day I got to drive a new Aurora with the Northstar V8 and it certainly was a great sounding engine especially at high RPM. My favorite full size Olds is the 1963 Super 88, love the angular design, unfortunately saddled with the roto-hydramatic, too bad they didn't stay with the old 4 speed hydramatic for a few more years.
'68 was a staller year for GM. The Chavelle, the Nova and the Cutlass.
My additon to your list would be the (almost exclusive to Olds) Vista Cruiser wagon of the mid 60s. Cleanest looking model year IMHO would be 1966 without woodgrain sides.
Well Adam, I’m with you on all your picks, but would have to add the ‘57 Olds with J2. I own a Super 88 and it’s a great car. I also own a ‘68 Hurst/Olds, so am with you there and desire a ‘66 Toro and ‘76 Cutlass Salon w/455. Great video as always.
Chris Gall
That '68 Delta 88 was my favorite, with the '66 Toronado a close second. To me, the late 60's were the golden age of styling across the GM divisions. I agree with the Aurora getting an honorable mention, but at the time, it was astronomically priced and I knew it would never get too popular.
I'm a hardcore Mercury/Ford guy, but I always loved the body curves of the '68 Cutlass. It gets my vote as the nicest design ever out of GM in total. I bought a '68 4-4-2 in 1976. I built a '70 455 for it and humped it into the low 12's with a converter and 3.73 gears. I still have it. Also, a neighbor of mine passed away years ago and I wound up with her 1965 Olds Starfire. 425-inch at 370-horse, blue leather interior with console-mounted tach, and those killer through-body exhaust tips. I would have to say it is also worthy of an honorable mention. I have that, too. Great video!
I'm partial to my 1994 Cutlass Supreme convertible but I have to agree with you for the #1 being the 66 Toronado.💯
I love your picks and I agree with all of them, but Olds produced so many, many beautiful cars that you really needed to make it a top 10. The main one I would add would be the 1965 Oldsmobile Starfire. I loved those, and I knew of one of them. I was in high school in the late-60s/early-70s. I had a friend whose father gave him a 65 Starfire; green metalflake with NO vinyl top. It had been the Dad's car. My friend just hated the Starfire. He wanted a 442. I tried to point out to him that the girls LOVED his car, and that it was super amazing looking. To no avail. At one point I suggested to my Dad that we should buy it (at the time I had a 1969 Firebird 400). My Dad was amenable to the idea, but my friend's Dad insisted that the Starfire would remain my friend's car. By the 1980s the Starfire had descended to my friend's little sister. I began dating her in the early-1980s. She LOVED the Starfire. We went on many roadtrips in that car (at the time I had a 1963 Mercury Marauder). It remained in totally perfect condition. I tried to buy it from her at some point, but she wouldn't sell. Her oldest son still owns it.
The other four would be a 1950 Olds 98 fastback, a 1957 Olds 98 J2, a 1965 442, and a 1967 442.
1972 442, one of my favorites of all cars.
Some of my favorite Oldsmobiles are the 69-72 cutlass (the 68 is nice, but I love the headlights next to each other) and the 83-87 cutlass supreme.
My two favorite Oldsmobiles are the 1966 Toronado and the first gen. Aurora. Two beautifully styled cars.
As a Motorsports person I love the 1976 and 1977 Cutlass S and 4-4-2 with their Slantnose front end. Not as handsome as the standard Cutlass but it made the 4-4-2 brutally effective at Nascars big tracks, being pretty much the automotive protagonist of the legendary 1979 Daytona 500 as well as to this day holding the record for the fastest Daytona 500 ever driven by Buddy Bakers iconic #28 Grey Ghost 4-4-2 in 1980
I’m sorry, but excluding the 1962 Starfire Convertible?!?!
I. HAVE. NO. WORDS!!!!!!!!!
Me? Hands down---of the ones shown, my pick would be the `59 Olds 98 'Scenicoupe'. Not nearly as wild looking as the Chevy or Cadillac that year, but still a 180 from the heavy, overchromed `58 models Harley Earl threw at the public. And they were always best two-toned!
my pick is the 1981 to 1988 cutlass I was working at an olds dealer back then my job was to inspect the new cars off the truck for damage then a road test and mechanical inspection, then to do any repairs needed, it was a great job, I did not work on anything with over 30 miles on it, still remember that 1st 1981 cutlass it was light blue and white 2 tone, great looking car as compared to all the boxes on wheels we had sitting around
1962 Olds Starfire convertible is among the top 5 IMO