Skylark

Hello,
I am interested in a 1968-1972 Cutlass convertible. I am willing to spend $15k to $25k. I am looking for a solid driver which does not have to be in perfect showcar condition.

The 442 is probably out of my price range and I am not interested in a clone.
A big block 455 however is definitely of interest.

I live in Germany and in order to get the car street legal as historic vehicle, it should be pretty much in original condition. Modifications are allowed as long as they would have been possible at the time of the production of the car. For example disk brake conversion is ok, but replacing carbs with fuel injection is not.

I do not have preferences in regards to color (exterior and interior), bench or bucket, power options (windows, roof, as long as they work if installed), air, stick or auto.

I am looking forward to decent offers. I would also appreciate some feedback of the board experts as to the condition of a car which can be expected in the price range I am willing to spend.

Thanks, Ralf

Texas442

I assume modifying Standard Points Ignition to HEI is not allowed since HEI was not offered in 68-72. Many of the cars I see advertised have HEI, so they will have to be converted back to points.

69 blue 442

Pm me if interested

70sgeek

A pertronix upgrade under a stock points-style cap (or presumably their Flamethrower electronic billet distributor unit) would likely be ok though since it doesn't change the appearance of it

Skylark

Question to the experts:
Was the SX the only option to get a 455 in 1968 to 1972 Cutlass (beside 442)?

Skylark

Update: Still looking

After my first attempt to buy a SX failed (boy, pictures and appraisals can mislead), I am still looking for a nice ride.

However I somewhat changed the scope:
1970 - 1972 Convertible
Cutlass, Cutlass SX, Cutlass 442, 442
must be 455 engine
no clones or tributes

Vehicle condition somewhere in between:
NO. 2: FINE
Well-restored or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original; also, an extremely well-maintained original showing very minimal wear.
NO. 3: VERY GOOD
Completely operable original or “older restoration” showing wear; also, a good amateur restoration, all presentable and serviceable inside and out. Plus combinations of well-done restoration and good operable components or a partially restored car with all parts necessary to complete and/or valuable NOS parts.

In that light I am willing to open the wallet some more : 15k - 50k

Thanks for any leads,
Ralf

4speed455

Looks like this one fits the bill and may be for sale soon.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...archid=4231505

11971four4two

HEY Ralf

My friend is going to sell his 442 convert. Real Deal
Maybe be nicer and more expensive than you desire
BUT WOW
NICE CAR

see link below

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...rtisement.html

Skylark

@ 4speed455: Nice car, although black is not my favorite choice for color. Still, please let me know when the day comes.
@ 11971four4two: you overestimate the size of my wallet :-)
@ all: please keep going with some offers, I am sure the right car for me is out there somewhere.
THX, Ralf

11971four4two

LOL
Not trying to pry into your rice bowl...

As of late there are a couple 72 cutlass converts locally around 20grand
But both small 350 motors. I know nothing about them other than ads on craigslist. Would you like links to them??

Cheers
b

droptopron

Good resource for this

https://www.oldsmobilecentral.com/search.php

Keep in mind, as you know, a 455 would only be factory in a select few 70 or 71's. Prob some more in 72 (designated by a U or V in in VIN) and none in 68 or 69. Plenty of nice, good running Olds out there with something other than a 455 in it.

droptopron

This looks really nice for the $$
https://www.oldsmobilecentral.com/fo...-Seattle-1.php

https://www.oldsmobilecentral.com/fo...me-Chesnee.php

11971four4two

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...578305164.html


https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/c...573877918.html

Skylark

Thank you guys for the leads and the advice.
Yes I noticed, that wanting the 455 comes with quite a premium, but the boy is somewhat fixed to the "BIG" toy. I will keep looking for a 455 for some time. I figure, that there are enough good 350's out there, so that eventually I still will be able to find one of those. I for sure do not want a clone or a tribute with a 350. I am more into understatement, so a SX would be very welcome.
What I found out already, is that one has to be quick. Two cars I was interested in have been sold within days.
Living in Germany is not helping either, as the lead times for having the pre-purchase inspection and the shipping scheduled put me in a disadvantage compared to a local buyer, who calls, comes, kicks the tyres and offers cash.

droptopron

A few years ago I sold my 70 Cutlass convertible to a guy in Denmark through ClassicOlds. He got comfortable with me & never had the car inspected. I sent him prob 100 pics and tried to be as honest as possible. The whole thing took some time so we both had to be patient. A lot of private sellers wouldn't be as patient so you'll have to contend with that. A dealer helps in that regard, but you pay a premium for what you get.

You can see it in post #14 in this thread. That was a nice car. Close to what you are looking for except a 400 instead of a 455 but still a big block

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...tain-look.html

11971four4two

spotted this one today

NOT MINE



https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...584115785.html

Skylark

@ droptopron: I am glad that the transaction went well, both for you and the danish buyer! In the light of my recent experience however I will not buy a car without a pre-purchase inspection.
I was close to buy a car and had numerous phonecalls and exchanged emails with the seller. The seller even provided me with an appraisal he received from the guy he purchased the car from. The appraisal was from 2015 and based on that I was very close to just buy the car w/o pre-purchase inspection. I am so glad I did not!
I don't think the seller was purposely dishonest, nor do I feel that he tried to scam me. In hindsight I think he payed way to much money for the car when he purchased it 2 years ago.
I believe it comes down to ones individual standards. That includes for example the question if everything is in working condition. Answer of the seller: YES, answer of the inspector (example AC and vent) NO (not really cold and only one of the blower stages working).
According to seller: matching numbers, however inspection did not find any proof for that. In contrary the block casting revealed that it can't be original (71 car with "FA" instead "F" casting).
And finally potentially different standards apply to craftsmanship as well. The inspector did make like 100+ pictures, including the areas the sellers typically do not show. Those pictures revealed many "repairs" performed not to my standard of craftsmanship (I know some may say now "come on thats typically for germans" ). In the end the investment for the pre-purchase inspection saved me from great disappointment 8 weeks later upon arrival of the car in Germany.

@ 11971four4two: Thanks for the lead, looks good and I will prepare my questionare and call the place.

72xw30

PM sent

Sam

Skylark

Update: Had my eyes on that one:
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...2/2043218.html
I called the place on friday, gathered some information about the car and talked money. Agreed with seller to talk again yesterday - car sold over the weekend. Anyway, what do you guys think about that car?

1971 442 convert

I am not an expert LOL like some of the boys and girls here.
However the car looks pretty good for the money.

droptopron

It looks to be a nice car and some nice options but the difference, and the devil, are in the details. Whenever possible, have someone look at the car on your behalf. Even if its just somebody from here that is close by.
Example - guy says its all matching #'s but none of the pics prove that. That terms also means different things to different people. It makes a difference in the value of the car so that should be confirmed.

Skylark

The car is listed for quite some time and I was hesitant to call. Sounded somewhat to good to be true. Typically I am not that lucky guy to hit the jackpot. Thought I would give it a try anyway.
In my conversation on Friday the seller explicit confirmed, that both, engine and transmission have the VIN deravitive. Because I was not able to get ahold of the seller yesterday by phone, I did send him an email asking for some pics of the block casting ID, cylinder head letter and VIN derative on block (I believe because it is a non AC car and the alternator is on the passenger side those should be accessible for a photo). Unfortunately the only reply was "The car is sold". I wanted these pictures before scheduling a pre-purchase inspection, as I already have spend 450$ for an inspection for another car which I ended up not buying. I do not want to effort that to often .
Anyway, car is gone and the story continues ....

brerabbit

Skylark, I have sent you a PM

BangScreech4-4-2

Nice car, but according to OP, he needs something a bit more factory.

brerabbit

Thanks for the heads up...just curious, whats not factory besides the Grant steering wheel?

BangScreech4-4-2

Stripe treatment, mirrors, 4-4-2 grille, audio system, and if it's the requisite 455 (see post #6), that sure ain't factory!

brerabbit

I also missed the *historic* designation in #1... I have a tendency to see what I want when it comes to selling a car apparently
When I read the part about "Modifications are allowed as long as they would have been possible at the time of the production of the car." I would have thought this included appearance mods possible at the time of production but was trying to rule out mechanical changes possible post production year. Thanks for the helpful insight

BangScreech4-4-2

No worries. You're right, you get a lot more latitude if you're keeping it "period correct".

americasclassics

If you are still interested I'm selling a Rare 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible, rare cause you can't find them unmolested any more . Has
350 rocket Oldsmobile Engine turns over (I can get her running with a carb rebuild), Complete inside and out, clean title, floor shift, automatic, original wheels in trunk.
Oh and it comes with an extra rebuild able 455 engine.
$8500 is the price, if you a Serious buyer I'm familiar with overseas shipping and know almost all shippers in the southern California area.
Call Miguel

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...601799419.html

Skylark

Thanks to all who contributed and who provided offers.
I found a car close to a friend who did the inspection for me. It is not a Oldsmobile, but still a GM. It is a 1970 Buick Skylark. If of any interest I will post some pictures once the car is in my posession.
Cheers,
Ralf

BangScreech4-4-2

Love to see it. Best of luck!