1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Description

With all the hype surrounding auctions and matching numbers and collector car "investing," it's easy to forget that 98% of the hobby is made up of simply nice classic cars like this 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible. Stylish in bright red with a top that goes down and a V8 that sounds great, what better way to enjoy a summer day than behind the wheel of this fast, fun, and very good looking ragtop?

General Motors got the formula right with the A-bodies, and that includes the Cutlass and its unique blend of style and performance. Proportions were exactly right, and in Oldsmobile's case, the Cutlass is simply the best-looking thing to come out of the BOP studios that year. Treated to a bare-metal repaint a few years ago, it looks great in code R Scarlet Red, and it's refreshing that it wasn't turned into some kind of mutant 442 clone, but instead embraced its heritage. That means no graphics, no racing stripes, just a clean, straight body with a glossy shine and a great look. It appears that this one has been well-maintained since it was completed and offers straight bodywork that highlights the flared fenders and chrome strip along the tops of the fenders. It shows some wear, of course, because it's impossible to resist a vintage drop-top on a sunny day, and this Olds is more than happy to join you on your daily commute to work as well as to the car show on Sunday. Chrome and trim are very good, including the cool headlight assemblies, the brightly re-chromed bumpers, and all the stainless was professionally buffed.

The Parchment bucket seat interior is simply spectacular, thanks to a recent set of seat covers that duplicate the originals exactly. Luxury-oriented Oldsmobiles are not a new thing, but this one offers a great combination of options that you wouldn't expect at this price, including power windows, factory A/C, a center console, and an 8-track player under the dash. The original radio remains in the dash (dig those knobs!), although it has been disconnected in favor of an AM/FM/CD head unit in the glove box. The gauges are housed in their own round pods ahead of the driver and it includes a Tick-Tock-Tach and speed minder, both rare options on a Cutlass, and the three-spoke steering wheel remains in good original condition. Fresh black carpets look great framed by shiny door sills, and the white convertible top folds easily with the touch of a button and hides under a bright parchment boot. The trunk offers fresh mats and a full-sized spare in addition to a pair of speakers for the upgraded stereo.

Oldsmobile's Rocket 350 was no slouch in the performance department, especially when it was rebuilt to run hard. With about 8000 miles on the build, it has a mild cam inside, an aluminum intake manifold topped by a 4-barrel Edelbrock carb, and a very OEM look. It's tuned right, so it starts quickly and drives superbly and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by how powerful it really is. It's correctly detailed with an original air cleaner, Gold engine enamel, and proper hardware used throughout, so few people will spot the upgrades at a glance. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic and a 3.31-geared 10-bolt rear end, so it moves with authority, but cruises easily at modern highway speeds. Classic Magnum 500 style wheels always look awesome, with these wearing fresh 235/60/15 BFGoodrich radials.

Complete with build receipts, this is a clean, handsome ragtop that runs great and always delivers a good time. This car offers a lot more than its reasonable price tag would suggest. Call today!