The Olds Cutlass S was the sporty little brother to the popular Cutlass Supreme. It was offered only as a 2-door post coupe or post-free hardtop. It had a fastback look compared to the more formal roofline of the Supreme. This ’71 Cutlass S was stashed away for 40 years and has recently been refreshed and should be ready to roll again. But some light bodywork will be needed. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, this “not your father’s Oldsmobile” is available here on eBay where $6,300 is the number to beat on the way to breaking through the seller’s reserve.
Oldsmobile sold far fewer Cutlass S models than the Supreme. In 1971, when a six-cylinder version of the Cutlass was still offered, just over 400 left the scene with an I-6 engine. On the other hand, if you specified a V8, the number was more like 67,500 copies of which only 4,400 were the post coupe like the seller’s car. So, it should be a rather rare find 52 years later. And other than some scratches and a nice dent in the right front fender, this Olds looks really nice.
We’re told this is a barn find because it lived in a garage in New Mexico for 40 years. The interior looks as good as it did when new except that the front bench seat has some splits in it and hopefully matching upholstery materials can be found. The photos provided show an automobile that’s largely escaped being bitten by the rust bug. The seller has provided a video of his ware for your review.
The Rocket 350 V8 isn’t original, having been built in 1968, and it runs strong. It was bored over slightly and has been resealed and sports a new intake and carburetor. The exhaust is dual and has been upgraded. The seller estimates the mods to the engine have increased the output to one horsepower per original cubic inch (350). A host of other new parts have been installed, including the brakes (front disc conversion), some suspension pieces, a gas tank and all fuel delivery hardware, plus new tires. This should be a turn-key automobile that might outrun a period 4-4-2 (aka “sleeper”).
Nice post Olds. Pretty cool it was ordered with the Y73 hood stripe and two tone. Looks to be pretty clean overall, minus the pass side fender. I’d get that fixed and at the same time spray the wheels the lower body color. Seller has it listed on Marketplace as well for 20k, which is a little steep, but for the right price, this 71 could make a nice around the town cruiser for someone. Hope it finds a good home.
Looks like a nice time capsule with a lot going for it. I always raise my antenna when a seller starts quoting big hp numbers and the only mods (stated?) are a new intake and carb. I’ve had several 350 and 455 Olds and the only way to get that power would include head work, cam, headers, carb set-up, good tune, etc. It can sure be done, but it’s just an unsubstantiated claim unless the seller provides more information that backs it up. Still like it, I’d guess $10-12k is probably all the money.
When these were used cars in the 80’s, I remember most anyone that had one of these told anyone that would listen the it’s engine was a “rocket” 350. Many people believed that the lil sticker meant their engine was special and therefore faster than a “normal” olds 350’s. So maybe the owner is one of the ppl that truly believed the “rocket myth” and tells others his rocket is a high HP engine !
Nice find. Too rich for my blood if it crosses into the teens.
Maybe the dents, misaligned rear bumper and non-original engine will keep the price down so that someone can get a nice deal.
There aren’t too many 68-72 cutlass s or supremes around. Went to 5 car shows saw Camaro and mustangs but no cutlass a few 88’s. For 8K it would be a nice grab, but I believe the market is cooling off and these sedans are going to be valued in high teens shortly
Agreed. This is clean – undercarriage, engine bay and body looks good (just that front fender!) with really nice shine… and A/C!
I like it!
Market has cooled but I would look forward to driving this every day.
Nice one here but more info needed on that really clean and tidy engine.
Hope this goes to a good caretaker.
One of my ex girlfriends had a 72 Cutlass S with the 350 Rocket back in the day. I drove it more than she did. With over 80k on the odometer at the time It was a strong runner and a comfortable ride.
I think this is a good find. I like the car because it looks pretty straight and mostly original. The dented fender would no stop me from buying it if I was a buyer?
I don’t understand why they would try to paint the engine after it was installed in the car? There is gold paint on the heater hose, which is baffling? Lacquer thinner would have easily removed the paint?
Some of these small details reveals to me just how much time and precision a seller cares to spend on a project?
I see it that they were rushing to sell.
Still a good find.
Just my oponion!
Bidding is close to $20k now. This is a very early ’71 car. Third week in August ’70 build date. Body number 000052. Both fenders appear to be “flat lip” fenders without the crash dimples, so to the new owner: repair, don’t replace that passenger fender. Floor mats are ’73-up vintage, but in great shape, and the spare tire is likely an original spare or road wheel. Don’t discard that either. Love the factory two-tone paint versus the vinyl roof and the original dealer tag on the deck lid. Very cool, largely original car. The ’71 wheel covers were the most attractive of the ’68-’72 wheel covers, too, so I wouldn’t be opposed to going back to steelies with wheel covers and whitewalls.
I hope to give it a good home. It is currently undergoing a major restoration. I know that I paid too much, however it is now titled to me. And I would have paid even more in order to get it, only because of the condition it was in. The second owner did a lot of repairs and it had almost no rust. I’m almost exactly following your suggestions. The car will be as good as new when completed. I will have almost 45k in it, but I will also have a brand new 1971 Oldsmobile cutlass s sport coupe. I have not been able to find another as good as it.
Nice project, doesn’t appear to be infested with the rust bug dents no big deal. Fuel tank and brake upgrades, a step in the right direction, don’t see too many cover ups. Hope it sells for a in this world price and someone enjoys it. Hopefully not a resto-mod or pro street that’s for rotted out incomplete shells are for.
Love it. Would make an awesome cars and coffee toy.
Love those GM intermediates. Four door GM’s too. Bought a 2 door ’69 Tempest sedan with 6 cyl w/3 on the tree back around ’77 for $100-. It looked like nothing. No chrome, plain Jane. Found another wrecked ’69 2 door Lemans in a junkyard for parts. Pulled all the chrome and pristine bench seat for $35- and swapped into the Tempest. Instant transformation. Later found some SSI’s from a ’66 Cutlass w/G 60’s for another $100-. By the time I was done I hated to sell it. Lots of potential with old GM iron.