So what exactly is a Rallye 350? I didn’t know either, so I looked. It turns out that around 1970 insurance companies were hurting sales of powerful muscle cars by requiring huge premiums. Several manufacturers started producing cars with “the look” but with more plebeian engine packages; this Rallye 350 is one of them. Located in Westbrook, Connecticut, this rare model is listed here on eBay where bidding is over $8,000 and strong but reserve isn’t met at this point.
It turns out Oldsmobile built 3,547 Rallye 350’s, all in 1970, and this is one of the 2,527 built on the Cutlass Holiday Coupe body. All were painted in this bright Sebring Yellow with black and red graphics. The cars were not tremendously well-received; apocryphal information suggests that the colored bumpers were not liked by many and some were actually replaced by dealers with chrome ones before sale. This car looks really good in pictures taken from the right side, but there’s a sad story to relate.
The car was previously restored in the 1980’s, with new rear quarter panels welded in. Shortly thereafter, the above damage was done and the car then spent a long time in a barn. Mice got to the interior. The current owner pulled it out of the barn, completely replaced the interior and built and installed a replacement engine for the car (the original one comes with it as well). It does still have a V8 and a four-speed! I’m just not sure what one of these is worth. Growing up in the 1980’s, I actually like the over the top graphics and monochromatic look–what do you think?
I like them! Though +$8000 seems pretty sting with significant body damage….
In 1982 I purchased a Rallye 350. I couldn’t find a 442 so I bought the Rallye. It had previously been repainted and the interior was updated to period correct garbage. I bought seats from another cutlass to replace the ugly ones. The bumpers had already been changed along with the wheels. It didn’t take long for me to damage the front end while speeding through a neighborhood. As it sat in the yard (couldn’t afford to repair), my neighbor bought it and eventually had it restored in 1990. In 1992-93 he sold the car. I wish I knew what happened to it.
Too much yellow on the wheels. This one seems to have non factory painted bumpers also. These were/ are a good value if verified as a real ralley.
The Rallye 350’s all came in yellow with the factory painted bumpers just like this.
I did know that, but to me they look like they’ve been repainted.
I have never been a fan of that sloping trunk or all the yellow. But with a reasonable amount of work, this would look very good. The 350 and 4 sp would make this a fun driver.
NOT a fan of painted bumpers but if reserve is not too high this car could be a nice buy. I actually like yellow but only on certain cars & trucks mainly old ones. Had a 68 Chevy K10 4×4 that I painted 95 Mustang Chrome Yellow, got lot’s of compliments at gas stations.
Was the Pontiac T-37 it’s equivalent?
Peter B. The T~37 could be had with about any Pontiac engine. A friend had one with a ram-air III 400. Very fast car back in the day.
I had a 70 442 several years ago. Fun car and had a lot of comments at car shows with it. Guys love late 60’s and very early 70’s muscle cars.
There is a wrecled one of these behind a dealership in gorard pa.