1971 Cutlass Supreme SX factory 455

1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX Additional Info:

1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass SX, factory 455

Up for reluctant sale is my 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass SX. A recent addition to the collection now means one too many cars so one needs to go so I can get my truck back in the garage.

This is a true, matching numbers factory 455 car with 4bbl TH400 transmission and 2.56:1 “Turnpike Cruiser” open rear differential. This car is one of 1,820 manufactured in 1971. How many can be left 47 years later? Additionally, this one has survived with its original, born with, matching numbers 455 engine which I don’t believe has ever been out of the car. The metal tag on the transmission says 71 OD. I can’t see the partial VIN stamped on the transmission housing though it’s highly probable it’s also original to the car. If I can verify while the auction is running I’ll update.

It’s equipped with manual windows and door locks, and front split bench seat with fold-down arm rest. Options on this car are; power drum brakes, power steering, air conditioning (all there but inoperative), optional lighting package which also includes the map light in the rear-view mirror, sport mirrors, and of course the factory RPO code Y79 “SX” package.

I don’t have the window sticker or build sheet to authenticate the “SX” package from a paperwork standpoint but do have old pictures of this car with the SX emblems on the front fenders, it does have the front braces installed behind the front fender wells that only the 455 cars had, and the VIN pad on the engine block matches the VIN on top of the dash removing all doubt this is a factory 455 Cutlass Supreme SX. There is not a single documented case of a factory 455 installed in a Cutlass in 1970 or 1971 unless it was either an SX or 442. In 1972 however, the “SX” option was dropped and you could get the 455 without the 442 option. Rest assured, it’s the real deal.

This Cutlass has had some money spent on it - newer paint, newer factory correct and properly installed vinyl top, newer re-chromed bumpers, newer tires with near zero wear, new emblems and weather-stripping all around including the trunk seal. On the interior it’s all new as well - new carpet, reproduction door sills, new headliner, rear package tray, reproduction door panels, reproduction upholstery, etc. At the time of interior restoration an Oldsmobile sport steering wheel was also installed which sets off the dash nicely.

The drum brakes were new last fall with new master cylinder, new pads, new wheel cylinders, new drums, new brake hardware on all four corners plus the old brake fluid flushed and refilled. The brakes work very well and don’t seem much different than the 1970 SX I had prior to this one which had front disks, rear drums.

Prior to paint, the car had very little rust repair – I have pictures to show the condition prior to paint including the best part, the rust free, patch free floors and trunk. The quarters had some small repairs down very low. See trunk pictures showing otherwise, uncut quarters. Again, very small. The rear edge of the original trunk lid did have rust and it was replaced prior to paint.

The exhaust is a factory style aluminized exhaust with the proper factory style tips exiting the factory “cutout” bumper which was unique to the Cutlass SX and 442 models.

An 80’s era Realistic AM/FM high power Alpine look-alike cassette player is neatly installed in the dash which was an NOS unit when I bought it several years ago. It also has new Pioneer 6x9s in the rear deck under reproduction metal speaker grills as well as speakers in the kick panels under Q-Forms factory looking kick panels finished in the proper interior color. It’s all neatly installed and tastefully finished.

Things that work are;

· All dash lights

· Headlights and tail lights

· Turn signals

· Brake lights

· The windows and locks are manual and in working condition

Things that need attention are;

· The air conditioning as previously mentioned. It’s all there but need a going over and probably o-rings replacements to seal it up and possibly other components.

· The horn needs the appropriate contact installed for the sport steering wheel which was installed by the last owner. Inexpensive at Year One and other places

· The HVAC blower needs a blower resistor as the fan doesn’t blow on all speeds. Inexpensive at Year One and other places

· The PRNDL indicator doesn’t point to selected gear but the transmission works in all gears

Summary - This is a good honest car that that isn’t perfect but is very nice, presents itself well, hides nothing and is ready for the next owner to take it to the next level. I don’t think the engine or the transmission have ever been out of the car though both function well. It starts easily, idles smooth and runs well. It does leave some small drips on the floor so I do leave carboard under it. I think new pan gaskets would take care of most of this. To take it to the next level, I’d pull the motor, freshen it up, paint and detail it and the engine bay so under the hood it would then match the condition of the rest of the car. Or, you can leave it as-is if you like. Again, from a functional standpoint it runs fine as is and I’d not hesitate to drive it anywhere within reason. Of all the cars I have I really enjoy this one as it’s a nice driver with nice steering, brakes and handling - I’ll miss it.

Terms:

All winning bids are final. Please DON’T bid if you can’t follow through with the purchase or need approval from your spouse to finalize the purchase. Deposit of $1,000 is expected by PayPal within 48 hours of auction end with full payment in CASH within 14 days with the cash transfer at my bank. Ask any questions in advance but don’t expect to show up, wheel and deal and dicker back and forth on price after the auction. I’m fair and easy to deal with but can spot a scammer a mile away so don’t waste my time or yours. I won’t fall for fake bank checks, phishing attempts of phony escrow services. Lastly, the car won’t part from my hands under any circumstances until I have full payment in hand – period.