The second-generation Oldsmobile Cutlass as a mid-size car was built from 1968 to 1972. While the F85 was still the entry-level model, the Cutlass S was sandwiched below the Cutlass Supreme and 4-4-2. This 1968 Cutlass S is a convertible and is in good condition with one exception – the Rocket 350 cubic inch V8 is stuck. So, if you have another 350 ready to go, this could be a great match. Located in Olathe, Kansas, this Olds is available here on craigslist for $15,000. Once again, T.J. is on top of things in terms of terrific tips like this!
Oldsmobile shared its intermediate A-body platform with Buick, Pontiac, and Chevrolet. With the redesign of 1968, there was now a wheelbase difference between coupes and sedans (112 inches for 2-doors, 116 for 4-doors and wagons). As was unusual for the era, this generation of the Cutlass was shorter than its predecessor (by less than three inches). Convertibles would still be popular, and more than 13,600 carried Cutlass S badging, like this one.
This nice example looks to have been cared for over the years, at least until the 350 V8 went south with 78,000 miles on the odometer. We don’t know if it’s locked up due to inactivity or if something went wrong. But the seller makes no bones about trying to fix it – drop another Rocket motor into the engine bay and have yourself a daily driver. An automatic transmission is present when you get that issue sorted out.
The body and paint look quite good, as do the contrasting interior (bench seat; sorry, no buckets). Although we’re not sure about the carpeting. The car has never been wrecked, but it may have been repainted. It’s a well-optioned Oldsmobile, including factory air conditioning (does it work?), a power top, and a warning indicator for the speedometer. The brakes are fairly new, and the fuel system is good. However, there is no title, and a Kansas bill of sale will have to suffice for your DMV.
Ive always loved the 68s and 69s. Considering how bad that engine bay looks its nice to see how good the body and interior appear. I wonder what the underside looks like.
If there’s no frame rot, this car appears worthy of fixing what it needs, and enjoying it as is. The engine could be sit-seized, which means it may be possible to get it unstuck and running. If something went wrong internally, and it’s the original engine, I’d certainly want to rebuild it and put it right back. A factory Air convertible is a nice find.
Your perfect opportunity to upgrade to 455 cubic inches!
From (relative) experience, the 4 bbl 350 in 1968 was a “Rocket,” so keep it original.
Want a little more hp? Then a cam, intake, EFI, dual exhaust would be easier, and still be a great spirited ride.
Seized water pump maybe? That fan won’t turn in that case.
The parking lamp placement seemed odd but works better than on the Delta 88. Nice looking car in good colors and equipment.
This is the THIRD gen Cutlass. People forget the 1961-63 Y-body cars were the first Cutlii. While most were badged as F85s, the Cutlass model with standard 4bbl engine and bucket seats was first released in April 1961.
I have a thought- check out the original, numbers-matching mill before pitching it.
This is a Cutlass- not a 442. Rocket 350 delivers respectable performance. This would be a great cruiser for a sunny day.
Not sure what a “Kansas Bill of Sale” is, but here in Washington State, the DMV isn’t particularly cooperative when it comes to “making do”.
In my opinion, this is a good prospect for a ‘68 Hurst/Olds convert clone.
Generally, pulling a stuck motor involves taking the torque converter with it, since ya can’t unbolt it if ya can’t turn it. There’s about 6 quarts of ATF you have to catch. The rad & condenser have to come out, there’s R-12 you can’t get anymore (r134 conversion). Then, find a non-stuck Olds V8 to stick back in there, hopefully it has all the right holes drilled & tapped for the accessories. Just sayin’, it’s not a small job. Methinks I’d fill the cylinders with penetrant & let it sit awhile before I got into major surgery, & hope it didn’t spin a bearing. That being said, the rest of the car looks great, & very restorable. A signed affadavit of sale plus the old reg is enough to transfer it (in NY) to the new owner. If only I had room…
I know where there’s a ’79 Buick with an Olds 403 in it. Think everything’ll line up? My big concern would be if that A6 compressor would bolt up. For a ragtop, I’d make room.
Used to change out an engine in a weekend, because we needed the car for work on Monday. You can pull that engine with the trans attached, lil more of a hassle but its possible with patience !
Having owned one just like this one l loved how easy cars of this generation were to work on. I’d break a timing chain and smack another one on it and keep on rolling. Because they were made of plastic.l’d find a good replacement 350 engine and go from there.