Vehicle Description
For reasons that aren't altogether clear, the Oldsmobile Cutlass
continues to be a bargain-priced alternative to the virtually
identical Chevelles and GTOs out there. This particularly handsome
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has been treated to a hardcore makeover
that includes gorgeous black paint and a hard-hitting 383 cubic
inch V8 that makes this a genuine wolf in sheep's clothing.
Generally, I've always felt the Oldsmobiles were the most handsome
of the A-bodies, and in particular, the fastback coupe with its
more formal roofline and dramatic fender cut lines. Given the
quality of the restoration and the car's history, it's easy to see
why so much money went into restoring the sheetmetal, all of which
is in exemplary condition. Just recently, the car was treated to a
complete makeover, with a high-end paint shop handling high-gloss
black finish and delivering a stunning car that looks like it
should be a lot more expensive than it is. The subtle paint is
smooth and glossy, with no additional ornamentation to detract from
the car's handsome good looks, and if you want to take it up a
notch, a professional buff would make it a show-stopper. Somehow,
the classic color only serves to emphasize the flared fenders and
aggressively styled hood, while reinforcing the idea that
Oldsmobiles aren't just family cars. All the chrome and trim is
intact and in good to excellent condition, including the intricate
egg crate grille, new front and rear bumpers, and the bright trim
that surrounds the side windows, making this one look
distinctive.
Open the door and you'll discover an absolutely beautiful interior
with lots of restored components. The wide bench seat wears a
correct reproduction cloth seat cover, with a matching setup in
back. Details like the wood appliques on the door panels and dash
remind you that this is a few steps up from a basic Chevy, and as
an Oldsmobile, it's loaded with upscale features. The original are
gone, replaced by a full set Dakota Digital gauges, and they're
framed a woodgrained steering wheel that's both unusual and ideally
suited to the car's mission. There is no radio, but only shows you
that the builder's priorities were in order, and one could be
easily added if that's your thing. The trunk shows off a
professional fuel cell and clean floors, another suggestion that
there's more to this Olds than meets the eye.
One glance under the hood and you'll understand why this car seems
to have so much heavy-duty hardware. No, it's not an Olds small
block, it's a 383 cubic inch Chevy stroker motor built by Matt
Bishop. With a big cam, a propensity to rev, and big block levels
of torque, it transforms this Cutlass into a street weapon There's
an Edelbrock high-rise intake manifold, aluminum heads, a QuickFuel
carb, and an MSD ignition system, all of which contribute to the
big hit of power you get every time you crack the throttle. A bit
aluminum radiator and a serpentine belt drive system update the
support staff and the '383 Stroker' valve covers plainly advertise
what lives within. The chassis is as clean as you'd expect with a
durable TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt rear end,
plus a set of long-tube headers and a dual exhaust system for just
the right growl. Billet Specialties wheels add some flash to the
black Olds and are fitted with 215/65/15 front and giant 295/50/15
rear BFG radials.
With big horsepower on tap, a sinister look, and the hardware to
back it all up, this is what you always wished for in your next
A-body. Call today!