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Real Deal: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Wagon

1971 Oldsmobile Wagon Barn Find

We have been accused of not featuring enough real “barn finds”, so here’s one for those guys. This 1971 Olds wagon has been sitting in a pole barn since 1989 and is covered in a nice layer of barn dust. Luckily, the seller washed it off and took more photos so you can get a better idea of what condition the body is in. I’ve noticed that some auction houses leave their “barn finds” dirty to attract more attention. I think it may also be a sneaky technique to cover up the flaws. Anyway, this wagon cleaned up pretty well. There doesn’t appear to be a ton of rust and that should always be your number one priority when considering a project like this. The seller has not tried to start the engine yet, but it looks like everything is there so I doubt it would take much to get running again. Then again, real “barn finds” usually contain some surprises so it’s always a gamble. Take a look here on eBay where the seller has the car listed for $3,500 with the option to bid. Is this a risk you would be willing to take?

Comments

  1. Avatar Tom

    Why.

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  2. Avatar David Member

    I’ve always had great sucess with barn finds. I fix them up and drive them for a few years until I find another. This looks like a good candidate but it’s a bit pricey. I’d clean it up and drive it, working out the kinks as I go and not worry much about the body work. That 350 has lots of potential and it wouldn’t need a smog inspection. There are many barn finds, though, for that kind of money, that don’t need so much body work, like the 1969 T Bird I just found with a 360HP 429 for $3500. It has a beautiful interior, low miles, and has a short list of accesories that need attention.

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    • Avatar randy

      I’d be interested in the T bird. There was a guy on here a few months back that was going to hook me up with a T bird in Co. but we never made the connection.

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  3. HoA Howard A Member

    First of all, I think it’s silly to accuse you of not enough “barn finds”. As usual, people today are way too literal. I feel, “Barn Finds” is merely a term to bring affordable, possibly forgotten (aka barn find) out to the public. They don’t literally have to be shown, being “found in a barn” with dirt all over it. Sheesh. Anyway, doesn’t look like a lot of interest in the Cutlass. I’m sure the lack of the “Vista Cruiser” top, may be hurting it. Thanks to TV and movies, people recognize certain cars that they’ve seen (That 70’s Show, my favorite, for one) and respond accordingly. Truth is, these were some of the best GM’s to be made, and I’ve had a few. Note to sellers, CLEAN IT UP for best results. I’d rather see paint worn off a fender than it covered with dirt.

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  4. Avatar Al

    Never thought I’d say this but I like wagons LOL at least now that they are vanishing.
    Liked the Subaru Legacy Wagons but all the Subaru Wagons are gone think only Audi and Mercedes make wagons that look like wagons. Would like having a 67 Buick Sport Wagon like my Dads. Ran like a drag car but had very classy interior. But this doesn’t mean I would turn down a good deal on a GTO or ARR.

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  5. Avatar booya

    Plain-Jane with some potential. The wagons that are getting attention now are the fake-wood and — of course — Vista Cruiser types.

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  6. Avatar pontiactivist

    I am a wagon owner and lover. This would be a nice cruiser. I would do it up with a 442 motif. And just enjoy it.

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  7. Avatar pontiactivist

    I would love to have this I would do it as a nice driver with a 442 motif. Make a great parts chasers and cruise night car. And with weight displacement and wagons it could be taken all out and have a fun track car if that’s your thing and not worry about destroying an overly valuable classics. And be the only one around. I love my le mans wagon. I don’t feel guilty beating on it on the track. It’s always the only one no matter where I go and it’s a blast to drive on the street. Turns heads and gets tons of compliments.

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  8. Avatar Fogline

    BIN seems crazy given all the body damage and likely needs for a car that looks like several teenagers flogged it hard before it was finally shoved into the barn. Hole in the side? How’d you explain that one to Dad.

    Originally I was excited by this car. I agree that it could be a great cruiser or hauler
    Throw some surfboards on top and boogie boards and lawn chairs in the back and everyone still has plenty of room.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar PaulieB

    He calls that gash in the rear fender a ding? Okay fine..

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    • Avatar kevin Ruby

      Check the listing,, I said it has its share of dings, and one hole.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Chuck F 55chevy

    I saw a 65 Tempest wagon with a 455 on CL for $2700 several months ago, now that would be a buy, had some dents but way more stylish, and a 64 Malibu wagon was on for $3500, also a neat looking car. For me to buy an Olds it would need to be earlier 60s.

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  11. Avatar kevinkevin Ruby

    I got this car running today, and she is strong, no smoke, no knocks. The transmission shifted through all the gears just fine.

    Like 0

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