Can anyone please explain where Olds got the Cutlass name? I had always assumed it was after the sabre/sword (which didn't make much sense to me). But I thought I had read it was from the F7U Cutlass fighter jet (which makes lot more sense). I can't seem to find any documentation. Just curious.

 

Not many automotive names make sense.
Civic..
Camry...
Corvette...
Chevelle...
Alero???
Chevette???
NOVA!...
Chevrolet sold the name Toronado to Oldsmobile, then renamed their car...Camaro.
Jim

 

BTW, I like the idea of the short, curved bladed sabre, used for close up Naval deck fights.
Just me.
Jim

 

The GM corporate history site says the 50's Olds Cutlass show car was named after the Chance Vought F7U Cutlass, a late 40's U.S. Navy jet fighter-bomber.
The Cutlass production car got the name from the show car so the car is a rocket and a jet.