1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Convertible

350

Automatic

342670E113742

Clear

Conventional wisdom states convertibles should be sold at the beginning of the summer, not the end. But this is not a conventional convertible. I did not intend to list this again, but I've had several messages from people wanting to buy only the car, without all the extra parts. So, here it is, but only for a few days. This is a 1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme, purchased in Orlando from its second owner in March 2003, then driven home to Indianapolis, where it has been lovingly cared for and kept in a heated garage since. In the nine years I’ve owned it, it has been exposed to moisture twice: once while driving it back from Florida, the other washing it after driving it back from Florida. Second owner of the car painted it the current color (metallic blue); the original color was Aspen Green, and along the way it was painted red before it was painted the current color. Current paint is ok, but previous body work is aging and will likely need to be redone in the next few years. It is beginning to suffer from typical GM A-body condition: quarter panels are beginning to show signs of something going on, as are rocker panels and areas around rear wheels and trunk deck lip. Nothing critical, but will need work in the next 3-5 years. Since 2003, the car has been restored to near-original condition as much as possible, using NOS parts when available, OEM when not, and repops if neither of the previous were available. Some things for disclosure: 1. This is not numbers matching, which I discovered in 2006 upon taking the engine to be rebuilt, and discovered that although the intake was correct (4 bbl), the block was from a ’72. A short-block ’70 was purchased, rebuilt, and installed with correct heads . 2. Due to damage to the front hubs caused before I owned the car, the front drum brakes were replaced with power disc brakes before driving back from Florida. 3. The previous owner cut out the dash for an after-market radio. Dash has a crack which was repaired, but has since reopened (hence the dash mat). 4. The first owner of the car had the fender antenna installed, due to the notoriously poor reception of the windshield antenna in these cars. The windshield has been replaced with proper date information, but the fender antenna is still in use. 5. Since listing it for sale, I discovered the A/C needs a recharge. System was not converted to R134-A, and still uses R12. Now, those are the “bad” things. But here’s what’s great about it: 1. There are less than 1,200 miles on the rebuilt engine, which was rebuilt by Schmidt Automotive Racing in 2006. Hardened valves were used in the rebuild, so unleaded gas can be used. Premium fuel is needed. 2. 1970 was the last year of the high compression and horsepower for GM cars: this car is rated 325 HP with a 10.25:1 ratio; the 1972 engine is under 200 HP, even though it’s the same size block due to lower compression. This is a true muscle car, backed up with a TH350 transmission, which is almost indestructible. 3. The car has been meticulously maintained and as noted above, every effort made to use original parts. This has been a nine-year challenge in some cases. Top is in great condition, raises/lowers with no problems. Interior and carpet all replaced in 2003, windshield replaced in 2004 with date-correct windshield. Chrome in good shape. 4. It turns heads wherever it goes. While there were over 10,000 Cutlass Convertibles produced in 1970, the number on the road is very few – I have yet to be at a car show where another ’70 was. I've been asked why am I selling this car, given all I've put into it. The original plan was to take this car to cruise-ins with the family. But plans and schedules changed, and now it sits in the garage most of the time; it’s been driven only six times this summer, never more than 20 miles at a time. This isn’t good for an older car, and it’s time for someone who has more time to enjoy this beautiful, classic convertible. Since putting this up for sale, I've had it out one time when a local party was looking at the car. It needs driven, and I don't have time any longer. I have a reserve price on this, well below what I have invested in the car. As anyone who has ever restored an older car knows, one does not get back what one has invested - I quit keeping track as I approached $30k. I am under no pressure – either financial or from my wife – to sell, and the car could easily sit in the garage for another 10 years, which is when I’ll finally have time again to do something with it. That said, it needs a new home and a new loving owner. My hope is to find that person soon, so it can be driven to a new home before the weather turns, as there are still many more weekends the car can be enjoyed, before it should be covered for the winter (said cover included). I really do not want to look at this car sitting in the garage again all winter long, when I know somewhere out there is someone who would appreciate it. Now, the fine print: while I drive this occasionally, and would have absolutely no reservations taking it anywhere given most of critical parts are less than 6 years old with very few miles on them, it still is a 42 year old car. There are no guarantees or warranties. I have this car listed for sale in several other places, so I reserve the right to end the auction at any time, without notice. I don't want another vehicle as part of the purchase: I don't have time to maintain any more items with sparkplugs. I will not disclose the reserve price, so please don’t ask. For an estimate of what this car is worth: go to www.nadaguides.com, and look up the value of a 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible in average condition; my reserve is below that. Down payment via PayPal required on auction completion, and the balance by certified funds (e.g., cashier’s check) at the time the sale is completed. Thanks for looking; thanks for bidding!