Read any production chart from the 1970s and it becomes clear that the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was America’s Sweetheart. In 1970, 26,983 were sold; not bad, but not enough to make anyone notice. By 1975, however, Oldsmobile had sold 166,391 of them, and by 1979, an incredible 415,267 had found new homes (if you count the Brougham model in the total). In truth, 1970 was the calm before the storm, as Supreme production began to ramp up immediately starting in 1971. Why the Cutlass Supreme? Who knows. It was a good-looking car and was somehow the right car at the right time. These days, however, you might argue that this less-popular 1970 model is the one to have. Barn Finds reader Scott found it on Craigslist in Seattle, Washington. It’s a one-owner convertible with original Azure Blue paint and 112,000 miles, and the asking price is $26,000.
I like original cars. Too often, I’ll buy a car where someone has installed a bunch of “scotch locks” in the electrical system and subjected the various mechanical functions to their whims…no thanks, I’ll take my chance with Oldsmobile engineers’ original intentions. With that being said, what is going on with the red wires/hoses on the passenger side of the engine compartment near the radiator? Regardless, the Cutlass Supreme was Oldsmobile’s luxury intermediate, and thus it came standard with a 310-horsepower 350 “Rocket” four-barrel engine, and this one looks like you might expect it to look; it has 55 years and 112,000 miles on it. The seller says that the Cutlass still “runs and drives excellent,” and “when you take your hands off the steering wheel, it still drives dead straight.” Not that you should take your hands off the steering wheel when driving.
Speaking of steering wheels, this one is the centerpiece of an all-original interior that still looks great. This Cutlass features a tilt wheel, power windows, and a glass rear window, ensuring you won’t have to worry about the hazy, yellowed plastic that can make an old car look neglected. It’s clear that the owner has taken care of this one.
For a second, I thought that the seller was hiding the car’s nose when they took this picture; it looks as if it has taken a slight bump in the grille protrusion, but that may be a bit of an optical illusion. This image, taken head-on, doesn’t look bad at all. Only 4,867 Cutlass Supreme Convertibles were built in 1970, which was one of the last times that you could call any Cutlass Supreme rare. The seller says that this original car has “some wear and tear,” but it has to be just what an Oldsmobile fan is looking for: The paint is original, the top is original, and the driveline is original. It’s only been up for sale for a day or so, so we’ll see if the price is where it should be very soon; after all, we can’t underestimate America’s Sweetheart.
Powder blue cruiser ⛱️ from Dr. Olds.
Nicely optioned convertible that goes like hell with that 350 4bbl, I wish I could buy it! I hope it finds a good home.
1970 is one of my favorite years, I know ’71 and ’72 is the same body but I like the grill and taillights the best on the ’70 model year. These are great cars and this one is no exception. Love the color combination too. Beautiful condition for 55 years. This is going to be a great top down summer time cruiser for someone.
Great looking Olds!! I remember someone in high school was gifted with a new royal blue ’70 Cutlass convertible for Christmas! It was the envy of everyone who parked in the student parking lot after New Years… I also prefer the front and rear of the ’70 over the ’71 and ”72. Wish I had garage space but I already get flack for having 4 cars!!
I owned a 69 Cutlass convertible equipped like this one only red on black interior and it was a great looking and driving car. All the GM A bodies from this period were nicely styled and the right size. It’s nice to see an all original one owner car like this available.
Beautiful example of a 55 yr old “survivor” – obviously well cared for – kudos to the owner. I grew up in Lansing, dad worked for Olds for 37 years – he was so mad when the General laid the brand to rest. Have owned several of these over the years and always had a soft spot for Cutlasses. Looks like the passenger side rear quarter, right at the bumper, might have taken a minor hit at some point… If I didn’t already have more than I can keep up with, I’d be looking at it this one even more closely… hoping it stays original and goes to a good home…
odd to see a supreme with a 2bbl carb. nice that the car looks o/e. i think if you were to whip out 20k you would own it. needs a lot of tlc but worth it in the end
Unless my eyesight needs to be checked (which it could), looks like a 4 bbl air cleaner to me. Though, I have seen and owned many 2 bbl Supremes over the years. Nothing like the sound of opening the QJ up with a 4 barrel though…
Looks like a clean mostly unmolested Olds. Like you said, it just needs a little TLC. Too bad about that little crunch on the pass side quarter near the bumper but it should not be terribly difficult for a competent body man to fix and blend paint if one wishes.
That’s a 2bbl air cleaner. While the 310 HP version of the 350 was standard equipment in the Supreme, the RPO L65 350 2bbl 250 HP engine was a $33.70 credit option for the 1970 model year.
We also have a 1970 Cutlass Convertible! We bought it in 1970 and have the bill of sale! Original engine and transmission! Runs great! Had body work done a few years ago but restored to original color!
I had to look up Scotch locks. I think I got some with the LED bulb upgrade for my turn signals, since without the resistor, or was it the the capacitor ? The indicator on the dash would blink like the bulb was burned out in the tail light. So what are you supposed to do instead?
Regular-gas-friendly 2-bbl 350 Rocket, bench seat, non-AC, and baby blue paint are somewhat of a disappointment, but it appears to be in unmolested original condition with disc brakes, original AM radio, and original blue floor mats. Price seems to be in range if this is what you are looking for. I have a similar condition ’70 with comparable miles, buckets console and A/C that I wouldn’t sell for $26k