Time and the elements can exact a heavy toll on paint and steel. When a classic car has more than five decades under its belt, it is fair to expect that it might be looking rough around the edges. However, there are exceptions to that rule, and this 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is one of them. The seller doesn’t paint this Olds to be something it isn’t. The supplied photos indicate it is not perfect, but its above-average condition means that it has no immediate needs. It is ready to be driven and enjoyed by a new owner craving the classic motoring experience. Located in Flint, Michigan, the seller has listed the Cutlass for sale here on Craigslist. It could be yours with a sale price of $16,000 OBO. A big thank you goes out to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting what appears to be a remarkable survivor for us.

The Cutlass wears Lime Green Metallic paint with a Dark Brown vinyl top. It isn’t clear whether the paint has received prior restoration work, but the seller indicates that the top is new. The car presents well for its age. There might be a few flaws visible in the supplied photos, but these appear pretty minor. The panels are as straight as you are likely to find on any classic of this vintage, but the apparent lack of rust could be this Supreme’s greatest strength. There are no issues visible in the supplied photos, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in the listing. As always, an in-person inspection is advisable because it would provide a detailed overview that photos can’t. The Rally wheels add a touch of subtle aggression, and they appear free from any discoloring or damage. Spotless chrome and glass round out an exterior that offers promise for potential buyers.

Lifting the hood reveals this Supreme’s numbers-matching 350ci V8 backed by a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. It isn’t clear which version of the 350 this car features, but the driver should have at least 160hp at their disposal. If that is the case, the journey down the ¼ mile should take around 17.7 seconds. The company offered more potent versions of its 350 in 1971, and this motor could be one of those. The seller indicates that they recently treated the transmission to a rebuild, adding a shift kit into the bargain. The Cutlass has 140,000 miles on the clock and given their reputation for longevity, that could be considered barely broken in. I am disappointed by the engine bay presentation because its dirty appearance does the car no favors. I wouldn’t like to see it dripping with detailing spray, but the seller could have found a middle ground to make a more favorable impression. The seller doesn’t indicate how well the Olds runs or drives, which is a question for potential buyers to ask.

Opening the doors reveals an interior that continues a theme of excellent presentation without achieving perfection. The Supreme’s upholstered surfaces look great for their age, with only some minor wear visible on the driver’s side of the front seat. The back seat looks like it has never been used, while the dash and pad are equally impressive. The passenger side kick panel exhibits some discoloring that I don’t understand, but a clean may address this. The wheel shows some cracks, but repairing them could be a fulfilling task for the buyer to tackle in a home workshop. Another satisfying job would be replacing the carpet. It is faded and worn, and with a replacement carpet set costing around $250, it would represent an affordable way to give the interior a significant lift.

This 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme isn’t perfect, but its condition is above average for an Olds of this vintage. It has no immediate needs, and the lack of apparent rust suggests that it has many years of faithful service left to offer its next owner. It emerged in a year when vehicle manufacturers were bracing for tightening emission regulations that would strangle the great V8. While it isn’t a muscle car, the buyer could extract a few extra ponies relatively cheaply and easily. Alternatively, they may select to enjoy this Cutlass for what it offers. If they do, I will hardly blame them.