Oldsmobile’s intermediate-sized car, the Cutlass, was usually a big seller for the GM division in the 1960s and 1970s. But in 1971, overall demand for the machines was off by 12%, but with one exception: the Cutlass Supreme convertible. It enjoyed a banner year at 10,225 copies, an increase of 111% over 1970. The seller’s drop-top would likely be part of those numbers, but its status is a bit of a mystery for which we’ll try to explain. Located in Glendale, California, the car is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,000.
The 1971 Cutlass was in its fourth year of the car’s third generation and wouldn’t see a major change until the complete redesign of 1973. Most Cutlass Supremes came with a 350 cubic-inch V8 that had a 4-barrel carburetor and 260 hp (detuned for unleaded fuel) But the 455 big-block was also available, though standard on the 4-4-2 performance model. Here’s where the mystery of the seller’s car comes into play. We’re told it has a salvage title because the car was stolen and it’s 455 V8 liberated from under the hood. But we’re also told it runs. So, was the 455 original to the car, found and reinstalled? Or was another 455 put in to replace it? Or is there another displacement motor in now instead? No engine bay photos are provided to help verify.
This Cutlass has the looks of a 4-4-2 with its black hood stripes, but no reference is made to the car being one. We’re told it has bucket seats and a floor shifter for the automatic transmission, but again, no photo. The mileage is estimated to be at least 100,000 and it will need new tires and a battery (so it runs?). The condition of the body is hard to tell because the drop-top is captive inside a garage with lots of stuff around it. But the silver paint does look tired in some of the spots we can see. More photos and details are needed before deciding to trek to the City of Angels to see the Oldsmobile.
My book with the production figures is still in packing boxes, but I thought they made about 15K Cutlass Supreme Convertibles in 1970. Your 111% comment indicates less than 5k made in ’70 which I’m pretty sure is way lower than actual production.
11,365 Supreme convertibles in the 1970 model year.
10,255 Supreme convertibles in the 1971 model year.
And the only way to get a 455 in a 1971 Supreme convertible was with the Y79 SX package. Since I don’t see any SX emblems on the fenders, we’ll assume that the motor that was “liberated” was the original 350. Since nowhere does the seller claim this car is an SX, or that it was an original 455 car, tread carefully in assessing the value. The asking price is somewhat optimistic.
Joe, thanks for the quality info on this car. Many sellers don’t know what to include in the ad . May be recently inherited ? Etc.
My Friend had a 72 Cutlass Convertible 455 ( 3 speed stick shift on the column ) SUPER RARE.
Yeah, one-of-none. The three speed manual trans wasn’t factory available with a 455 in the 1972 model year, only with the 350.
http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Oldsmobile/1972-Oldsmobile/1972-Oldsmobile-Dealer-SPECS-/slides/1972_Oldsmobile_Dealer_SPECS-16.html
A 3 on the tree?
The column-shifted three speed manual trans was the base equipment in the Cutlass line through the 1973 model year.
I was fortunate to be asked to judge a car show in Mt Vernon NY a few years back, that my company had donated too, and was impressed by the many beautiful but often seen Mopars, Chevy, Ford, and Pontiac cars in attendance, but one guy pulled in with a triple black 70 or 71 Oldsmobile Cutlass SX or SXX it was the first and last time I’ve ever seen one, it looked factory fresh, w it’s 455, and every conceivable option available including under dash factory 8 track with its instructions attached, I who drives a 73 Grand Prix and appreciates individuality, gave the guy best in show, which caused the guy to almost cry cause people always go for the Camaros or Cudas, this car was perfect
Today, every “restored” musclecar has had every single option in the book added during the restoration.
With so many unknowns why did barn finds put this car on their site?
Asking for a friend.