• Seller: Mark H ebert
• Location: Hampden, Massachusetts
• Mileage: 111,246 Shown
• Chassis #: 336679M115887
• Title Status: Clean

There is something undeniably attractive about securing a project candidate that the buyer can enjoy immediately. That is the opportunity awaiting the new owner of this 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible. It has a few needs and shortcomings, but their non-urgent nature will allow the buyer to indulge in immediate classic motoring pleasure while planning their strategy. The current owner performed a few mechanical upgrades to improve performance but feels the time is right for the Cutlass to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds.

Oldsmobile’s Third Generation Cutlass graced showroom floors from 1968 until 1972. The company offered buyers six body styles, with this classic’s first owner driving off the lot in 1969 behind the wheel of a new Cutlass S Convertible. It started life wearing Glade Green paint but underwent a color change at some point to its current Cameo White. It makes a positive first impression, with the paint shining nicely and the American Racing Torq Thrust wheels adding a touch of aggression. The owner is candid about its condition, admitting it has a few cosmetic needs. There are a few minor dings and small spots of emerging rust, although none are dealbreakers. A competent buyer could tackle them in a home workshop without spending a fortune. The underside shots reveal developing rust in the floor pans, but well-crafted patches would eliminate those without the need for wholesale steel replacement. That is the extent of the problems below the surface because the frame is rock-solid. The Black power top fits as tight as a drum and operates as its creators intended. The trim looks good for its age, and there are no visible glass issues.

The interior is one of this Convertible’s highlights because its condition would cause the buyer no shame if they arrived at a Cars & Coffee with the top down. The Black vinyl trim is in excellent condition, with no appreciable wear or physical damage. The carpet is equally impressive, and the dash and pad are spotless. The factory radio has left the building in favor of a modern CD player, but there are no other additions or modifications besides the wheel wrap. Anyone considering this Olds as a project candidate won’t need to spend a dime on its interior.

The owner confirms this Cutlass isn’t numbers-matching. The original “Rocket” 350ci V8 made way for a similar engine of 1973 vintage. The engine block wears the 1969 cylinder heads and exhales through headers and a dual exhaust. Therefore, the buyer could have more than the 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque the original owner enjoyed in 1969. The other significant change will also improve performance because the owner removed the original two-speed Powerglide transmission, replacing it with a robust three-speed Turbo 350. That extra ratio will make an enormous difference, especially off the line and during rapid overtaking. The owner admits the engine has a “tick” coming from one lifter but that the Olds is in excellent mechanical health. It runs and drives well, promising years of motoring enjoyment for the new owner.

Project candidates come in all shapes and sizes, and some will stretch the skill sets of owners more than others. This 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible sits at the easier end of the spectrum because a competent person could tackle most of its shortcomings in a home workshop. Cutting and welding will be required to achieve a rust-free state, but the process won’t involve thousands of dollars or hours of hard graft. Probably the most attractive aspect of this Cutlass is that the buyer can enjoy it immediately, and with a few warm summer months remaining, it is worth a close look.

Bid On This Auction

• History (9 bids)