The popularity of the mid-size Oldsmobile Cutlass continued to grow in 1969, its sixth year. The car had been redesigned the year before, so the ’69 editions only had mild styling changes. The seller’s convertible was built in 1969, but it looks like a 1968 model because that’s where the front clip came from. Located in Taft, California, this drop-top Olds is available here on eBay for $8,500 OBO.
This Cutlass has been owned by the seller for more than 30 years. So, we assume it was him or her who made the front end swap (for reasons unknown; an accident perhaps?). We’re told that the seller has parted out dozens of these automobiles over the years and has enough spares for the buyer to take the nose back to ’69. Oldsmobile built 13,734 Cutlass S ragtops that year (which is what this Cutlass should be as it’s not a Supreme).
Photos provided are few in number, but the seller says he/she will send plenty to you if you ask for them. The body is practically rust-free so this Cutlass should have a solid foundation to build upon. Because of limited pics, we don’t know the status of the interior besides the dashboard which is out of the vehicle for repairs. For a few extra bucks, the seller will finish the job.
This is not numbers matching as the block on the 350 cubic inch V8 has been replaced with one from 1973. And you can choose whether you want 2 or 4-barrel carburetion. The drum brakes aren’t likely good enough for a hard stop. This Cutlass comes with a bench seat, but the seller has the parts if you want to go with buckets. From all indications this car will be a project that will consume a lot of resources. Welcome to 1969 (or is it 1968?)!
Seller shares alot of info. Thanks Dixon 👍
Well, the seller does provide more verbiage than pictures. The idea the ‘Dash is currently out of the car to repair cut radio wiring’ is curious. The only thing harder than removing a dashboard is reinstalling it and having everything work.
To access the radio and it’s wiring can be a working on your back PITA. With this Cutlass if necessary R&R-ing the ashtray and its mounting hardware shouldn’t justify dashboard R&R. Even if such R&R can be justified why wasn’t the service completed? What other issues were there and still remain?
The new but older front clip asks the question ‘Why?’
I wouldn’t mind owning and driving an Oldsmobuick drophead coupe of this period but $8,500 is excessive for a base model in this condition. There are too many questions for me to consider this Cutlass. It may worth the money to a buyer so I may be incorrect once again.
The hood hinges on the ’68 are different from those on the ’69 so if you’re going to restore the later front clip this may be an issue. Also the fender peak brightwork is missing which makes the car looked cheaper and unfinished, imo.
For all the work it’s going to take just to make a driver I would think that “OBO” will be closer to the final price than $8500.