My immediate interest in this car was spurred by the lovely Viking Blue finish. This car was Viking Blue since new. The current finish is Base Coat/Clear Coat and was applied twelve years ago. The OAI hood was added in the past eight years and is painted to match with painted white stripes down the scoops. But that was just the beginning of my interest in this car.
When I learned it was motivated by a three speed column-shifted manual transmission, I just had to investigate further. In all my years, this is the first I have seen. I have seen floor-shifted three speed manual cars, but never a column-shifted car. The transmission is a Saginaw and it was the “base model” transmission offering for the 1971 Cutlass S cars.
This car was manufactured with a 160HP Rocket 350 V8 and two barrel Rochester carburetor. Since then, the engine was rebuilt and now produces 210HP and 300 foot lbs. of torque. The rebuild was very comprehensive and included complete machining, balancing, use of ARP fasteners and a bit more aggressive cam shaft. The ignition system was changed to a Pertronix. The intake manifold is an Aluminum Edelbrock model topped by a 600 cfm Holley four barrel carburetor. The dyno sheets and receipt for the rebuild of the engine are held in a binder that goes with the car.
At the time of the engine rebuild, the transmission was also inspected and resealed. The clutch was replaced.
The rear axle contains 3.08 to 1 gears and an open differential. This was one of the factory options and it works nicely with the engine and transmission combination. The car cruises easily at highway speeds. The speedometer is accurate.
This car was ordered with power steering, yet manual brakes. The brakes are drums on all four wheels. This car has always had cast iron exhaust manifolds and single exhaust. It is currently 2.5 inches in diameter with a Flowmaster muffler.
The odometer reads 12,170 miles. I am not sure what this signifies. It could have rolled over once. I may have been set back during the restoration. At any rate, the car is being sold as “exempt” of odometer disclosure due to age.
So this was kind of your bare bones Cutlass hardtop coupe for 1971. I believe it came with carpeting and may even be wearing the original carpet today. If it isn’t original, it is a very nice and correct replacement rug. I believe the upholstery on the black bench seat interior is original. It is nice with only a minor flaw at the top of the back on the passenger side. The headliner is certainly original and has one seam above the driver’s head that is stretching, yet has not opened up.
The dash is in great condition and exhibits no splits or cracks. The factory clock keeps perfect time. Auxiliary gauges have been added. The pushbutton AM radio lights up, but emits no sound. The heater core leaks and has been by-passed.
There are two sets of keys. They unlock all locks with exception of the driver’s door. I didn’t want to force it. But the passenger door does lock/unlock with the key, so the car can be secured. There is a jack, lug wrench and matching spare in the trunk.
The trunk floor is perfectly solid. It was replaced and properly spatter painted during the restoration. The other floors were also replaced with proper stamped pans during the restoration. The underside of the car has been painted black. When I looked very closely inside the trunk, I can see that partial quarter panels were also installed as part of the restoration.
I believe the Super Stock III wheels were installed as part of the restoration. They are too new for 1971. But they look great and were painted to match the Viking Blue finish of the car. They are wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial TA 225/70/14 tires. The front two tires are brand new and were installed just recently when the front end of the car was rebuilt and aligned.
As part of the restoration, dual Sport Mirrors were finished to match and installed. I have to believe the Sport steering wheel was also an addition at the time of the restoration. The tail light lenses were replaced with 1972 versions.
I prefer the Cutlass “fastback” body lines over those of the Cutlass Supreme. Viking Blue is my most favorite color on the early 70’s Cutlasses. The addition of the OAI hood, Sport Mirrors and the Super Stock III wheels make this car very sporty.
On top of looking great, this car performs great. The powertrain is better than when it was new. You can enjoy having three pedals and a manual transmission as well as the unique conversation subject of the three speed with column-shifter.
I was immediately drawn to this car and believe you will be as well. It is a great car at a very reasonable price.
