By 1970, the biggest obstacle facing the muscle car market was insurance premiums. Providers had figured out the extra risk associated with ownership of a Pontiac GTO or Chevelle SS 396. So, insurance rates took off. Oldsmobile introduced the Rallye 350 in 1970 as a means of circumventing that issue. It was a one-year-only budget-minded performance car, only sold in Sebring Yellow. This older restoration still gets the job done in Hubertus, Wisconsin, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $25,500.
Three mid-size body styles were used for the 3,547 Rallye 350s produced in 1970. Two-thirds of production was based on the Cutlass S Holiday Coupe, like the seller’s car. Another 1,000 or so copies used the F-85 Club Coupe (pillared), and just 160 were on the Cutlass Sport Coupe (also pillared). With a 350 cubic inch V8, the Rallye 350 was quite adequate for the market it was in, though nothing compared to a 442 with a 455 V8. Perhaps the car was not in the image that Oldsmobile wanted, so it did not return in 1971.
The seller has owned this nice example for about 10 years. We’re told it was restored in the 1980s, so it’s more a driver-quality car now rather than a museum piece. The reported mileage is 50,000, and the 350 V8 is paired with a TH-350 automatic transmission. Some upgrades are involved, such as a shift kit with a Hurst Dual Gate shifter. Also, the intake manifold and carburetor have been replaced, perhaps when the engine and tranny were rebuilt.
We understand that the seller is at least the car’s third owner, and he’s looking to purchase something else (our tastes do change over time). In muscle car worlds, the Rallye 350 is a seldom-seen car, although a few of them have passed our eyes here on Barn Finds over the years. The machine looks ready to go and may need nothing but someone new to operate the throttle. “Lothar… of the Hill People” found this tip for us!
Olds interpretation of Screaming Yellow Zonkers. Not one for a shy retiring wallflower unless it’s their alter ego they’re trying to let out!
Good mods, unique car, 310HP(?) would move along nicely when needed. Not one for the 1/4 mile but a fun one to cruise..
Eye catching was it, Lothar? LOL
Another good choice, Russ. Inasmuch as we all enjoy all the 442’s we’ve seen this is a reminder that the selection of muscle cars whether just image or real performance was much greater in this time period and stands unique in our car history.
Nice summary Nevada. Was a 325hp version available? The good Dr Olds, circled the wagons, then hit the laboratory and offered this limited edition small block screamer to the public in one color, but a few different setups. A 4sp w the steepest 3.91 gears would’ve surprised a couple cars with bigger motors I bet. 🚀