Vehicle Description
This rarely found 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 is one of only 3547
built, and while they might have been largely overlooked when they
were new, these affordable muscle cars with their unique look won't
be this affordable for very much longer. Nicely restored and
maintained, this Olds absolutely delivers on the promises made by
its outrageous bodywork.
The Rallye 350 was designed to compete with the Road Runner and
other "affordable" muscle cars, delivering the performance look
with a more mild powertrain ("mild" being a relative term). All
3547 "junior" muscle cars wore the same bright Sebring Yellow paint
job (and this one does indeed have the Special Package option on
the trim tag) with color-matched bumpers and a dramatic satin black
graphics package, twin-snorkel fiberglass hood, and decklid
spoiler, so it certainly looks the part of a maximum muscle
performance car. It is only recently that these cars are achieving
collector notoriety, so finding one accurately restored like this
can be a challenge. The sheetmetal is in great condition,
particularly the bulging rear quarters that look like horsepower
rendered in steel, and while it's not perfect, it offers great gaps
and doors that open and close easily. The decals, stripes, and
logos are all accurate reproductions, and yes, the factory
urethane-coated bumpers remain in place (many were jettisoned in
favor of stock chrome units by irate dealers who struggled to sell
the unusual-looking cars). Today, however, the Rallye 350 stands
out as something special that's finally got collectors'
respect.
Despite their target audience being folks looking for affordable
performance, this Olds is dressed up in some expensive designer
clothes inside. The factory bench has the proper upscale pattern
that Oldsmobiles are known for and is quite comfortable and
stylish. The dash was standard Cutlass fare with burled walnut
appliques and brushed stainless steel on the gauge faces, and as an
Oldsmobile, this one carries factory A/C that was only available
with the automatic transmission. Remote mirrors with color-matched
housings were included with the package, and this car also still
has its original AM radio that goes with sale, as an aftermarket
AM/FM/Cassette was installed at some point. Everything is restored
and in good shape, from the door panels to the carpets, and the
trunk is sans mat to show off its sheetmetal and carries a full
Rallye spare.
The only engine in the Rallye 350 was the L74 Oldsmobile 350 which
was rated at a stout 310 horsepower, and thanks to a 4-barrel carb
and new H-pipe dual exhaust, this car scoots just the same.
Reproduction decals were used wherever possible and even the little
stuff is accurate, making this Olds look and run like it's supposed
to. The air conditioning system is still on trusty R12 refrigerant
and still blows cold at time of print! A rugged TH350 3-speed
automatic backed by an Oldsmobile 12-bolt rear (which is different
from the Chevy version) makes for an indestructible powertrain, and
3.23 gears out back make it an effortless highway cruiser. Factor
in the power steering and power brakes, and you might realize that
you can actually enjoy yourself in between the burnouts. All Rallye
350s got the FE2 performance suspension setup and color-matched
Rallye II wheels, and boy is that yellow looking good.
With its distinctive look and impressive performance, the Rallye
350 is a serious alternative for hobbyists looking for something a
little unusual. Add in a good maintenance history and factory air,
and this is one you can drive and show with pride. Call today!