Built between 1966 and 1997, the Cutlass Supreme became not only the most popular Oldsmobile but also the highest-selling model in the mid-size class. The second generation from 1968-72 included cars that were not only well equipped but could contain some of the performance characteristics of the 442. This 1971 edition is one such car as it was not only a convertible, but it also had a 455 V8. It appears to be part of a collection that has been largely forgotten about, stored for years in a dusty garage. Located in Glendale, California, this Oldsmobile is available here on eBay. The bidding stands at $2,550, the reserve is unmet, and the Buy It Now price is $18,000.
The Cutlass received a restyle in 1970 on the platform that originated in 1968. Changes were minimal in 1971 and 1972, mostly with the texture in the grilles and other small adjustments. You could still order a Supreme that looked like a 442, with a 455 engine and stripes on the hood and deck lid. More than 10,000 Cutlass Supreme convertibles were built in 1971, with less detail available as to how they were outfitted under the hood. This one has buckets seats and a floor shifter for the Turbo-Hydramatic transmission.
A once sharp drop-top, the Olds here had the misfortune of being stolen some years ago and the thieves took out its big-block V8. The car was retrieved, and the engine replaced with a crate motor, but a salvage title was required because of the incident. However, it doesn’t look like the car was shown much love after the new motor went in. The engine compartment is as dirty as the rest of the car and a new battery and tires will be required as a minimum.
Photos of the Cutlass seem to show it at floor level and up on a lift, but never outside of its confines. The paint is tired in some places and the striping worn out on the trunk, but the body may be rust-free. This could be an excellent restoration candidate (though not numbers matching). The only attention needed in the interior might be a stitch on one of the seats and the dash repaired where the radio was ripped out. The mileage is estimated at 100,000, but no mention of how many of them are on the newer motor. It’s a shame this car has been left to collect dust over the years.
Interesting PCV solution. I guess it matches the 4 spoke Camaro steering wheel…
Funky PCV setup=California emissions conversion
The owner/builder didn’t want to drill or punch out the valve cover and do it correctly. That goes along with the guaranteed to leak Mr Gasket fuel filter and all the rubber fuel line, keep a fire extinguisher handy.
As my late father would say “She’s rougher than a cob”. That in reference to a dried corn cob.
Odd that someone would go to the trouble to steal this car just to take an Olds 455 out ; I would have thought it would have been stolen as a joy riding convertible .
Look at fender to door gap/finish…somethin not right
No, you could not get the these stripes on a Supreme in any year with the steel hood. The double stripes where only available on the steel hood in 1969, in which they were standard on the W30, W31, and W32, and an option on the 442. The only years and models in which you could get the twins stripes on the trunk lid were on the 1970 Indy Pace Car replica’s, which could be had with the 442 option and the Cutulass Supreme convertible and included pace car specific colors and lettering. The twin trunk stripes were again part of the pace car package in 1972. They were decals in this year, otherwise the only way to get the twin stripes on the hood was with the Outside Air Induction, aka the fiberglass, steel reinforced hood. If you want twin trunk stripes on an A body…buy a Chevelle.
The TH350 trans shows that this was originally a 350 car. Likely the 180 HP net L74 350 4bbl that was standard equipment in the Supreme that year. The standard rear was a Bonneville-friendly 2.56:1. The “workmanship” shown on the PCV system likely carries over to the rest of the car. Hacked up dash, hacked up console, peeling repaint, all suggests a lot of effort needed. The body and frame do look solid, so that’s worth something, but this is definitely a project needing a big injection of cash and time.
My 69 cutlass s convertible was best car I ever owned but it had headrests did they eliminate them for 71?
Headrests were required by federal law from 1969-on. Whoever recovered these seats left them off. More evidence of the half-fast workmanship.
White buckets with headrest
They have the same 2 post mount headrests as your 69. The seat material in this car isn’t original, and the headrests could have had damage and they elected to leave them off. Replacement seat material/covers typically require the installer to cut the area for the headrest hardware.
Wants $18k and can’t even invest $100 in a wash & detail. I don’t think he really wants to sell it.