This 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass has plenty of the right stuff going for it, but one drawback is that the engine is missing. That’s a shame because if I’m understanding correctly, it would have been the V-Code 455 V8, the best that could be had under the hood here. However, the 4-speed manual transmission is still in place, so if you’ve got a spare engine sitting in your garage this one might be worth considering. This 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass can be found here on eBay in Mahwah, New Jersey, with a buy-it-now price of $7,900. If that’s too steep, the seller has also included the button to make him an offer.
Asking a group of Oldsmobile aficionados how many U-Code versus V-Code Cutlass cars were produced in ‘73 could stir up some controversy, with the best answer I’ve heard so far is that those numbers are uncertain. What does seem to be factual is the 455-equipped 4-speed cars got buyers a V-Code, which was rated at 270 horsepower, whereas the U-Code made 250. There is a “V” in the VIN here, but this all matters less than before, as the engine compartment is now empty. The seller does offer what he says is an excellent 1975 date-code 455 out of his Buick for an additional $900, so that’s one easy option to consider for filling the bay.
Something else fun here is that this one has T-Tops, but they’re an aftermarket addition as GM didn’t begin offering these removable roof panels as a factory option until 1976, although they could be found on the Hurst/Olds a bit earlier. The photos provided by the seller aren’t the greatest quality, but from what I can tell the body seems to remain mostly solid overall, although the quarter panel on the passenger side could stand some attention. Of all the fourth-generation models, only the ‘73 had the recessed taillights, making it my favorite from the run as far as looks go.
The pictures from inside seem to show some general wear on the dash, but the seats and door panels actually look pretty good, plus that cool 4-spoke steering wheel is still on the column as is what appears to be an aftermarket tach. With such a fine pedigree for the period, this 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass certainly deserves to be on the road again, and I hope the next time we see this one it’ll have something promising under the hood. How would you move forward with this one?
Dr Oldsmobile still offered buyers a 455 w 4sp. What a combination. Can’t recall seeing many vinyl roof w t-top cars of any kind.
The t-tops are aftermarket. The Hurst Hatches didn’t come out until 1975. The V-code in the VIN is legit – this is a rare factory 455/4 spd car. Even more rare in the Supreme.
Nice car… Those exhaust headers are from a small block chevy.. its probably had an interesting history..
Motor mounts are olds mobile!
Plenty of Old’s 455 engines around. More important is the funstick with pedals and trans. still in the car.
The olds motor has to have crank drilled for 4 speed! If not drilled it will not fit!
You can buy a bushing that is a press fit specifically made for the olds 425 and 455. To accommodate the Muncie input shaft.
I’d want to make sure the $900 455 is not a Buick engine, you would assume it’s and Olds, but need to verify. Potential buyers need to make sure it’s the correct transmission, it would have come equipped with a 26 spline input shaft and a 32 spline output shaft, those are hard to find very expensive.
Steve R
Steve R: why would assume the 455 is an olds when he says it’s out of his buick?
I wouldn’t, but a potential buyer might. Remember in the late-70’s GM started referring to their engines as “corporate” then installing them across several makes and models. That was when the average person was likely more aware of differences than today.
Steve R
I’ve owned six of the 1972 V Codes and always liked the ’73s. Love seeing this one in largely untouched condition, other than the engine of course. It’s been sitting for awhile based on those 1980s Radial T/As. There’s a complete ’72 V Code 455 engine for sale in northern California right now. Hmmmm….
Looks ready for a LS swap?
(I know, I know…)
Yeah, an LS swap is a great way to kill the rarity and value of that car… 🙄
V in the vin but no longer under the hood. what happened to it? why not put the motor you’re trying to get more money from a potential buyer in it and have a running car? what a shame. rare body though but value lost without that V code motor
Few issues here. Not that’s it bad, but that hood is incorrect, except for a 442. The Hurst Hatches were installed later. Not available until 1975 H/O. Those are the correct 73 bucket seats. 73 V codes are scarce. I have driven two of these drive libe combos. What a thrill. I am likely in the minority but I strongly prefer 73 to 77 Cutlasses over any other era. Best looking cars. I had a 76 Cutlass Salon with Hurst Hatches, first year available. Bought it in 1978. Of the 50 plus cars I’ve owned, I miss that 76 the most.
Proof that the muscle car guys still had their heads in right place. Buckets, console, 4-spoke wheel, 442 hood and no air? Bet this was a one of not many. Cool car and great find now.
I’d drop a Crate 455 in it and hang on !
At my Dad’s Olds dealership in 73 the 442 was equipped mostly for a hot rodder and a Cutlass Supreme equipped with a 350v8,automatic trans. Nice seeing another view point though. Hope someone can continue history with correct 455.
I have NEVER seen a factory 4spd in this body style……
the good ole days
A friend of mine in college in the mid-70s had a similar V-code 442. I didn’t appreciate then how rare that car was. It was also quite a bit quicker than anything that big and heavy had a right to be. I was driving my 68 442 at the time and the 73 was just as strong.