Vehicle 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!