The Oldsmobile Cutlass was nearing the last of the third-generation run by 1971, not too long before GM unveiled the new Colonnade styling that became so popular later in the seventies. While I also enjoy the more modern look of the ’73 cars, there’s just something about the one before that works wonders for me, especially the Cutlass Supreme with that handsomely shaped rear side window. This 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme here on Craigslist has been listed for nearly a month, and I’m sort of surprised that no one has pulled the trigger on this one for $10,000. This cool Olds is in Long Island, New York, and we’d like to say thank you to reader Zen for spotting it and providing the tip here!
Although we only get to view two shots of the exterior, the body seems to be in very good shape for the most part, with no noticeable corrosion anywhere. The seller says it’s already a great driver, but he also mentions the idea of it becoming a project car. Unless I’m missing something, there’s little regarding the outside that would make me want to do anything but drive this one. The car may not be perfect, but the panels and finish look far too attractive in my eyes to begin a restoration immediately. Others may feel differently, but I’d certainly enjoy this one for a while before considering turning it into a project.
Things inside appear to be equally nice, with the owner stating that the seats and package tray have recently been restored, and that there’s new carpeting down below. The interior would be sportier with a pair of buckets and a console between them, but the bench seat was also popular during this period, and it works rather well here. The fact that everything is black in here, combined with the strong condition, really is appealing. Like the outside, nothing is making me want to immediately change a thing in the cabin.
Under the hood, the Rocket 350 V8 is said to still be the original engine, and it’s equipped with a 4-barrel Rochester carburetor plus some aftermarket dress-up items. The mileage is listed as 88k, and with the overall good condition all the way around, it’s pretty easy to believe this is actual. Maybe some buyers will want to turn this into a project, but I’d just use it as a nice cruiser for the foreseeable future. What would you do with this 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme?
Here is the skeptical view. When a desirable car like this is underpriced, yet has been listed for nearly a month (25 days) on a popular forum, near a population center that has millions of people that raises a red flag. New York cars are prone to rust. If there is substantial rust on the undercarriage that would explain why it has had trouble selling.
Any serious buyer within a few hours drive should look at it in person, several likely have. If there is one thing this site has repeatedly demonstrated, good deals don’t last.
Steve R
While I tend to agree with you mostly,, in a more accurate sense, I say nobody gives a darn anymore, Steve. Here you have what some(me) would consider one of the best cars made, in seemingly perfect condition, at a plausible price, and not sold. I doubt it’s rusty as you suggest, more like the bottom hath fallen. I won’t gloat here, as this is actually pretty sad, and I’m glad I don’t have a classic car that I needed to sell.
You both make valid points. It must be seen in person to be sure it isn’t badly rotted. If not, I’d fix what’s needed and enjoy it the way it is.
I used to live and work in a very “well to do” town. The Pontiac and Oldsmobile dealers in town were very well established. The Luxury Lemans and the Cutlass Supreme were the mainstay in the supermarket parking lot. After those 2 makes/models were Mercedes. On the weekends in the summer, the Cobras and Corvettes and a few Ferraris come out. If you didn’t have any of the mentioned cars (and I didn’t) you were looked down on.
Wow a beautiful Olds. He or she said the rear bumper is new. Was the old one rotted or damaged or put dual exhaust on it and purchased the cutouts like on the 442 to make look nice. So how come no pictures of the rear end? I live in NY it would take me almost 2 hours to get there. But I am not looking. Plus its a 350-4 not 455. Maybe if it was a 455 I would look at it. I am not saying its slow I just like the 455. Maybe it does have issue underneath that what they ment by project car also just 5 pictures!!! If you want to sell it you need at least 20!! Good luck to the seller….🐻🇺🇸
The ’68 to ’72 Cutlass are my favorites. My Mom had a ’68 Cutlass “S” burgundy black vinyl top. The only car she got a speeding ticket in lol. It was her favorite car. I have to hand it to Oldsmobile having two distinct 2 door body styles. The “S” with the arch in the rear quarter (My favorite) a d the Surpreme with the squared off quarter panels like you see here. Both handsome cars. The exterior and interior look good in the photos, both of which is expensive to do. I agree with BOTH points made by Steve and Howard above. You just don’t know what its hiding till you get under it, and these cars do indeed rust. And Howards got a very good point too, plus we are going to be going into winter soon, and people may just not be looking for a classic right now. Its a great looking car nonetheless with nice options. Great write up Mike, I enjoyed it and shout out to Zen for finding it.
The Olds discount. Especially this body style. Holiday Coupes look more like a Chevelle, and bring more.
The market sure favors rusty Mopars more than solid Oldsmobiles.
Rust definitely needs checked, and might be a 30 footer, they sure aren’t showing close up shots.
Still a value at that price. IF and big IF it doesn’t need paint or body work. And if needed and you don’t do it yourself you’re spending more than its worth.
Nice looking cutlass, I do think the 68-72 were the best ones ever made. This one although looks nice it’s hiding some sins. Look at the left rear quarter over the wheel arch you can clearly see a poor paint blend job likely due to a rust repair, the right rear quarter between the door and front of the tire looks like a poor body damage repair and the same side look at the vinyl top, looks like it was pealed up for some body repair then glued back its far too wavy and almost looks like bubbling showing. All this can be seen in a few poor 20 footer pics I can just imagine what it looks like up close in person.
Nice from a distance and a classic body style. You’re the only one to mention the body of the car. That right quarter stands out like a sore thumb.
Nelson I forgot to mention the left front fender looks like the front bumper got pushed into the fender, that’s the only way that damage could have occurred. The bumper was likely replaced as it looks fairly straight. It may not be a terrible driver quality car but definitely needs an in person inspection and a tomahawk to that 10k price tag
craigslist. you get to post 24 pics. this guy should do it. 1-month and this hasn’t sold. either market is worse than thought or it’s a rust bucket that we can’t see. looks clean good colors nice wheels need to lose the stripe. it should have sold
You said it, hairy!
I do agree with both “Howard & Zen” I think the one thing you both overlooked is our economy & how uncertain it is right now. People are shying away from Big Ticket items right now. My opinion. The car looks great from the pictures supplied.
The add states great driver or project car. Curious what they mean by project car with only 5 pictures and still for sale going on a month i would think it has extensive frame rot. Looking at the pictures engine looks clean and nice along with the interior and body and paint for the price it should be long gone. Anyway just a guess on my part.
Absolutely love this car I had a 71’ S with 350 rocket. I bought it in 79’ with only 32,000 miles on it and the color combo was like this silver, black interior and black top that shined like it was wet. After a year I painted it corvette red color from 72’ These cars were everywhere from 60’s into 70’s when it was number one selling car in America 🇺🇸
Testing
I would be inclined to agree with Steve on this, but overall this car looks pretty good.
These are not “normie” times and the economy is uncertain at best. While maybe not quite yet in recession, I would opine that this time is different. Classic cars are not everyone’s priority right now for a lot of reasons, and the positive news is that there will be some “good deals” to be had. It is certainly possible the owner is ready to just get out.
Timing is everything. Selling a summer only car in mid-October in NY is going to be tougher than holding onto it for 6 months and trying again.
Vinyl top is not original. The 1970 & ’71 Supremes with the vinyl top had a halo around the top, and area that was body colored between the top and the trim for the windows below. 1972 was full vinyl, no halo.
Kind of a hybrid vinyl top. Not a halo but also doesn’t continue down the A-pillar – strange.