In my opinion, this is the last of the great muscle car era body styles. The Cutlass S “plain back”, or fast back, Hardtop or Holiday Coupe just looks like a muscle car should. So much better than the formal back of the Cutlass Supreme. After 1972, everything changed, and not for the better!
This car was sold new at Bob Schmidt Chevrolet/Oldsmobile in Maumee, OH. The dealership still exists to this very day. The woman who purchased the car when new was from nearby Toledo. She owned the car until 1996, then passed it to her niece. The title states the mileage to be actual and displays the names of both women.
The mileage is actual at 66,140. It was very evident to me that this claim was factual. The car was pretty much completely original when I purchased it. The Matador Red paint is obviously original. We had a quarter panel dent repaired, as well as the lower portion of the driver’s fender. The White vinyl top is original. We had it dyed to the original white, as it was dull and discolored. The interior is original, with the exception of portions of the White front bench seat. It was worn and torn, so we had panels replaced. Most of it is indeed still original.
This car is equipped with a Rocket 350 V8 and Turbo 350 automatic transmission. The rear axle has 2.73 gearing. It is a great highway cruiser. It rolls on Super Stock III wheels that have been refinished and wrapped in new BF Goodrich Radial TA 225/70/14 tires.
This car was equipped with bright moldings. The hood has the faux vents. The bumpers have been replaced and are like new. The overall appearance suggests survivor, due to numerous dings/dents/chips/scratches and areas of thin paint. Yet, the paint took on a shine after some rubbing.
The trunk displays the original spatter paint. It does show some areas of surface rust due to moisture beneath the original trunk mat. I chose to not refinish the trunk to allow you to see how original and solid it truly is. The original jacking equipment and spare wheel with newer tire still reside in the trunk.
This car is equipped with manual brakes, with the front being discs. It has power steering. This is a factory air conditioned car, so it also has Soft Ray tinted glass. The Air Conditioning compressor needs a new clutch, so it is not functional.
This car has Deluxe Seat belts. It has an aftermarket stereo that does not function. We did not investigate. All other features work properly. There are two sets of keys, which actuate the locks.
We had a new single exhaust system installed to replace the original. It was just too far gone to save it. The underside of the car looks like you might expect: surface rust, cobwebs and grime. But no rot or holes were found. It is obvious that great care was given to this car, especially considering where it lived.
I was attracted to this car for many reasons. I like the low mileage and two owner/one family ownership history. I love the color combination (I am a Wisconsin Badger) and the originality just offers a great look and testament to the love it has received. I appreciate the body lines of this car and the fact that it was the last year of availability.
This is a great car to drive and one that will capture the attention of onlookers. It is a wonderful style, in great condition and at a reasonable price point.
