Sometimes it’s hard to decide when a classic has reached the point of no return. The seller has made that call with this 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible, saying potential buyers should consider it purely a parts car. It has major rust problems, but it is full of components to assist with other restorations. The seller has listed the Cutlass here on eBay in Phelps, New York. The solitary bid of $1,995 is below the reserve.
Launched in 1968, the Second Generation Cutlass Supreme remained on sale until 1972. The introduction initially moved the Convertible variant to the Cutlass S range, although it returned to its spot in the Supreme model lineup in 1970. Our featured drop-top rolled off the line in 1971, and examining the listing photos reveals small spots of the car’s Antique Green paint in all its glory. It has deteriorated significantly, but that isn’t its biggest issue. The seller says major rust has rendered the frame beyond salvation. There are also holes in the rear quarters, lower front fenders, trunk lid, floor pans, and trunk floor, making a full-blown restoration unrealistic. However, the Cutlass is complete, meaning it has plenty of parts that could work well in other project builds. The soft-top frame and glass look pretty good, as do some trim pieces. The real value in this classic is the small screws, clips, and brackets, which often disappear during a restoration. Finding replacements can be time-consuming and frustrating, but this Olds eliminates that problem.
Trimmed in Green vinyl and featuring bucket seats and a console, this Supreme’s interior would have felt luxurious in its glory days. Sadly, time has taken a toll, with most of the vinyl ripped, split, or cut. The factory radio is gone, but the console is intact and in pretty respectable condition. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and the switches and their surrounds look nice. Again, there are plenty of salvageable parts the buyer could use or resell to recoup their purchase price.
The first owner teamed the company’s 350ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, meaning that this Cutlass would have been a rewarding driver’s car in its glory days. The motor would have developed at least 240hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, and although the Convertible is quite heavy, its performance would have been acceptable for a car heavily focused on luxury. This V8 is quite deceptive, because it looks tired. However, it runs okay with fuel poured down the carburetor, suggesting that it could be pulled, cosmetically refreshed, resealed, and dropped into another engine bay without needing major work. The four-speed is an unknown quantity, but it could be very useful to someone wanting to build a “driver’s” car.
I typically don’t like seeing classics parted out, but some cars reach a point where they are beyond salvation. The seller indicates that this 1971 Cutlass Supreme Convertible is one such classic, and it will almost certainly lay down its life so others can survive. That isn’t a bad scenario, because the more of these types of cars that survive, the richer the classic world will be. If you have a Cutlass project on the go, this old beast is worth a closer look.
Yeah, have to agree. Some definite good parts there, but pretty far gone.
You don’t see many Supremes with a four speed. It’s a shame it has gotten so crusty over the years. I’ve seen much worse brought back to life, but this still would be a project not for the faint of heart. Unique car though.
Once , they rust out, there not worth restoring. However , this ’71 Cutlass still retains some useable parts but other than that , it has served it’s purpose. Kind of sad though !
What’s sad is that someone left it outside for decades, knowing it would become hopelessly rotted.
As a reference, the shop I work at is on the downstretch of a 71 cutlass S hardtop restoration and upgrade. It required a replacement frame, hood, 1 rear quarter panel and door, 1 front fender, new inner and outer wheelhouses, trunk floor and interior floor replacements. Getting 4 wheel wildwood discs, a rebuilt 455 with a 4L60-E, vintage air and all new interior. So far, the bill is close to $100k so I would say that unless this was a W-30 442 convertible with air and a 4 speed which it is not, it’s a parts car. That 350 4 speed with console and standard steering wheel console would make the beginnings of a low cost W-31 tribute cutlass. Sad to see one get to this stage.
If the car was a W30 with air and a four speed, it would be worth a few million bucks as a one-of-none.
shame this was left to get to this condition. really nothing special here. there is money in parts for sure. at 2k that’s what the valuable parts are worth maybe a bit more. my guess is the reserve is north of 3k+. i had 3 of these 40yrs ago at different times with the same color interior. this is a sad sight.
Agreed. 4-speed Cutlass Supreme convertibles are quite rare, but unfortunately, this one is not worth restoring. I also noticed the lack of power booster on the drum brakes. That’s pretty rare, too (but not desirable).
That is difficult to see. 😬 The blue paint with green interior is insult to fatal injury.
Original color was dark jade and would have looked sharp.
If it were a Chevy Malibu a Dynacorn body and aftermarket frame would be options but as a as an Oldsmobile that’s not happening. It’s too bad it got this rusty because Oldsmobiles deserve some love too!
Sad. I love Oldamobiles. Have owned five and all excellent cars. I hate seeing these great cars end up.like this. I too work in a body shop. My boss would never take on this rusty heap without at least 25K down.
A Supreme convertible and a 4speed?!?!? That has to be ridiculously rare.