Hello all,

My 12 year old is showing interest in a 71' Cutlass, 4-door, auto on the column with a 350. I am asking/hoping he will write a letter to inquire about it and was curious about the range they sell in. This car appears to be original and in quite good shape. No idea if it would turn over or start, but I don't expect it would take much, it was licensed through 2010'. I assume being a 4 door brings value down some, I know it does for my 52' Chevy Styleline (project). Is this a $2,500 car if it starts/runs? or more? I wouldn't likely offer over $1,500 for a non runner, but I expect they would get it going.

TIA, Chris & Gabe

 

You're right that the 4-doors aren't as popular as the 2-doors by any means. But it's still a Cutlass from a desirable era.

There were three Cutlass lines in 1971, the base Cutlass, Cutlass S, and Cutlass Supreme. Only the Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme were offered in 4-door versions.

In running-but-needing-full-restoration condition, the Old Cars Price Guide values a 4-door '71 Cutlass at about $2,700. A 4-door Cutlass Supreme is valued at $3,100. Obviously, if the car does not run, it's worth less than these values.

As an FYI, the next rung up the ladder, in "car show" but not showroom condition, these values rise to $6,100 and $7,000, respectively. Contrast these with $10,100 and $11,300 for two-door Cutlass and Cutlass Supremes.

 

If it were me, I'd look for a 2 door for him.

 

Unless it is a 4 door hardtop. That would be cool.

My .02

Larry

 

I bought a nice Two Door Cutlass Supreme for $2500.00 last year. It ran but needed transmission work.

 

Thanks for the help all.

 

If you check the values in Collector Car Market Review, which I think is more accurate for these less-collectible cars, you will find that a '71 4-door Cutlass is listed as
#5: $625, #4: $1,800, #3: $3,950, #2: $6,675, #1: $10,025



Here are their relevant condition descriptions:

#3 Good: Presentable inside and out with some signs of wear. Not detailed but very clean. Body should be straight and solid with no apparent rust and absolutely no rust-through anywhere. Shiny, attractive paint but may have evidence of minor fading or checking or other imperfections. Runs and drives well. May need some minor mechanical or cosmetic work but is fully usable and enjoyable as is.

#4 Fair: runs and drives OK but needs work throughout the vehicle. Body shows signs of wear or previous restoration work. Any rust should be minimal and not in any structural areas. Cosmetics, body, and mechanics all need work to some degree.

#5 Poor: In need of complete restoration, but is complete and not a rust bucket beyond repair. May or may not run. Not roadworthy.


A car like you describe is probably a #5 or a #4, which list in the $625 to $1,800 range, which is well within the range you are talking about, so I think your estimate is good.

A #3 is actually quite a nice car - used, but clean, and fully operational.
A #4 is a completely functional car that needs some work, which is probably what you're talking about.

As always, photos would help.

Welcome to ClassicOlds.

- Eric

 

Interesting point. In '71, all base Cutlass 4-doors were post cars. Only the 4-door Supreme was a hardtop. The even lower-line F-85 was available only as a 4-door post.

 

I was looking for the thread but couldn't find it. Not too long ago a member here was trying to sell a running driving 1966 4 door with a few upgrades. If I remember right he was down near the $2,000 mark and still not getting a buyer. Sad as it is, the 4 doors just don't have the demand and are likely to continue being parted to build 2 door cars.


John

 

Here's the thread I was looking for. It doesn't say the sale price, but he was asking $2,500


https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...uxe-sedan.html

 

Most younger car enthusiasts don't have the anti-4-door prejudices some of us older guys have. Maybe because 90% of the cars they've seen growing up have been 4-doors. If he likes the 4-door body style don't let that hold you up from grabbing it at a fair price.


He'll still be cooler than 90% of what's in his high school parking lot.