As I hinted yesterday, I wanted to highlight some American iron found in Europe recently. So, for today, American Muscle in the form of a 1971 Cutlass Supreme in Hungary, posted at the Cohort by Roshake.
In the shots shared, this Rocket-powered Cutlass looked mighty intimidating around the lonely streets of Budapest where it was caught. After all, the muscle on this Olds was still serious business in ’71, and around a bunch of Ladas and Skodas, I’m sure it’s quite a terrifying force. Especially with its updated aggressive stance.
I mean, look at the sensuous forms of the Olds from a distance, looking like a beast ready to pounce. A most unexpected creature, especially around the dour socialist era structures around it. An eerie looking asphalt jungle, where the Olds is top dog.
Clearly, in socialist era Hungary, Cutlasses were nowhere to be found. At the time, this was pure American exotica in that region of the world. But as today’s find shows, that lack of familiarity surely makes the Cutlass, and its more cultured Supreme variant, more enticing takes on American iron of the era.
And let’s not forget, this is the Supreme generation that sent its maker to new heights, with a classier profile that set it apart from the rest of the Cutlass line. Mixing gutsy good looks, power and classy styling, this is the model that set the Supreme formula for the decade to come.
There’s no background on the car uploaded at the Cohort, but we can safely assume it’s a later import. Part of a growing movement of younger folk, both fascinated with the era and with what wasn’t available then. No idea if the original 350CID Rocket V-8 engine still resides under the hood. Yet, while many of these have received later upgrades, I would like to think that it still carries Olds Rocket power, original or repurposed.
So this ready to pounce Supreme stands out of context, and out of place in its new surroundings, readily calling for attention. Pretty much, still in keeping with the model’s original mission, though attuned to do so according to modern preferences.
Related CC reading:
CCCCC Part 5: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme – A New Supreme Era Begins
Curbside Classic: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme – Something To Talk About
Yes ;
Definitely has presence and looks ready to pounce upon the unwary .
-Nate
Great looking car; great photos. Tip o’ the cap to Roshake! Thx, Rich.
Thank you for the article and photos, Rich. What a kick-ass looking car.
Dare I say I like this roofline on the Cutlass more than the regular fastback bodystyle. Obviously this was a harbinger of things to come with the formal Collonade coupes but for me it looks like a slight throwback to the 64-66 era A bodies that I generally prefer.
It’s a wonder Olds got this roofline but not Buick for the Skylark line
A dark green, one of these was at the apartment building my aunt moved into. ((1995))
Had a white top. For its age, looked “ok”.
Saw the lady that owned it driving on “Main St”, one day. ((about a year and a half after the move in.
She and the old, “Olds” went well together.
Still had the “original wheel covers”, @ that time. Forgotten now, think that lady moved out before my aunt did.
The picture is of a 1972 Cutlass Supreme. The taillights are horizontal. The 1971 taillights were vertical. She is a beauty no matter what her taillights look like. LOL.