Surprisingly Solid: 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass S

This 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass S ticks many of the crucial boxes for enthusiasts seeking a project candidate. It has sat for years, but the seller has coaxed its V8 back to life. It is a solid vehicle, and the price is affordable. If you’re sorely tempted, you will find the Cutlass listed here on eBay in Raleigh, North Carolina. The seller set their BIN at $6,000 with the option to make an offer.

This Cutlass S emerged from the factory mid-way through the Third Generation’s production run. Ordered by its first owner in Rally Red with a White vinyl top, it doesn’t make a positive first impression. The paint is tired, and the vinyl is a distant memory. There is rust visible in both rear quarter panels and both lower front fenders. However, that seems to be as bad as it gets. The seller provides a substantial selection of underside shots, showing no evidence of steel penetration. Therefore, this classic is a rock-solid foundation for a project. The new owner could adopt a faithful approach, but since genuine examples of the 442 are so expensive, it would be a great candidate for a 442 Tribute. The glass looks pretty good, but I would definitely lose the side exhaust and ancient wheels if I parked this Olds in my garage.

Lifting the car’s hood reveals a 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. The 350 was a pretty respectable performer in its day, with the factory quoting power and torque figures of 310hp and 390 ft/lbs. If the buyer followed the faithful path with their build and returned the exterior to its factory form, this classic could be a bit of a sleeper. The seller recently revived the motor after years of hibernation. They fitted a new Edelbrock carburetor out of necessity, and a new Holley fuel tank is in the trunk. The motor is healthy, and the car runs and drives. Stopping is a different kettle of fish because the brakes require attention. Given its extended slumber, I suspect that some perishable items will probably be well beyond their use-by date. Therefore, a thorough inspection would be wise before hitting the road in earnest.

Trimmed in White vinyl and equipped with air conditioning, bucket seats, and a console, this classic’s interior would have been striking in its prime. Someone removed the A/C in the past, and I suspect the console is a later addition. Otherwise, the interior appears to be essentially complete. It would be serviceable after a deep clean, but some people would argue it deserves a retrim. I won’t argue with that, because the result would justify the effort and expense. That process is rarely cheap, but if considered as a long-term investment, it would be money well spent.

If you’re considering making a play for this 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass S, you may need to act fast. It is undeniably affordable, helping to explain why it has generated considerable interest since hitting the market. The Listing View and Watch List tallies of 354 and 47, respectively, confirm the fact that many people like what they see. I suspect it will find a new home fairly quickly, and I hope that it finds its way into the workshop of a Barn Finds reader. That guarantees that a true enthusiast is its new custodian, and that it will receive the TLC it richly deserves. Do we have any takers?