This is my favorite body style. Called the “plain back”. Some call it “fast back”. It is the Cutlass S for 1970. A Holiday Coupe as well. And to top it off, a W31 with four speed.
This car has just under 100,000 miles on the odometer. It has been driven under 2000 miles since it was restored three years ago. The restoration was a nut and bolt, frame-off effort that resulted in a fantastic car.
In its day, this was a highly respected street racer. It was known in Southern WI and was said to be very successful. The man who sold it to me purchased it in need of the restoration and commissioned the effort to restore it to its original glory. He was very successful.
During its racing days, the original engine was damaged. A 1970 vintage Rocket 350 was built to W31 specs and installed. The proper harmonic balancer, carburetor and six blade clutch fan were not bolted to this engine. The exhaust manifolds are correct, as is the “W-350” Aluminum intake, and it has “6” heads. I do not have written specifications. I will tell you that it performs like a W31 engine, with lots of power, high rpm and great exhaust tone. The over-sized dual exhaust system has an X-pipe and it fits the undercarriage perfectly and provides great flow.
This car has always been Code 48-Sherwood Green. The body is perfect and the paint is impeccable. I can tell that the front fenders were replaced, as the current fenders have the “crumple bumps”. I believe partial quarter panels were installed. The paint is base coat/clear coat, with the black stripes being buried beneath the clear coat. You are going to have to inspect the finish very thoroughly to find a flaw. This is definitely a show quality finish.
The W25 Open Air Induction hood fits properly. I believe it to be aftermarket, as it does not have the steel mesh reinforcement. It opens and stays open with proper springs. The hood locks work properly.
The Dual Sport mirrors are W31 correct. The driver’s side is remote controlled. The W35 Rear Spoiler adds to the muscular appearance of the car. The Super Stock II wheels are like new and are wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial TA tires. The fronts are 235/60/14 and the rears are 245/60/14. The bumpers were replated. The glass is tinted.
The Muncie four speed is said to be original to the car, but I have yet to verify this. During the restoration, a new heavy-duty clutch was installed. The Oldsmobile 12 bolt rear axle has an Anti-Spin differential with 3.42 gear ratio. I have an Aluminum W27 differential cover that could be part of the transaction.
The FE2 Suspension package is present. It has both the boxed trailing arms and the large sway bars. This car has manual brakes, with the front being disc. The steering is power assisted.
The black bench seat interior is very nice. The headliner, carpet, upholstery, door and kick panels and dash all look wonderful. This car has Courtesy Lights and a map light. The steering column tilts. The Pushbutton AM radio is the only feature of this car that does not function properly. Auxiliary underdash gauges have been installed.
The trunk floor was refinished and is covered by a proper mat. A new jack assembly is present, along with an era correct spare wheel and tire. There are two sets of keys, which actuate the locks. There is an Owner’s Manual.
The overall quality of this car is excellent. It drives fantastically. It is show worthy. The frame-off/nut and bolt restoration has resulted in a presentation that is truly better than when the car was brand new.
I appreciate the body style, love the W31 performance and desire a four speed transmission. In my opinion, the 3.42 gear ratio is the best for performance in combination with highway cruising. Add on the FE2 handling package and Anti-Spin differential and you now have a very serious performance machine. And that is how this car was utilized in its early life.
I hope you drive it, show it and enjoy the admiration it will receive. What a wonderful W car!
