BigValJ

I saw some mentions of this in various posts via the Search. But not a big discussion about it. (but if I missed it, I apologize)

A lawncare guy got excited years ago when he saw my Cutlass and called it "Gutless Cutlass" to which I was confused. I had never heard that before in all my years. I asked him what that meant and he said he didn't know, and that it was something his dad always said.

I had put it out of my mind until a power line repair guy just passed by my open garage (he didn't know I was there) and said "Ah, a gutless Cutlass" and kept walking on to the line he was working on one home down.

The main connection I found online with the term was with the Vought F7U Cutlass jet fighter from the 50s. No real talk I saw about the automobile.

So when and why did this term come to be associated with the Olds Cutlass? It doesn't seem like a flattering term.

redoldsman

I think the term came about with the introduction of the 260 CI engine or maybe slightly before when they were so detuned in the mid to late 70's. Yours certainly would not be classified as a Gutless Cutlass. You have a couple of people there who have no idea what they are talking about. They are probably Chevy guys.

VC455

When I was a kid, the mechanics at the garage where I hung out had non-flattering terms for nearly every car make. For instance, Studebakers were Stud Wreckers.

Gutless Cutlass is one of those terms. Don't let your car take it personally, it's just a joking way of reference.

BangScreech4-4-2

It rhymes, so people think it's clever. I've been hearing it for nearly as long as they made the cars.

69CSHC

It isn't, at best its an affectionate insult. Along the lines of calling a good friend who's severely over weight "fatboy" etc.

Sometimes... generally when its self-effacing.

Agreed on every single sentence.

Malaise era and the after math, rear wheel drive. All fit the knock unfortunately. But it is mainly reserved for mid to late 70s .

GN1220

I think it's like asking when was Found On Road Dead (FORD) first used. It's probably been around since the first Cutlass hit the streets.

matt69olds

Much better than “Cutty” or “Four Forty Two”!!!

deadeyejedi

I agree!!

fleming442

I agree that it probably came from the A/G 260s and 231 Buicks. Cutty wads my shorts.

Koda

You mention that you don't see their ride and look a little confused why someone would be talking **** on a car that is actually there when they don't have one themselves. Or, go straight to kiss my ***.

Either way, it's rude. The Olds 350 is a respectable engine.

matt69olds

Drive a car with the mighty 260 engine, you will soon crave the rompin stompin power of a 307!!!!

My sister had a really sharp 80 Cutlass with the 260. It was slower than Congress. It was a very reliable car, I rarely had to do anything to it.

OLDSter Ralph

"Gutless Cutlass" is merely a play on rhyming words. The phrase has been around since the days of the 1961-63 Cutlass.

Bfg

Your car has been offended, maybe it should identify as another make.

old80cs

The first time I heard the “Gutless Cutlass” remark was reading it in HotRod magazine back in the 80’s. “ He transformed this once Gutless Cutlass into a ……”. I recall the Cutlass pictured had a big blower sticking out of the hood and was Pro Street cool for the day.

BangScreech4-4-2

Didn't they have a "Gutless Cutlass" on ​​​Roadkill? If they didn't, they should have.

Koda

This is not to be confused with Buttless Cutlass, which are those late 70s ones.

fleming442

I'm not THAT old! LOL The 215 has now entered the chat

BlueCalais79

As the current owner of 2 of these with the 260 motor, I get it. BUT, here's what I also get. A motor that will last longer than me. Sure, I've mentioned on this site several times that I give myself 2 miles lead time for an advancing 18 wheeler when I'm getting on the Interstate, but that's all in jest. I only need one mile.

Yes indeed, these 260's are boat anchor slow, but, that is what gives the car its character, IMHO. In my 79 Blue Calais I had a rebuilt 260 installed back in 1992. I'm the 2nd owner of this car and the original owner took horrible car of it, nevertheless, I still made it to 100,000 before it had to be rebuilt. After 32 years with the rebuild it runs as good as day 1, and as such I will probably never install a 350.

Andy

I remember in the 70’s people said that, mainly referring to late 70’s cars..it’s simply because it rhymes..I mean try to rhyme something clever with Chevelle, Mustang, GTO etc. Shine em on, just an old saying with little to no validity

gmsteve455

+1 for hearing the term associated with the 260. A friend of mine had one in the 80's and that was the nickname it had - could barely get out of it's own way. Nice looking car though.



Steve

69CSHC

Yes, but to be fair the problem is putting it and it's 100 hp in a 4000 lb tank. And then implying that it's quick (1976/1977 442s). So I get your point, Calais for the most part represent cruisers.

But much like a Y code G Body. The lack of performance is nerve racking on short or non existent highway mergers just the same. Even Code 9s barely cut it.