Projects come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the most interesting ones are the cars that simply need someone willing to take over where another owner left off. This 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible listed on eBay falls squarely into that category. Located in Ohio with pickup available in ZIP code 43055, this Rocket 350-powered drop-top is being offered as a project after spending more than two decades with its previous owner.
According to the seller, the car was titled to the previous owner in 2000. The seller says that owner had the Cutlass dating back to his high school years, giving the car a long ownership history before changing hands. While the listing doesn’t provide details about the car’s earlier life, it does offer a straightforward assessment of its current condition.
The biggest issue mentioned in the ad involves damage to the passenger side door. According to the seller, a tree fell on that side of the car at some point. Despite the damage, the seller notes that both doors still open and close.
Mechanically, the seller states that the Rocket 350 engine needs repair, although the exact extent of that work is unknown. Rather than speculate, the listing leaves that determination up to prospective buyers. As with many project cars, an in-person inspection would likely answer a lot of questions.
The seller also points out that there are a couple of holes in the floor pans. Beyond that, the listing doesn’t go deeply into the condition of the body or chassis, instead encouraging interested buyers to review the numerous photos included with the auction.
One detail that may require a little detective work involves the trunk. The seller states that they were unable to open it because no available key fits the lock. The original ignition key is included, but apparently it does not unlock the trunk.
What makes this Cutlass appealing is that it’s still a 1969 convertible. Oldsmobile’s intermediate cars from this era continue to have a strong following, and open-top examples tend to attract attention from enthusiasts who appreciate GM’s late-1960s styling. This one clearly isn’t being advertised as a finished car or even a running driver. The seller is upfront about the fact that it’s a project looking for a new home. That honesty is refreshing. There’s no attempt to oversell the car or gloss over its issues. Instead, the listing presents it for what it is: a Rocket 350-powered Cutlass convertible that needs work and a new caretaker.
For someone looking specifically for a restoration project, that may be enough. The next owner can decide how far to take it and what direction the build should go.Would you tackle this 1969 Cutlass Convertible project, or would you keep looking for a more complete starting point?
Well otherwise it’s a fairly straight-looking car that shouldn’t be too difficult to untangle…
Well, give the seller kudos for mentioning that the car is a project. We never would have guessed. On its way to being restored, I truly hope someone repaints the thing in a decent color.
Missing the wheel arch trim but has the fender peak trim. Remarkably clear windshield, dents look like they could be hammered out, burgundy is not a bad color but not in this condition. Hopefully it has bucket seats and console. Rally wheels are a plus.
I had a ’69 Cutlass S coupe. A ’69 Cutlass convertible is a top-3 bucket list car for me. Hope this goes to someone who can do it justice.