1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Description

We love cars like this 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible. They offer great looks, plenty of V8 power, a lot of creature comforts, and a classic convertible feel that's better than most cars of the period. How can you go wrong with that?

The light blue paint on this Olds is just the right icy metallic shade to make the convertible look great in the sun. We seldom see bodywork this good on cars this affordable, and there's clearly a sizeable investment in getting it to look this good. White stripes add a sporty, muscle car look but it isn't over-done; the Old's natural curves seem to lend themselves perfectly to a set of stripes down the center. The quarter panels are smooth, the doors line up well, and aside from the aforementioned stripes, there aren't any deviations from factory spec, so it has a nicely detailed look that's just right. There's also plenty of chrome and bright trim, including along the rockers, around the windshield, and in the form of big block letters on the trunk lid proudly spelling out OLDSMOBILE for everyone to see. Clean lenses, a few well-placed badges, and polished fender moldings definitely make this one look like a grown ups hot rod.

The white bucket seat interior of this Olds looks to be largely original, and the contrast with the blue paint is very appealing. Most of these Cutlass convertibles got bench seats, so it's surprising to see just how right a center console looks. The original stainless-faced gauges are a good match with the four-spoke steering wheel, and there's a set of small aftermarket gauges hanging underneath. This car came equipped with factory A/C, which has been recently upgraded with a new compressor and R134a refrigerant, so it's effective and easy to service. The original AM radio has been augmented by an under-dash AM/FM/CD stereo head unit with speakers in the kick panels. This car also offers a matching white power convertible top with a glass rear window as well as a nicely outfitted trunk with a matching fifth wheel and tire assembly.

Oldsmobile's "Rocket" 350 cubic inch V8 shares very few parts with its corporate cousins, so it has a personality all its own. Olds was always about torque, and even this small block delivers in a big way, making the convertible feel effortless in everything it does. It starts easily, idles smoothly, and goes about its business in an unobtrusive way, exactly right for a car whose first priority is luxury. The engine is nicely detailed in Oldsmobile Gold paint with correct decals on the air cleaner. You'll also find an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, a new alternator, the aforementioned A/C compressor upgrade, and a new power booster for the braking system. Dual Flowmasters give it a distinctive sound that's unique to Oldsmobile V8s and the turn-downs just under the rear bumper keep it looking subtle. GM's reliable TH350 3-speed automatic transmission was the gearbox of choice behind the small block V8 and it feeds highway-friendly gears in the 10-bolt rear, which has been upgraded with a W-27 aluminum cover. Big sway bars fore and aft tidy up the Cutlass's handling and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. Pretty Rally II wheels have been color-matched to the bodywork and now carry fat BFG rubber.

This is one of those well-maintained cars that's a joy to own. Trust us on this one, an Oldsmobile is the one you want, not a garden-variety Chevelle. Call today!