1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Resto-Mod

Oldsmobile Cutlass 1971 Description

First off, this is a very rare "post coupe" model. According to Oldsmobile, only 6.8% (4339 of the 63,145) 1971 Cutlass S V8 cars were post coupes. So limited in production, everyone who knows these Oldsmobile's asks me how I found one.

The first owner of this Cutlass had it from new in '71 until '95. That second owner purchased it with only 44,00 original miles and had it from '95 until I purchased in April 2003.

The second owner had the body totally redone with new fenders and quarter panels and a very high quality, absolutely gorgeous "Maui Blue" paint job in 2000. Aside from a few very minor blemishes (only visible under close examination) the paint still looks like new today.

Once the body restoration was complete, the second owner won trophies at classic car shows all over New England.

I purchased the Cutlass in April 2003 with an authenticated 58,000 miles on it. At that time, it had the original 350 Rocket motor, 2bbl carb and 3 spd A/T on the column. The interior was 100% original right down to the original seat belts (still in place).

I kept it just like that until 2008 when I found (after a very long search) an original Olds 455 "F" block (OE in 1970-72) and decided it was time to take the car to the next level.. and beyond.From there, no expense was spared in making this the one-of-a-kind, resto-mod street machine it is today.

Starting with the engine build, the entire drive-train was upgraded.

The engine was built by the high-performance engine pro's @ Golen Engine Service very close to the specifications of a 455 build published by Car Craft. That engine made 469 horsepower and 565 torque with the smaller XE274H cam. This engine, with the same Edelbrock aluminum heads but next level XE284H cam is estimated at 480 horse with 550 torque. One hell of a motor with more raw power than anything Oldsmobile (and everyone else) produced from the factory back then!

The transmission is an Art Carr 200-4R Extreme Duty 4-Speed Automatic w/ 10” Heavy-Duty Super Torque Converter. A serious upgrade from the factory 3 spd!

The original 10 bolt non-posi rear (now in my garage) was upgraded to a 12 Bolt rebuilt w/ Eaton Posi and 3.55 Ratio Gears.

Exhaust now flows rather awesomely through ceramic coated Hooker Super Competition 1 7/8” Headers into a complete stainless steel MagnaFlow Performance 3” Dual w/ Tru-X Pipe.

There is literally nothing under the hood that wasn't upgraded, including Desert Cooler radiator, high-performance starter and aluminum pulley set.

The interior received a new OE carpet but otherwise the dash, door panels, rear seat and headliner are original and, except for minor wear on the driver's side arm rest, are in excellent condition. The factory bench front seat is upgraded to Pro-Car Custom Bucket Seats split by a floor mounted Hurst Pro-Matic Shifter. A Flaming River Polished Tilt Steering Column w/ Olds Walnut Wood Steering Wheel replaces the factory non-tilt unit.

The ignition has been moved from the steering column to where the cigarette lighter was in the dash. Very trick.

The non-tach factory gauges have been upgraded to a show quality Rally Pack & Tach setup as was factory equipped on 1970-72 Cutlass/442 with Rally Pack option.

Tunes are greatly improved yet have that factory look with the Custom Autosound Receiver w/ Alpine Speakers.

Along with new wheel cylinders and brake lines, the suspension was upgraded with stainless steel front disc brake conversion, PST polygraphite front end kit w/ heavy duty 1-1/4" front sway bar (bigger than a 442), heavy duty boxed rear control arms w/ 1” rear sway bar and KYB gas shocks.

The front Cutlass grille was replaced with a '71 442 grille and matching black headlight surrounds that look great with the black racing stripes.

Has Oldsmobile original style rubber floor mats and trunk mat.

Total investment in upgrades exceeds $20K and I have a BIG folder of all the receipts to prove it.

This show quality Cutlass is always immaculate and only used as a sunny day toy. I have only washed it several times in the last 14 years as it's always kept clean and polished as you see in the pics. You could start your own fan club driving it around as it attracts plenty of positive attention wherever it goes.

Actual mileage on vehicle is now 67.4K but the drive-train (along with all upgrades) is under 5K.Runs/drives beautifully. Truly turn-key.. needs nothing.

The selling price is not an asking price. I don't need to sell and won't unless the selling price is met.This ultra low mileage, unique resto-mod Cutlass is well worth every penny!

The selling price includes the original 'matching numbers' 350 Rocket engine that has never been rebuilt and is on a stand in my garage and the other original parts (rear-end, steering column, grilles, etc.)

I encourage in-person inspections but no joy rides without me behind the wheel until you own vehicle.

Feel free to ask any questions. Thanks!

Steve