76 cutlass salon info needed

[76ttop]

I have a 76 cutlass salon with a hurst t-top with a 455 engine. I was needing some info as to how many had the t-tops. It's my understanding that this was an optional item that could be purchased from the factory with
the t-tops being installed at a hurst factory. Any information or websites
that would give me information as to how many were installed would be
appreciated. Thanks!

[gow589]

Do you still have it?

[rare76cutlass]

I also own a 76 Salon with 455 and T-tops. Mine is Black Ext/Red Int with 48,000 miles and has the metal framed first generation style t-tops.

I have found little to no information about production numbers for these cars. There is one website put together by the owner of an Orange 455/T-top optioned 76 Salon. On his web site he claims the 455/T-Top combination to be 1 of 64. Would be cool if it was correct.

I do agree with his statement of there being about 1400 455 Cutlass' built in 1976 as I have seen this number from a couple other Oldsmobile sources on the internet and it make sense that that there were only 1400 455 Cutlass' built since the Country was in the middle of a second gas crisis. The 1400 number alone makes the chances of parking next to another 455 76 Cutlass at a Cruise Night pretty slim.

Now did only 4.4% of the 455 Cutlass buyer check off the T-top option?
That's where the 64 number comes from.
It's possible, as it was a new option and maybe not that well known.
But just for comparision, let's say that 4.4% number is of total Cutlass Production and that 10% to 25% or the buyers checked both options because hey, if you check off a 455, good chance you are a car enthusiast and are well informed about the available options. That is 140 to 325 with the combination. Even that it is still a pretty low production number.
Again this is just my ramblings. As I said it would be cool if the 1 of 64 was correct.

I didn't think about rarity when I bought my car. I was really looking for a t-top Mopar or Trans Am 6.6 for weekend driving, but this Cutlass was rust free and just too perfect to pass on. I do enjoy the compliment when someone checks out the Cutlass and says, "wow, I can't remember the last time I saw one of these" and then is amazed to find out the 455 and T-tops are factory.

My engine is at the shop now being freshened up with some internal and bolt on tweaking that should hopefully put it in the 375 to 400 HP range! Weekend driving should be even more fun this Summer.

[gow589]

I have one as well. It would be good if there were some sources for the numbers. His numbers reflected Supremes and numbers as direct percentages. I think if you include all cutlass 2 doors it would be closer to 100.

As you said though, I would have to believe that the number of people who ordered the 455 AND the T-Tops would not be direct reflection of the percentages as many probably would have said, yea, let's do both.