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Running Barn Find: 1969 Olds Cutlass Convertible

Here’s a surprise — a “barn find” on a trailer? No, no no, Jamie, that’s not it! The surprise is that it’s a former barn find that actually runs and drives! I’m guessing this shot was chosen to document the unearthing of the car, or perhaps it’s arrival at the workshop? Regardless, this 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible is now for sale here on eBay and is located in Wilmington, Delaware. The opening bid is set at $8,000 and there’s no reserve. I’ll bet that seems steep to you at first, but read on and see if you still feel that way by the end of the post.

I’ll have to admit, when I read the ad (all of 23 words) and saw these pictures of the car outside in the wet, I wasn’t tremendous encouraged at first. The parking lot dent on the left front fender didn’t help. But then I noticed that almost all of the trim was there and the car sported the Olds rally wheels that I like so much. And where’s the major rust that I would have expected? Hmmmm. Let’s look deeper.

The rear bumper can at least be straightened and can also be re-chromed if you would like, or you can live with it as-is. I’ve seen these bumpers rusted completely through before — where is that expected rust anyway?

Okay, now I probably have your attention! Not only is this floor spectacularly solid, the rear floor is in similar condition as is the trunk floor. And while I’m waxing on about how nice the car is, that upholstery doesn’t look too shabby either, does it (although I’m pretty sure it isn’t original). The paint isn’t either, as the two blues don’t match at all, but I’m ok with that as a starting point. I found a shifter just like this one here on eBay labeled as stock for a 68-69 Cutlass, and my jaw hit the floor when I saw it was $450 plus shipping — that’s more than 5% of the car’s opening bid right there!

The 350 V8 is attached to an automatic transmission and originally was equipped with air conditioning as well. We are told that the car “runs and drives” and must be seen to be appreciated. Any of you feel like making the trek to Delaware (or are already there)?

Comments

  1. Avatar jdjonesdr

    I’ll leave it just like it is.

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  2. Avatar Chad Rickle

    Not exactly – but they share some parts…

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  3. Avatar JamestownMike

    Looks SUPER SOLID!…….but $8,000?? Seller does one of my pet peeves……..WET PICTURES!?! Can’t you wait until it dries BEFORE you take pics??

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  4. Avatar Mark

    More pictures of the dash would be nice. I do see silver inside trunk lid and I think i see silver on the inside of the fenders in the engine compartment.

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  5. Avatar Chuck hills

    My aunt had this same car 1969 cutlass S conv blue white top just like this one here. was a very good looking and running olds convertible 350 automatic buckets floor shift .I love them tower tail lights and chromed edged fenders.only cutlass S had this car is full of style and grace wish I had the money to bid

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  6. Avatar Pete

    Looks to be a solid platform to start with. If you can get it for under 9K then you have room to do stuff to it to get back into nice driver condition. New top, carpet and trunk lock. :-)

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  7. Avatar ccrvtt

    First, this is in the Top 3 of my Fantasy Garage picks. My 3rd car was a ’69 Cutlass S coupe. The floors alone make a compelling argument for the asking price here as well as the lack of rot behind the front wheels.

    But we need a picture of the dash to verify the air claim. The add-on FM tuner means the original radio was AM only. The missing decklid trim and the right-side wheels along with the dents means some parts sourcing and repair. And what’s with the rusty looking engine? It should be gold and look a whole lot better judging from its surroundings.

    Not a stock color & the original silver is not my favorite. Needs carpet and a new top. Show quality cars are closer to $30K, but this one will take more than $22K to get there. If it sells for $8,000 I think that’s all the money.

    But those floors!

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  8. Avatar Troy s

    Good old Cutlass, although I’m not much for convertibles. Seems like a solid car but I’m hoping it becomes someone’s not so perfect driver, gotta keep some of that age for character! Those rims sure are sharp.

    Like 0

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