The Cutlass Supreme debuted in 1966 as a personal luxury car (the same year as the Olds Toronado). The 1970 model year was only the second time the Supreme would be offered as a convertible, finding more than 11,300 buyers. This edition looks to have been sitting outside for many years and needs a lot of work, though we’re told it does run. Located in Hopewell Junction, New York, the Oldsmobile is available here on craigslist for $4,900.
GM’s A-body cars were redesigned in 1968, and interest in the Cutlass Supreme really took off then. This 1970 drop-top reflects a mild styling refresh, which contributed to a nearly tripling of sales from 1969. The Supreme came with a 350 cubic inch V8 engine, and most were sold with a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. This well-used example has seen 181,000 miles, most of it via the same owner who acquired the convertible in 1975.
This two-owner Olds is said to be original and clearly needs a restoration. The seller might be inclined to do it him/herself, but that party is moving to Arizona – and the Cutlass is not. Despite its appearance, it runs and drives, but stopping isn’t a sweet spot (the brakes need work). The car came with all the goodies when it was built, including factory air conditioning and power seats. The trunk floor has rust, as do the rear quarter panels.
Overall, the seller gives this convertible a “fair” rating in the condition department. And it’s not good enough to be a driver even if you fix the brakes. So, a restoration is the only logical choice, but it won’t come cheaply. The decision would be easier if it were a 442 model with a 455 V8, but instead, it only has a canvas top to its credit. What would you do? And, our thanks to “Zen” for the tip!
At this price, you have a great deal even needing quarter panels and trunk floor. Most convertibles also need floor boards but it’s all there with factory ac! I have a 68 442 convertible and they are really fun comfortable cars. Parts for these including body panels, interiors are readily available and a 455 is a bolt in however the 350 with the right parts can easily make 310hp. This is the most desirable year. Would make a fantastic Cutlass SX tribute car.
the buy price is fair. having owned 5 of these converts over the last 45 yrs and looking at this 1 there is more rust there than the eye sees. a clean 1 owner 71 convert sold on BAT the other day for 16k. this is worth saving but you will be in for at least 50k. that’s great if you have money to burn.
That ’71 on BAT was a great car with lots of great options. Did you happen to notice the factory shoulder belts?!
Another rust belt rot wagon.
Expensive to fix, but worth saving, and the sale price is reasonable, given the condition. This could become a nice cruiser for someone with deep enough pockets. GLWTS.
I have a 1970 Chevelle convertible that I’ve owned since 1987. It’s a great car and the front disks are good enough for modern driving, but the TH360 is not an overdrive transmission and it will go 75-80, but it’s not really comfortable. The good news is that mechanical parts are readily available. It’s a great design, easy to work on.
This example, however, is a waste of money. There are plenty of other ways to spend the $50k you’ll need to bring this back.
What gearing does yours have? I’m not sure what the gear ratio in my 70 El Camino was but I could go 100 to 110 mph and my engine wasn’t on the verge of blowing up.
It’s as it left the factory. Malibu, power windows, AC. Don’t recall the rear ratio. I drove it x country in 1987 (LA-FL-NJ), so it’s not horrible, but back then 70 was common, not 80.
You can buy it (and my 964) at my estate sale.
Hi Luigi,
Are you actually selling the 1964 Malibu that you mentioned?
Regards,
David
Not until I croak (it’s a Porsche 964 and a 1970 Chevelle
A bit rough…
Obviously been sitting outside for a good portion of its life. Nice duct tape reupholstery job on the passenger door panel. Now I know why it comes in all different colors! I would not restore this when better examples can be had for a little more. For the ask it’s not a horrible parts car. It has some decent options like power bucket seat/console, inside hood lock, factory AC. Listing already removed, so it probably sold.