UPDATE 01/31/2024: I always respect the opinions and views of Barn Finds readers, and it seems that many may have hit the nail on the head with their feedback about this beautiful 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible. There was a general feeling that the seller may have trouble finding a new home for this classic drop-top during the current colder months, and it appears that might be the case. It attracted twenty-five bids during the previous auction, with the closing figure falling below the reserve at $26,100. However, they deserve credit for persistence, listing the Olds again here on eBay. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,200, and the same BIN of $37,950 remains in play. It will be fascinating to see if this seller tastes success this time.
01/23/2024: Although it may not seem like it now, summer and warm weather are only a few months away. That makes now the ideal time to search for a classic Convertible to park in your garage. Choosing one requiring restoration is one strategy, but this 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme provides the opportunity to slip behind the wheel of a car that appears to need nothing. Its presentation is first-rate, and with only 58,000 miles on the clock, it holds the promise of years of enjoyable motoring. The seller has listed the Olds here on eBay in Lynnwood, Washington.
Oldsmobile introduced the Third Generation Cutlass range in 1968, with cars remaining on sale until 1972. Our feature Cutlass Supreme Convertible rolled off the line in Lansing, Michigan, in 1971. The original owner ordered it in Saturn Gold with a White power top. The seller confirmed it received a repaint in its original shade, but not when this occurred. The car carries the hallmarks of a classic that has been a cherished family member. The paint holds a beautiful shine, with any defects in it or the panels too minor to show in the supplied images. It has spent most of its life in Colorado, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The power top is excellent, and the glass back window means the cloudiness that can afflict plastic windows is not a consideration. The remaining glass is flawless, and the trim is equally impressive. This Cutlass retains its original 14 x 7 Super Stock II wheels, wrapped in Futura GLS Super Sport tires.
I’ve always contended that it took a brave individual to order any vehicle of this vintage with White vinyl trim. Keeping it clean was the first battle, while age can cause it to develop a yellow tinge that is virtually impossible to eliminate. The seller claims this Convertible’s interior is unrestored, and its condition is praiseworthy if that is the case. The vinyl upholstered surfaces are virtually flawless, with none of the issues mentioned previously. Wear and physical damage is not a consideration, while the immaculate Black carpet provides a striking contrast. The faux woodgrain is another highlight because it lacks the deterioration that is common with trim of this type. The dash and pad are spotless, and there are no aftermarket additions. It isn’t merely about good looks because the factory air conditioning and pushbutton radio will make life on the road pretty pleasant.
The 1971 model year brought a change to the engine specifications of every Cutlass. Oldsmobile began reducing compression ratios to allow these powerplants to cope with lower octane fuel, while components like hardened valve seats improved durability. These were a precursor to the updates required as emission regulations tightened, but the Cutlass Supreme still provided owners with respectable performance. The 350ci “Rocket” V8 powering this classic produces 260hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque. It also features a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Outright acceleration suffered due to the engine changes, but the Cutlass Supreme could still cruise effortlessly on the open road at 70mph. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Olds is numbers-matching, but the general impression is that it retains its original drivetrain. It has a claimed 58,944 miles showing on its odometer, but there is no mention of verifying evidence. The car’s overall condition makes the claim plausible, but I don’t consider that to be concrete proof. However, it is in excellent mechanical health. The seller includes an embedded video of the car running in their listing, and that “Rocket” V8 sounds perfect.
This 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible is a stunning car ideal for someone unwilling or unable to undertake a project build. There is virtually nothing worth criticizing, and the new owner will be able to roll it out of their garage on a sunny day with their head held high. It has only received three bids, which is slightly surprising. The Cutlass suffered the fate of many classics during 2023, with their values softening across the board. It is unclear whether they have turned the corner, but the Olds isn’t the only car with that question hanging over it. Any classic purchase involves an element of risk, but if pure motoring pleasure takes precedence over investment potential, this Cutlass could be worth a closer look.
Gorgeous Olds, I hope it finds a good home, where it’s preserved and enjoyed!
One wonders how long ago this was a “barn find”. I see the twin
exhaust tips and wonder if the manifold has actually been split
straight back? There must have been a long time this vehicle was not driven and to claim no rust from Colorado makes one wonder. To bad the Carbs are not the J-pac three-holers but the slush-pump could not handle it. Good lookin cruiser though!
Back home our distant neighbors bought a brand new ’72 Oldsmobile Cutlass coupe , which replaced their ’63 Oldsmobile . It’s so hard to believe that both Pontiac and Olds are gone ! Usually that means poor sales . They were nice cars even used . This featured ’71 Olds convertible is immaculate , and will likely find a new owner soon ! Happy Motoring
Cutlas was a big seller for GM. Sales were not the reason they are both gone. GM finally came to the conclusion that they had too many divisions.
A nice find ! This ’71 Oldsmobile convertible has been well cared for and is well worth the asking price . You don’t always find them in immaculate condition like that . Some lucky bidder will drive it home! Happy Motoring !
Nice car, would be nice if the AC worked and it had disc brakes. For the BIN the AC should have been addressed. If it doesn’t sell now, spring isn’t far, it’s hard not seeing it sell then.
Steve R
Beautiful Cutlass! If it were a Chevelle, it would cost more. You couldn’t restore this car for the BIN price, the seller will likely get it.
The new owner should be quite pleased.
A lovely Cutlass. Hopefully it’s too good to be cloned into a 442.
Dr Olds gave these a mild 2.56 ⚙️ gear as standard equipment.
Oldsmobile was always a great car. I’ve owned all the other models but not Oldsmobile. My dad had a 1967 Cutless S. A shade of Blue with a black vynal roof. He had that car from the late 70s to the mid 90s when he stopped driving. He liked that car very much.
I owned a low mileage one owner 1970 Cutlass Supreme convertible with buckets console floor shift. Modern day this would constitute as a full size car. One noteworthy thing about Oldsmobiles is their muffled engine growl.
Unless this dealer REALLY needs the money, why sell such a gorgeous ragtop now? And in Seattle of all places? Wait 3 months and watch the bids reach the BIN.
I had a 71 but it was a 442 yellow with black strips and white interior and Hurst his and her shifter.Sold it 10 years years ago,really miss it now.I think this one could replace it very nicely.I got more that his BIN price when I sold it.
442 with bucket seats got you more
The dealer must have been stuck without a seat in the sales game to be listing a convertible in the middle of winter, but it is a beauty. Besides, no one drives nice classics no matter what they are, in wintery conditions.
What’s not to love? Great car in appearant great condition with good options. Never see yourself coming and going.
Is now a good time to talk about horsepower numbers. This essentially the same car as a ’72 with “only” 170 HP. Don’t be swayed by gross vs net.
This seller has many other beautiful classics for sale. None of them will go cheaply, if the BIN price is any indicator.
I’m a fan of the incorrectly (from what I remember) painted Super Stock ll wheels. They should be body color, (pretty sure they started in ’71) but I’m not much of a fan of body color wheels especially when they are brighter colors. These also seem to be a brighter shade of silver as opposed to a slightly darker argent color, but do it your way! I would probably ditch the 442 exhaust trumpets, they just don’t look right without the notched bumper. This car appears to be a really nice car, I’d keep it as stock as possible, maybe add a factory AM/FM stereo.
For the 1971 model year, both the argent colored SS II wheels (RPO N66) and the lower body colored SS III wheels (RPO N67) were available. 1971 was the first time that body color was offered on these wheels as an option (not counting the 1970 Indy Pace Car or the 1970 Rallye 350)
I knew you’d know!
SSII wheels were painted argent. The SSIIIs were painted body color. I think you are correct that you could get SSIII body colored wheels starting in ’71, but the argent SSII was still optional thru ’74.
My guess is the reserve is around the $30K mark. Similar ones have sold for low $30Ks recently on other auction sites. The BIN is a stretch, but sellers often do that to give someone a chance to overpay for something just to be sure they end up with it.
It’s a really good looking Cutlass but without the bucket seats and console it’s just not a $39,000 car, even in the spring
Listing a car back to back and more is usually not a recipe for success. The initial offering typically gets the most attention and enthusiasm from prospective buyers. It’d have been smart to wait another month or two to relist it, or the seller will need to reevaluate their reserve and or asking price. In the best of scenarios, this Olds is worth probably somewhere in the low 30’s, but I seriously doubt the seller will obtain that amount this time around, in early February. And @Poppy, Joe is absolutely correct, you could get painted SSIII wheels starting in 1971.
If only had the money. Cutlass my third favorite car with Grand Prix first then Toronado. I had 71’ Cutlass with 350 rocket and those engines were smooth and fast enough. A friend drove it one day and he had a new 76 Grand Prix with a 350 and he said damn your car is fast. By 76’ engines were choked literally