1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Description

It's safe to say that we like the unusual cars around here, and while a 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass coupe isn't particularly rare or strange, the color combination, the ownership history, and the great preservation all make this a car that tells a great story.

Purchased new in 1971 by a police chief in Georgia for his wife, it remained as a one-owner car until 2012. By that time, it was a little tired, so it received a repaint in its original code 42 Palm Green which is a period-perfect color that gives the Olds a bright, cheerful disposition. The clean lines of the Oldsmobile are every bit as attractive (perhaps more so) than a comparable Chevelle, with great proportions and that cool kick-up behind the doors that makes it look sporty. There are a few signs of use and age throughout, but that's something to be expected from a car that's mostly original, even one that's led an easy life like this one has. Things like the headlight bezels and grille are a bit discolored by age, but that's an easy fix in an afternoon with a can of paint, and the important stuff like the sheetmetal underneath and the panel gaps are excellent. Both the front and rear bumpers have bright chrome that still looks very good and we're particularly pleased with the fact that this car doesn't have a vinyl roof, making for a very clean profile.

The all-original interior is showing some age, but we're not sure whether it needs to be replaced. You'll never duplicate the complex patterns and funky fabrics, so maybe it's best to leave things alone. It's still comfortable and the look is just right with the Palm Green paint job. As an Oldsmobile, you get all the usual features plus upgrades like factory A/C (which is still cold and still uses good old R12 refrigerant) and a tilt steering column, so it feels a lot more upscale than a Chevy. Woodgrained panels on the doors and dash help break up all the green and the carpets, which are also original, offer just the right combination that was high fashion in 1971. The back seat shows more fading than the front, but otherwise it's in good order and none of your friends will complain about hanging out back there. And the trunk still carries its original mat and what might very well be the original spare tire assembly with jack.

Oldsmobile's "Rocket" V8 displaced 350 cubic inches and makes all kinds of great V8 sounds on the road. It's quite original under the hood, but you can see that it's been nicely maintained if not detailed on a regular basis. That's factory Oldsmobile Gold paint on the engine itself and the factory decals are still clinging to most of the components under the hood, and a day spent giving it a deep cleaning would pay big dividends. It starts easily and has a muscular V8 idle and given the coupe's relatively light weight, it feels quick and easy to drive around town. A TH350 3-speed automatic spins the stock 10-bolt rear end and the recent dual exhaust system makes for an entertaining soundtrack no matter what you're doing. Standard steel wheels with hubcaps are the right look and carry 215/75/14 Goodyear whitewall radials that still have a lot of life left in them.

Not flashy, not rare, but this Olds is solid, clean, and lots of V8 fun for not a lot of money. There's still something to be said for affordable fun, and this car delivers. Call today!