1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Description

This 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible is so much nicer than most that the price seems like we're giving it away. With a fresh restoration to a very high standard, it's a handsome and sophisticated ragtop that delivers on Oldsmobile's promise of luxury and performance in the same package. Of course, that also overlooks the fact that the Cutlass was arguably the best-looking of the A-bodies, and costs a fraction of its Chevrolet and Pontiac siblings.

This Aspen Green isn't the flashiest color for a muscle car, but the smooth panels look great in it, and the Cutlass is about more than just horsepower. The blend of performance and luxury that Oldsmobile offered is embodied in this Cutlass ragtop. The body is sporty, with dramatic curves, flared fenders, and a handsome front end that was instantly recognizable as being from the Rocket division. But it's a sophisticated kind of sporty, not aggressive or over-blown, which means no stripes or brash nicknames, just an upscale look with a subtle paint job that still looks fantastic. The car shows no signs of having been wrecked or rusty, so everything fits together exactly the way the factory assembled it more than 40 years ago. In addition, the chrome is quite nice, with no parking lot dings or signs of corrosion around the edges, which is doubly impressive in a car that was actually, you know, used as a car for many years.

Choosing a black interior with the Aspen Green paint was the right choice, although I'm guessing the brochures of the time were pushing white interiors. Bucket seats, a center console, and factory A/C suggest that someone was feeling generous with the options list and had this Cutlass built just the way they wanted it. Other things, like the burled walnut dash appliques, the stainless steel gauge faces, and 4-spoke steering wheel were all standard Cutlass fare, and the combination works really well. An AM/FM stereo replaces the original radio and uses speakers down in the kick panels to fill the interior with sound. A matching black convertible top with glass rear window fits well, folds easily, and doesn't have any rips or tears, stowing itself with the touch of a button on the dash. The trunk is in good order with spatter paint, a full-sized spare with brand new tire, and a factory-style jack assembly.

Oldsmobile's 350 cubic inch V8 shared exactly zero components with the Chevy version, and thanks to its higher nickel content in the iron block, has proven to be virtually indestructible out in the real world. It has a distinctive sound all its own, a sophisticated burble that's perfect for the Cutlass's dual nature. It was rebuilt to stock specs in 2008, with gold paint on the engine, original air cleaner, and a lot of new components that say someone loved to drive it. The A/C has been converted to R134a refrigerant, and there's now a rumbling dual exhaust system that sounds great without being over-bearing. A TH350 3-speed automatic spins the original 12-bolt rear end and has highway-friendly gears inside that make this an awesome choice for a road trip. Classic Oldsmobile Rally wheels are painted a contrasting light silver and wear 225/70/14 white-letter radials.

A neat car a top that goes down makes for a fun hobby vehicle. The fact that it's a V8-powered A-body convertible is just icing on the cake. Call now!