Some classic cars possess subtle good looks, while others are as “in your face” as possible. This 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 fits neatly into the second category, with the company offering it in a single paint shade. It wasn’t as readily accepted as the company hoped, with only 3,547 cars finding new owners during the single production year. This one looks like it could be a gem, and although it isn’t perfect, it could be an ideal first or DIY restoration project. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Montesano, Washington. They’ve set a price of $24,500 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting it.

You have to give manufacturers their dues. Although the muscle car sector was contracting by the end of the 1960s, they recognized a ready market for affordable vehicles offering excellent performance. This thinking spawned cars like the Dodge Dart 340 and Plymouth Road Runner, with Oldsmobile joining the party in 1970 with the Rallye 350. Primarily an appearance package on the Cutlass with performance upgrades, buyers could order it in any shade they liked, as long as it was Sebring Yellow. It seems that its most distinctive physical feature may also have been its greatest weakness because dealers reported difficulty shifting them from their showrooms. The dazzling paint extended to the urethane-coated bumpers, and many dealers swapped these for conventional chrome items to change the appearance. The Rallye 350 Package included the W-25 fiberglass hood and color-coded Super Stock II wheels. The wheels didn’t feature trim rings, although some dealers and owners added them to further reduce the visual impact of the paint shade. That appears to be the case with this car. The overall impression of this Olds is quite positive. The panels and paint aren’t perfect, but it retains most of the features that helped distinguish it as a Rallye 350. The exception is the rear spoiler, which is missing. There is no evidence that this car ever wore one, which raises a point to consider. It is worth noting that a few clones have emerged from the woodwork, and verifying the authenticity of a genuine Rallye 350 can be challenging. It is only possible via the original Window Sticker or Build Sheet, meaning this car may require some detective work. What struck me with this Olds is its lack of significant visible rust. Some may be emerging in the lower rear quarter on the driver’s side, but the remaining panels look clean. We get a brief glimpse of the trunk pan, and if it is indicative of the state of this classic’s underside, it isn’t going to require much cutting or welding. The glass looks clean, and the good mechanical health means the buyer can enjoy it immediately while devising their restoration strategy.

As with the exterior, this Rallye 350’s interior needs some TLC, but it isn’t a lost cause. The front seatcovers, especially the driver’s, are pretty bad. They are beyond help, with the new owner probably choosing to spend $430 on a replacement set. They won’t need to touch the back seat because it looks pretty good. The other items requiring attention are the front armrest pads, but reproductions sell for under $100 per pair. The factory radio is missing, but the dash and pad look excellent. The car retains its correct sports wheel and console. Overall, whipping this interior into shape should require more time than money.

I’m sure our readers won’t be surprised to learn that Oldsmobile produced the Rallye 350 powered by a 350ci V8. It is the L74 version that churns out 310hp, with buyers able to select from a three-speed or four-speed manual transmission or the three-speed Hydramatic we find in this car. The package included FE2 suspension and a dual exhaust, with this Olds scoring power assistance for the steering and brakes. Although there were faster muscle cars available in 1970, this classic’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.1 seconds before hitting 123mph was considered respectable. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this Rallye 350 is numbers-matching, but it is in good mechanical health. It runs and drives well, ready to provide its new owner with immediate classic motoring enjoyment.

By 1970, the American muscle car phase was nearing its end. Manufacturers faced the double whammy of rising insurance costs and impending legislative changes, making achieving adequate sales to justify ongoing production difficult. Vehicles like the 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 were an attempt to bypass the insurance issues, but the writing was on the wall. It is unclear how many of these classics exist today, although this is only the eighth we’ve seen at Barn Finds in more than ten years. If it is as rust-free as the photos suggest, returning it to its former glory should not present too many hurdles. The price looks highly competitive, with tidy examples commonly selling for nearly $40,000 in the current market. Would you be prepared to pursue this muscle classic further?