Purchasing a classic car is a calculated risk because some cars can hide nasty and unwelcome surprises unless the seller is candid. That is what makes this 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme refreshing. The seller admits it has a Salvage title courtesy of prior accident damage. However, they had it repaired and repainted to a high standard, meaning the buyer shouldn’t face any hassles or problems. Its paint and trim combination makes it stand out, and although it might not be as desirable as some other classics, its presentation should still draw favorable comments. The seller listed the Cutlass here on eBay in Lafayette, California. They set their BIN at $23,500, so let’s dig a bit to see if the figure is justified.
Oldsmobile introduced a new Cutlass range in 1968, with our feature car emerging during the 1970 model year. It presents superbly in a combination of Fire Red paint with a Black vinyl top. The seller admits the paint is fresh, helping explain why it is flawless. It is a similar story with the new vinyl, while the bumpers were replaced during the refresh. This Olds suffered previous accident damage, and with the insurance company deeming repair unviable, the seller grabbed it and returned its panels and paint to their best. We receive no information on the extent of that damage, but the fact the panel gaps are tight and consistent is encouraging. There is no visible rust, with the floors looking factory fresh. The glass and remaining trim are excellent, while the Super Stock I wheels add the perfect finishing touch.
Some interior trim choices are what I class as “high-risk,” and White (or Pearl) vinyl fits into that category. It is prone to becoming dirty and stained and can develop a “yellow” tinge with age. That hasn’t been the fate with this Cutlass because the upholstered surfaces look fantastic. There is no evidence of wear or deterioration, with the same being true of the contrasting Black carpet. Faux woodgrain adds a luxurious touch, and, like the dash and pad, it looks perfect. The seller added an aftermarket temperature gauge mounted under the dash next to a CD player. They’ve cut nothing but the rear parcel tray to accommodate speakers for the upgraded stereo, so reversing the changes is possible.
Powering this Cutlass is the 350ci “Rocket” V8, while the original owner elected the effortless configuration of a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brake. It is unclear which version of the 350 resides in the engine bay, but the driver should have at least 250hp at their disposal. However, the drivetrain is numbers-matching, and the V8 should sound pretty nice breathing through a dual exhaust. It’s disappointing the seller doesn’t supply any information on how this classic runs or drives, but the overall presentation suggests the news should be positive.
The supplied photos make it hard to be critical of the condition of this 1970 Cutlass Supreme. I acknowledge the seller’s honesty in admitting it suffered prior accident damage. However, the sticking point for me is the lack of information on how extensive that damage was. Recent sales results suggest the BIN figure is at the top end of the market, and clarifying the history would be essential in confirming whether the price is justified. The seller seems approachable, so it might be worthwhile for interested parties to make contact and clarify that point. If everything checks out, this Olds could be a classic that needs nothing but a new owner.
Wheel opening moldings were standard equipment on the 1970 Cutlass Supreme. Any time I see a freshly painted car without them, I automatically suspect bondo in the wheel arches.
That’s why I always say I prefer them not restored, then you know what you’re getting into.
140,000 miles !?! lotsa miles on it for the price! has engine/trans been rebuilt ?
I had a ‘69 Supreme hardto, one of my favorite cars ever. I had the 350/2 barrel rebuilt at 215k miles, it ran worse after the work. Those Olds 350s were tough to wear out.
Resale red? I’d wonder the original color.
This would be a great car at $15k…
More likely a 17k car at the top end. It looks great but like one of the other posters mentioned, “ 140,000 miles?” AND it’s a restored salvage title? It’s still a great car and would be a great cruiser BUT- this one requires more “In depth “ investigation before you plunk down the cash. There are a “lot more” cars on the market right now and probably a lot more cars to come that aren’t too much more money that have “Straight titles” and lower miles. Good luck though! Love the article too.
This car is local to me and being an Olds lover, I checked her out and got to inspect and drive it. It’s got one thing going for it, the floors and frame have zero rust. The car has had the entire front replaced, hood, both fenders, bumper, supports. The rear window channel and surrounding area had been replaced, probably at time of vinyl top replacement due to rust. The paint job is mediocre at best. Waves in the pax side door extending into front of wheel well quarter panel suggest body work and bondo. A lot of overspray on undercarriage and around cowl vent area. The engine is original non rebuilt and although it drove fine, it needs some attention. If I owned it, the timing chain would be addressed asap as they’re known for issues, especially at 140k+. The ol’ 2 bbl Rochester could use a rebuild. Tranny shifted fine and correctly. Suspension is tired. Bushings are hardened and many were cracking. Lots of squeaks and noises from the front end including a perpetual unusual rattle coming from drivers side, could not tell if it was in the interior, in the dashboard, or from the front suspension. I’d probably figure on rebuilding entire front suspension. It’s missing the wheel well moldings, has the wrong steering wheel (? which is odd, from a Delta 88 type car) and the wheels are aftermarket repops.Tires are old, date codes suggest 2002. The car itself is overall decent with a big plus for no rust but it will need some work for sure. The asking price with the salvaged title is crazy, imho. Salvaged titles should account for a 15/20% adjustment in price. The car has been for sale since Memorial Day weekend 2022, and for the price the owner is insisting upon, it will be there well past this memorial day. If anyone is interested in the car and have any questions, I can answer whatever you would like to know.
Strong asking price for a middle of the road average Cutlass Supreme. As mentioned, the front end at some point took a hit, as it has the later dimpled front fenders. Low option car, no AC, and the elephant in the room, the salvage title. I believe it was an original red car, based on the trunk area and door jambs. “Fresh paint” but not a quality job. Overspray everywhere. The car looks like it has been sitting for quite some time, get a pro detail done, it will certainly present better, but it is still incredibly overpriced.
Yes, originally, matador red 75, pearl white vinyl with black vinyl top, all per cowl plate. “Fresh paint” is misleading too, car was in a front end accident in 2001-ish I was told, soon after it was repaired and painted, so, the paint job was done somewhere around 20+ years ago. It’s held up decent, especially considering the filler on pax door and quarter panel there is no cracking but there is a lot of issues up close, fish eyeing, splotches and what appeared to be an adhesion problem with paint just above drivers side Cutlass script on the fender.
The air cleaner gives away the fact that this is the L65 2bbl version of the 350, rated at 250 HP. It’s interesting to note that the L74 4bbl version was standard equipment in the Supreme in 1970. The L65 was a $33.70 credit when ordered. Same thing with the bench seat – buckets were standard equipment in the 2dr and RPO A65 bench seat with armrest was a no charge option.
I like this write up. Insurance companies are often at a loss concerning vintage/classic vehicles when there’s accidental happenstance. Restored salvaged titled vehicles are a reasonable way to have some fun.
Sounds to me, since I am also in California, that if the insurance company would not pay for the damage that it was declared as being SALVAGE and therefore a true title can never be obtained and it is probably uninsurable anywhere!
Sounds to me like you don’t understand what a salvage title is. All it means is that the car was totaled at one point. Once rebuilt, you just need to have it inspected at a referee station and insurance is a non-issue. When I lived in Calif, I had an Olds with a similar salvage title. Once repaired and inspected, insurance was not a problem.