When one thinks of vehicles with cult followings, one of two types of cars typically comes to mind. The first is likely the ultra-rare, super-special vehicle that most folks can only dream of owning, and the other is a vehicle that became popular for atypical reasons. Well, the Chicago Cutlass is one of those cars that fits the latter description, and now benefits from a new owner that is looking to keep it on the road. Somehow.
As seen in a video posted online, John Kreuz recently picked up this road-going hunk-of-junk, and has plans to make it reasonably safe for road-faring duties once again.
For those who may be unaware, this is a 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with more than 400,000 miles on the odometer. Of course, it certainly looks like it’s traveled nearly half a million miles, as its rust appears to be rusting. But, that’s just the appeal, as the Chicago Cutlass has become somewhat of a folklore legend due to the general disbelief that it hasn’t yet broken down and returned to the Earth.
According to a writeup by The Autopian, it is believed that the Cutlass was owned by a boat mechanic who drove it to the half-million-mile mark, while some folks claim that it’s got double that number of miles. In addition, many feared that the Cutlass had finally been laid to rest last year, but apparently had been sold to an Oldsmobile enthusiast who then sold it to Kreuz.
To no one’s surprise, this 1978 Cutlass needs a lot of work. A few highlights include nonexistent floor pans, a driver’s door with a mind of its own, an engine that smokes profusely once it does start running, and rusted-out rear bumper shocks, to name but a few.
While the mountains of work ahead is daunting, Kreuz has stated that he is determined to get the Chicago Cutlass up and consistently running again. In fact, he’s even floated the possibility of a Cannonball Run, which would certainly be quite the sight to see.
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View Comments
Actually, I love this car even though it appears to be too far gone to save. Maybe GM would be willing to step up to the plate?
Why?.... The internet idiots (jalopnik) have ruined the car hobby. Why anyone would purchase this piece of crap is beyond me. Its just a piece of crap Oldsmobile, nothing more. It's not even that spectacularly crappy either. Pieces of crap like this were pretty commonsite back in the days of laquer paint and poor rustproofing. My generation and younger really need LESS disposal income and better priorities. I wish this was an April fools article, but it is not...
I love this car,I happen to have a 1979 Cutlass Calais, factory 4 speed, ac car,so this is cool for me,keep it alive and on the drive.....🚀
If this mess can be titled and pass inspection in Illinois, then Illinois needs new leadership.
It's too far gone to save. Maybe put the engine in something else?
It's legally "grandfathered" if it passes 1978 regs then they have to title it. Rust asside, there's a lot that can be done to fix it. If they can seal the hood and trunk (as the weathered look I'm assuming is part of the appeal?) and patch the worse of the rust then this engine will keep going. Need to fix the smoking and suspension definitely. Maybe a manifold update to get power.to more normal amounts for today's cars.
Time to let her go to her reward.
This car has served its purpose well, but for heavens sake put the
thing to rest. Junkyards are full of cars like this, so enough silliness
and send it to the auto recycler in the sky. Making a quirky little story
out of this may provide momentary fun, but this car is unsafe and
should be put to rest.
I would be willing to bet it doesn't have the weak Buick 231 V6 under the hood but Oldsmobiles bulletproof 260 V8 that didn't make enough power to hurt itself. I have personally seen these engines with over 300K so 400 isn't too out of this world. A couple timing chains and intake gaskets and the usual tuneups and oil changes would all that would be needed to get it there.
Aaahhhh, a little duct tape is all she needs... ;-)
"A GM car will run poorly longer than most cars will run at all" Exhibit A
wjtinfwb,
I remember 1st reading that statement in Car & Driver many many years ago.
Trooper: Do you feel this vehicle is safe for highway travel?
Del: Yes, I do. I really do. I know it's not pretty to look at, but it'll get you where you wanna go.
Great movie.
Still drives better and is more reliable than anything GM has made lately.