I am always encouraged to find a non-muscle car version of a muscle car. We cover Oldsmobile 442s out the wazoo, but let’s face it, the Cutlass/F85 far outsold its more muscular sibling and are the cars that everyday people bought and drove. And being an Oldsmobile, the more pedestrian versions generally weren’t slouches. Today’s find, a 1969 Cutlass S convertible, bears a lot of originality, but it’s not without its age and mileage-related issues. Follow along and let me know what you think about this Bensalem, Pennsylvania resident. It’s available here on eBay for a current no-reserve bid of $2,950 with nine bids tendered so far.
Oldsmobile’s mid-size ’69 lineup included the Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass S (two-door only), 442, basic Cutlass, and entry-level F85. Knocking out a total of 205K intermediates, the Cutlass S convertible, such as our subject car, accounted for 13,700 copies (6.7%) of that total. Our subject’s finish is code 67, Burgundy Mist Poly, an attractive, almost purple hue when new. In our case, the finish is pretty faded, and rust abounds. The seller states, “Trunk is very solid, floor is rusted out where body brace runs under the front seats. Has typical fender and quarter panel rust.” Fortunately, the bumpers seem straight and rust free and most of the stainless trim is still in place. Also, the Super-Stock wheels are a nice inclusion. But…also noted is, “frame is rusty; a good frame comes with the car.” OK, now we’re gettin’ into some trouble. Additionally, the top is shredded into almost non-existence, and the top frame’s cylinders are bad. The listing makes mention of a Maine transferable registration, and that geographic reference pretty well explains what happened to this car’s body/underside.
“As goes the top, so goes the interior” is often how things shake out with convertibles, but in this case, some amount of indoor storage has helped preserve what could have been complete interior destruction. The vinyl upholstery in this bucket seat-equipped droptop is split, but the dash pad has remained surprisingly intact. The instrument panel itself still shows pretty well, but we know what lies beneath the carpet is compromised.
We’re told that this Olds “runs good” and that’s courtesy of a 350 CI V8 engine, which I imagine is the standard 250 HP variety – there was also an optional 310 HP version, but the listing provides little detail. An automatic transmission backs up the “Rocket V8”, likely a new for ’69 Turbo-Hydramatic 350 (though the two-speed Jetaway was still on the order sheet), and all of that is connected to a twelve-bolt rear axle. A word about that axle, it’s not Chevrolet’s vaunted heavy-duty twelve-bolt but an unusual Oldsmobile-only piece that was in existence for two or three years. The inspection plate is secured with twelve bolts, but the ring gear is attached to the carrier with only ten. Unlike the Chevy unit, this Olds axle utilizes pressed-in shafts, not C-clip affixed shafts as in the Chevrolet design. None of the innards of this Oldsmobile axle are interchangeable with Chevrolet components, and finding replacement parts can be a challenge.
So, a frame swap will cause a pause in consideration, but it’s not as monumental a task as it may at first seem. Of course, having the right tools, i.e., a lift or a proper forklift, is necessary, and a solid 112″ wheelbase A-body frame has value. Still, this Olds is looking old, and it’s going to need a lot more than just the frame swap to bring it back around. It’s trending in reasonable bid territory for now, but I think I’d scout for a better example if I had a hankering for this generation of a Cutlass convertible; how about you?
I enjoyed your write up Jim. I must admit, I scrolledd down through the photos to makee sure that this is all 1969. Not ’68 and ’69 like that red one from a few days ago. I never knew about the unique “12 Bolt” Olds rear. I always thought Buick, Pontiac, and Olds, shared them. The one nice thing about restoring a Cutlass, LeMans, or Skylark, is that you have a huge amount of parts available for GTO’S 442’s, andd Gran Sports. But this is going to be a huge labor of love for sure. But what a gorgeous drop top Cutlass it would be restored.
Thank you Driveinstile!
B-O-P used the same 8.2″ ten bolt (the one with the scalloped cover) from ’65 until ’67 and then Olds went off with their version of the twelve. I think ’70 was the last year for it but I’m not positive. In ’71 B-O-P generally migrated to the new GM “Corporate” 8.5″ ten bolt though Chevrolet continued with their version of both the ten and twelve bolt through ’72 for Chevelle, El Camino, and Monte Carlo.
Some Pontiacs used Chevy’s twelve in ’70 and ’71 – depends on the engine employed. Also, I recently read that Canadian built ’70 Buick Gran Sports also used the HD Chevy twelve bolt axle, but I haven’t been able to actually document an example.
JO
Thanks Jim. You know, it never ceased to amaze me how, well into the 70’s GM allowed the BOP divisions to have their own designs, especially engines. All 4 divisions (except Cadillac) had their own individually designed 350 V8 just as one example. When you forked over your hard earned money on an Oldsmobile, you were getting an Oldsmobile.
Thank you too for all your time and research too Jim. I meant to say that before I can appreciate the hours you folks all spend here researching vehicles, etc. Before writing your articles which also takes time too.
2bbl engine, non-power drum brakes. Has buckets and console though. I hope someone can save it. Fairly original condition except for the ravages of time.
I had a ’69 Cutlass S coupe in dark gold with a white interior. My brother inherited it and left it in a snowbank in Colorado. Sic transit, etc. I loved that car and loved the styling – at once voluptuous and concise. A ’69 Cutlass convertible is one of the few cars I would risk a divorce for.
Ad has been removed from eBay as of Monday July 28
gone from ebay into the abyss
Man if you can get it for less than 5k you got a steal. But I don’t think you can.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Mon, Jul 28 at 7:49 PM because the item was lost or broken.”
These EBay sellers have to stop losing and/or breaking their classic cars.
It’s going to require a lot of work, but it would be a nice car if done. Power brakes would be an upgrade I’d consider, but the 4 wheel manual disc brakes may be fine. The 350 2bbl will be “sufficient”, but an upgrade to 4bbl, with appropriate cam, would be tempting.
I had 4 wheel manual disc brakes on my small block Corvette. They were fine, you just had to keep in mind that there was no power, so you put your foot down with authority.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Mon, Jul 28 at 7:49 PM because the item was lost or broken.” Or the seller realized it was going to go for the $3k it is worth, and had failed to set up a shill-bidder account like all the other eBay Auto sellers who list cars at “No Reserve”.