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. 🚀
Since all of these were yellow, Olds should have come up with a high-performance edition as well, called it the “Hairy Canary”..complete with their highest performance 455, Muncey 4-speed and 3:90 gears, and a Tweety Bird decal set in the spirit of Mopar’s Coyote Duster or Super Bee. Granted, the insurance companies would have frowned, but then again, those protection rackets weren’t fooled by the Rally 350 either. This is truly a unique car as is, that a lot of people including myself had never heard of.
nice olds but it needs TLC. no drivability with those 410 gears and there are lot things that are not correct but for the price it’s a good deal. fix those items and you will have a nice piece especially with a gear change to 3:23 or 3:42 set.
At this price point I would expect this to sell quickly.
The Rallyes have been overlooked forever but finally starting to get some more attention and the prices on good ones have increased substantially the last few years.
Our family bought one new in 1970 and it was really a very nice car. Bucket seat versions sure make the interior nice. The car was bought for my Mom and it was bought really as she loved the bright bold looks of the car. I got to drive the car a fair amount as a senior in high school and what a treat. Don’t get fooled by the 310/350 as it was an overachiever. I could run right on the bumper of a friends 68 GTO and a year later a buddys new 71 340 Duster was just a tad faster too, but not by much.
I love the Rallyes and think this one is priced realistically. By the way, my Mom’s Rallye became my brothers graduation gift and he kept it up till 3 years ago. He finally let it go and now its under going a total frame off restoration. I am anxious to see it.
One thing I never liked was the seat patterns of these Olds. Nice car though..
Now that’s a pretty cool car that you won’t see at many shows and at a reasonable price. A bit flashy for my tastes though; imagine if they offered a black version with offsetting white decals and accents! But who am I to “Judge” where Olds got their color inspiration from….
This car is worth 25k all day long to get into 1970 muscle. A unique car to boot…
Looks like it’s missing the ram air foam piece. Maybe included but not shown? How hard is that to source me wonders?
Nice Rallye 350. 310 HP is plenty for these!! With a little tweaking of the QJet with metering rods and hangers would really wake up a 350.
Could have had one of these for a 1000 bucks a few years ago!
No dual gate shifter and AC is missing but a good starting point.
A very unique and under appreciated car. Reasonable asking price.
I had one and my dad added shift kit and headers. Decent power and handled nice. I wrecked it a couple of years later. Buried spedo once at maybe 130. Tranny broke down first weekend we had it.