Choosing a worthy project candidate can be fraught with danger, particularly for those tackling their first build. The world is littered with individuals who have placed their ambitions ahead of their abilities, biting off more than they can chew. That leaves them to decide whether to chew harder, throw the budget out the window by employing professional assistance, or throw in the towel and walk away totally disenchanted. However, those thoughts could make this 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme irresistible. It is an original and unmolested classic with a genuine 39,000 miles on the clock. It presents well in its current form, but lifting its appearance to a higher level may only be a fresh coat of paint away. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Nottingham, New Hampshire. The seller set a price of $16,800, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zen for spotting this promising classic.

Oldsmobile introduced its Third Generation Cutlass Supreme in 1973, with the new model bringing significant restyling and eliminating the Hardtop variants. Manufacturers believed tightening safety regulations would spell the end of Hardtops and Convertibles, with General Motors electing to stay ahead of the game across its various marques. The original owner ordered this Olds in a striking combination of Omega Red with a Tan vinyl top. Initial impressions are positive, with the paint shining impressively, the panels as straight as an arrow, and the vinyl showing no signs of deterioration or distress. Retaining the car as a survivor would seem a no-brainer on that score. However, a closer inspection reveals a wide selection of scratches and chips that detract from the car’s appearance. They aren’t horrendous but could form the catalyst for a light cosmetic restoration. The person undertaking the work won’t need to contend with major preparation because this Cutlass is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. The trim and chrome shine nicely, the glass is spotless, and the original Super Stock II wheels add a further touch of class.

One aspect of this Cutlass that needs little attention is its interior. The Red vinyl trim complements the exterior paint shade, and its condition is impressive. There are no significant wear or damage issues on any upholstered or hard surfaces, and the faux woodgrain has avoided the deterioration that often plagues trim of this type. The console lid is slightly discolored, but that is one of the few visible flaws. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments, but the air conditioning, bucket seats, console, and AM radio should make life on the road pretty pleasant.

Ordering a 1974 Cutlass Supreme brought a V8 as the default powerplant. This car features the entry-level 350ci “Rocket,” delivering 180hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission was standard fare, as was power assistance for the steering and brakes. That combination might not represent a recipe for mindblowing performance, but this classic will cruise all day at freeway speed without raising a sweat. The seller claims it has a genuine 39,000 miles on the clock, but they don’t mention verifying evidence. They added an HEI distributor, but the car remains original and numbers-matching. It runs and drives perfectly, and potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.

Okay, it is decision time. What would be your strategy if you decided to make a play for this 1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme? Would you elect to preserve it as a genuine survivor? Or, would the thought of returning it to showroom condition courtesy of a repaint prove irresistible? There are no right or wrong answers in a situation like this because the final decision boils down to a question of personal taste and preference. I would respect either approach, but gauging your opinion on the subject will be fascinating.