Vehicle Description
For most enthusiasts, the privilege of owning a classic car isn't
about numbers or return on investment. It's about heading out on
the weekend and having a little bit of fun. It's about making a
statement and turning heads. It's about the excitement of putting
the wind in their face and the roar of an American V8 at their
back. That's why rides like this magazine-featured Cutlass have
such a loyal following. Backing 455 cubic inches of Chevrolet
Performance LS7 with a tough Tremec 6-speed, aggressive Baer brakes
and a Schwartz G-Machine chassis, this Olds is stylish, cool,
unique and, most importantly, provides a whole lot of enjoyment!
Want to make it yours? Your friends at RK Motors Charlotte are
happy to help!
GOOD AS GOLD
What happens when a purveyor of professional performance has an
idea for a new project? Well, in the case of this incredible
Oldsmobile and Jeff Schwartz, owner of Schwartz Performance, the
result is pretty much gold! Sourced from the daughter of its
original owner as a rust-free, 46K-mile driver, this Cutlass was
subjected to a world-class, ground-up restoration. The car's vivid
two-stage is officially called Barrio Gold and, yes, all those
attractive stripes are sprayed. And today, this rocket rolls as a
fully sorted stunner that essentially defines the pro-touring
movement!
Jeff Schwartz's original vision involved modifying a 1971 442.
However, he decided he liked the profile of the Cutlass better, and
he really didn't want to chop up an authentic collector car.
Stepping back from this coupe, the first thing you'll notice is
that all the car's factory lines have been intentionally left
intact. At the front of those lines, a guarded bumper slots
black-trimmed parking lamps beneath Satin Black grilles, S!ck HID
low-beams, H4 high-beams and a retro chic rocket emblem. At the top
of that grille, a fiberglass 442 hood seats polished lanyards
opposite a factory-tint greenhouse that's trimmed in factory
stainless. At the sides of that hood, traditional GM handles and
color-keyed Sport Mirrors perfectly complement clean marker lamps,
detailed rocker trim and classy "Cutlass SX" emblems. And at the
back of the car, a guarded 442 bumper bends rocket-inspired
taillights beneath a stainless-trimmed trunk that's finished with
wide "OLDSMOBILE" lettering and a small Hurst emblem.
LS7 / 455 / 601
Tilt this classic's functional Ram Air Hood and you'll find 455
cubic inches of stroked crate LS7 that twists a massive 601
horsepower into 580 lb./ft. of rocket-launching torque! At the top
of that mill, an original-style air cleaner stacks a custom base on
a custom-adapted LSX throttle body, which rides a carburetor-style
intake that's been custom-machined for multi-port fuel injection.
That intake feeds CNC-ported cylinder heads, which, in addition to
being finished with lightweight titanium valves, have been
subjected to mild bowl blending. Those valves get bumped by a
custom COMP hydraulic roller cam that turns in unison with Wiseco
pistons, titanium connecting rods and a custom-grind Lunati crank.
Spent gases roar through coated Schwartz Performance long-tube
headers. Charge comes courtesy of a billet serpentine drive. An
Oldsmobile-capped Be Cool radiator fronts electric SPAL pullers and
braided water tubes. Naturally, the athletic small block retains
its proven dry-sump oiling system. Reliable AC Delco plug wires
crawl towards custom "LSX 455" coil covers. A proven Aeromotive
fuel regulator joins a stock MAF sensor to ensure idling is as
seamless as accelerating. And the lowered and relocated engine
looks great between Satin Black fenders and a smoothed,
body-matched firewall.
SCHWARTZ TO THE CORE
Not surprisingly, this Schwartz-built beast features a hearty
Schwartz G-Machine chassis that, in addition to being 125 pounds
lighter than factory fodder, is also 200 percent stiffer in
torsional rigidity. In performance terms, that engineering takes
this Cutlass from a factory-best .076g skid pad number to 1.08g on
everyday street tires! Those bones, which wrap revised geometry
around tubular control arms, Mandrel-bent rails, splined sway bars
and adjustable QA-1 coil-overs, fit well under a massaged
transmission tunnel and wide mini tubs. Speaking of transmissions,
there's a tough Tremec T56 6-speed that was sourced directly from
D&D Performance. That gearbox spins a custom driveshaft, which
is threaded to an aluminum Winters 9-inch that's finished with
31-spline axles, 3.50 gears and a Detroit Truetrac differential.
Power-assisted stops are provided by 6-piston Baer 6S calipers,
which squeeze drilled, 14-inch rotors. Turns come courtesy of power
rack-and-pinion steering. A steady stream of fuel is supplied by an
electronic Bosch pump, which rides in a stainless Rick's tank.
Great sounds emanate from 3-inch, true-dual pipes, which center
polished SLP LoudMouth mufflers between an X-shaped crossover,
polished resonators and polished stainless tips. And everything
rolls on gold Forgeline SP3Ps, which lap 255/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot
Sports in front of 345/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sports.
MODERNIZED TRADITIONALISM
Check this Cutlass's Dynamat-lined interior and you'll find a
familiar muscle car aesthetic that's had modern convenience
integrated where it counts. Heavily bolstered RECAROs,
power-operated units that are both heated and cooled, have, along
with a factory bench, been decked in quality leather. Front and
center, a monochromatic dash hangs factory telemetry over
components for Vintage Air conditioning. Modern wiring, spliced to
accept a Valentine 1 radar detector, sparks trick Bluetooth audio
that bumps a big Focal amp. The driver enjoys the car's power
through a tough Hurst shifter, which sails fade-free carpet, and a
reproduction Rallye Wheel, which laps a tilting column. And cool
details include themed floor mats, modern power windows, power door
locks and a small fire extinguisher.
Well-built, fully detailed and attention grabbing in every way,
this Cutlass backs a lot of show with a whole lot of go. In
summary, it's what every car guy wants: speed, style and endless
good times! If you're ready to bring home one of the coolest
pro-tourers on the market, free up some garage space and give us a
call!
HIGHLIGHTS
Incredible Oldsmobile pro-tourer that's the product of a
professional, world-class restoration
Featured in Popular Hot Rodding Magazine
455 cubic inch LS7 V8 with 601 horsepower
Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch
Winters 9-inch rear axle with a Detroit Truetrac differential and
3.50 gears
Modern air conditioning
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Baer 4-wheel power disc brakes
Full Schwartz Performance G-Machine chassis
Customized leather interior with Bluetooth audio
18 and 19-inch Forgeline SP3P wheels
Barrio Gold paint with painted stripes
Build photos
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world
