I am looking at purchasing this 71 Cutlass I believe its an "S". I am trying to figure out what a good purchase price would be. The car is very very clean and everything seems to be in good order. I know there are quite a few variables but am looking for opinions on value/purchase price. Thanks in advance.

 

As you've already figured out, it is NOT a real 442. The side chrome strips are Cutlass, not 442. The engine is apparently a 350, the brake booster and M/C are aftermarket (and the booster is smaller in diameter than OEM). The console looks cool but is not factory Cutlass. The value depends on how well it's been put together, especially what's under that repaint (note the overspray on the underside of the hood at the cowl vents). How much rust, and how well was it repaired. What is the mechanical condition? What's the trans and rear end?

Value could be anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000. Can't narrow it down from these photos alone.

 

Right now it's got a turbo 350 trans, not sure on the rear end. The paint quality seems pretty good but a few areas the prep work wasn't the best as you noticed. Body lines and sheet metal gaps are all quite good. From what I can tell there isn't much filler or poor repairs on the body.

 

Theres a similar 69 cutlass on my area cl that has not sold in6 or more months. He started at 12k is now at 8.5k. Based on pics and description is comparable IMO it also has a 350/350 , non std console, good paint and appearance, even similar rims! Based on that I will say 6-8k would seem like the market value ( depending on variables) in the NE area

 

As Joe mentioned, this is a 'tribute' or 'clone' 442. In addition to the side body strips, the 442 never had rocker chrome either. X2 on the comments about the other notable areas to look at.

Check the VIN on the car. It will likely start out as 33687 (Cutlass S) or 33627 (base Cutlass). A true 442 would start out (in this case) as 34487 and would be equipped with a 455/400 engine trans.

The car looks good and has obviously been resprayed (the term most often used to flip cars quick - resale red) as evidenced by the overspray under the hood.

IMO it's worth what you're willing to write a check for.

 

Tribute cars or "clones" have that thing. Purists hate them and you kind of cringe when the unknowing say "hey nice 442". Should you bother correcting them or just let it go? Well, the "thing" brings the price down even if the work is dandy fine.

To me it's a fun driver and a good looking one. Show car? Not so much. The car is what it is no matter how tricky they got gussying her up. I'm thinking in the $7-8K range (West Coast) as well.

The problem is the sellers often convince themselves - they're just like a 442 and expect crazy money. Don't bite!

 

I look at things a bit differently. It costs $xxxx amount of dollars to make a nice car. Not knowing how it drives or what was used in building the car makes it hard to put a price on it. A new paint job, interior, some 442 emblems, and nice shiny wheels does not make it a performance car. I would think the car as it sits on used car lot would bring a minimum of $10k if it's as nice in person.


As Allan states and I've always agreed with this point, "it's only worth what someone will stroke a check for".

 

That's a nice Cutlass. Is that a stock color? It looks orange to me.

 

X2
Also research common rust areas and check like trunk ,rear quarters and rear lower window check inside the trunk look as far down as you can against the wheel well. Filler can hide lots I just got done redoing some and had a hand full of surprises from filler. If you look in the right spots rust can be spotted. I would check all body mounts and floor as well.

 

I can only speak to what the car seems to be worth to me. Assuming it is a nicely running original 350 engine and 350 trans to the car, with a decent paint job, I'd say, for me, somewhere around 8k. Reason being, you can find unmolested Cutlasses for 12-16k, and I'd have to fix the brakes, replace the wheels and the console, and badge it back to what it needs to be before I'd be happy with it.

Like said above, rust, and non-original powertrain will lower the price.

 

It may just be the picture but it looks like rust above the windshield molding on the drivers side. That would be a bad sign.

 

If you buy it, please take the 442 badges off and put the S badges back on. I don't understand why anyone feels the need to put 442 badges on a nice S. What's wrong with having a nice S ? S's can be fast too.

Of course half the time I am embarrassed by my '87 even though it came from the factory as a 442 (that HO 307 with it's magnificent 180 hp (on a good day) doesn't impress).

 

Also having a "non-stock" Oldsmobile, I'm going to just repeat what other said before. Its worth as much as you are willing (but most importantly able) to sell it for. You can get estimates from other stock cars that have sold, but there will always people that love the wheels, and hate the wheels. Same with color, interior, etc...

I think it looks good. I takes longer to sell a custom car just because you have to find the right buyer, but I would say finding something between 10k-14k wouldn't be to farfetched.

 

It's worth more than my 70 Cutlass which will be towed to the junk yard come spring time.