Hey everyone,
First post in quite some time. Thinking about getting back into the Olds world and thinking about odd ball Olds. Did they make a Big Block F-85 69-72? How rare are W-31 F-85s? I'd like to get into a W car if possible.

Thanks,
Jon

 

For 1969, according to the 1969 Dealer Specs Book, the answer is no. The base V-8 was a regular fuel, 2-bbl 350 putting out 250 hp. The only optional engine (L74) was a high-compression, 4-bbl 350 putting out 310 hp. No mention of a 455 option for the F-85.

These were also the engine options for the Cutlass and the Cutlass S. For the Cutlass Supreme, the high-compression version was standard with the low compression version available for a $33.70 decrease in the price.

For the 442, the 400 was the only available engine.






For 1970, for the F-85, the only V-8 again was the 350. The W-31 option was available. No idea how many were sold.






For 1971 the 350 V-8 was still the only engine offered.

For 1972, you could get a 455 in an F-85 (option L-76).

 

Just keep in mind that the only body style branded as an F85 in 1972 was the Town Sedan 4dr. One of those with a 455 would be quite rare!
The 1972 Cutlass Hardtop Coupe was what used to be called an F85 in prior years (3287 model code). Same base trim package, just nameplate inflation.

 

I think they made around 200 1970 F85 W31's I believe? I have one of them.... no options to speak of, doesn't even have carpet.

 

That is "the" car! Beautiful!

 

Welcome back Jon.

I'm intrigued with the odd ball Olds as well. The combo you speak of, F85 coupe with a big block is the essence of muscle, raw vehicle all go. Unfortunately I don't believe the combo happened in 3rd generation (1968-1972). 2nd generation did it in spades, but that's another story.

As far as I can confirm F85 coupe ceased to exist after 1970. So you have three years to work with 68,69,70. None of which came with anything bigger or better than a W31 350 as far as performance went. But what an impressive engine and vehicle that was and is. Here are the specs you inquired about according to Year Ones Drivin' It Home.

F85, Ram Rod / W31 production numbers.

1968 only 38 produced out of 742 total production.

1969 only 212 produced out of 913 total production.

1970 only 207 produced out of 1352 total production.

http://www.drivinithome.com/cutlass-production-numbers/



Fantastic, it has all that matters, the GO package !

P.S. Indy Guy, your avatar pic does your car no justice. The pic you posted above is awesome, beautiful car.

 

What F-85s could get the police apprehender package?

Edit: None, apparently.

 

Unfortunately, 1968 was the last model year where the A-body line was offered under the police apprehender program. Starting with 1969, only the Delta line was offered. From the 1919 SPECS booklet:

 

Yes, I was perusing that myself. I can't find a 68 specs on line to check what engine came in the police apprehender.

 

Ask and ye shall receive.

Note RPO L77, the 350 HP 400 motor.

 

Cool stuff. Thanks for the replies and welcome back. I visit the forum probably about every 2 weeks, but now that I'm considering selling Dad's '67 Impala to get something more my speed, I came almost immediately back to Olds. I'm ok with a W-31 F-85 if I can find one and buy it without selling my soul. I'm game with an auto car but has to be big block, if manual I could go either way. I'm thinking $30k should find something pretty darn nice.

 

So, by the above, there is no big block F-85 69-72. You either need a F-85 68 Police Apprehender with 400 like Joe said above, or go for a W-31.

This is, of course, assuming you want to stay stock. You can always find a clean stripper F-85 and stuff a 455 in it.

 

If OP would consider a Cutlass Supreme, the SX had a big block.

 

Awesome, police apprehender didn't cross my mind. For me that's a Delta or 1964 442 lore.... I've even read up on a 1968 F-85 that was BO7 for Hot Rod but that was 310 HP 350.

Cant believe you guys found one but then again I should know better. So we are down to one model year 1968, as the only F85 coupe that could of been ordered with a big block.

Jon if you can find one it would be incredible. I think you have a very healthy budget in mind, so that wont be the problem. The big question is was an order ever placed. I'm leaning with yes but I bet the amount was minuscule. Then we are down to how many have survived.

 

Plus extremely hard to find. Here's another one, what about a 1970 F-85 Rallye 350 W-31 4 speed, or any base model Rallye 350 W-31 4 speed. How many if any built, can't be many. Heck I'd take a 4 speed Rallye and build it to W-31 specs.

 

That one is also zero. It has been fairly well determined there were no W-31 Rallye 350s. A car purporting to be one would need "royal lineage" level documentation.

 

Still on the lookout for the "right car". Still thinking 68-72 4 speed is almost a MUST at this point. I would prefer Big block, but the right small block would be ok as well. Not really into convertibles, but may consider for the right price. I'm open to anything from a stripped F-85 to a fully loaded Cutlass Supreme, color isn't a huge concern either. Still thinking $30k range, could maybe go a bit more for the "right car"

thanks

 

The 68-69 400 is barely a big block by most standards. I'd rather have a 350 if limited to those years.

 

Why not a u code 1972 hardtop.

 

Tell us more about your 67 Impala, pics? Is it Royal Plum or Madeira Maroon? 327 PG or? Love all 67-69, of course, soft spot SS427s, who doesnt.
Will you be trading/selling it to finance the Oldsmobile?

If you did not already, take a look in the classified section here. Post a wanted ad.

 

I'm game for a 72 U code as well.

 

Details on the '67. Well, first of all my Dad ordered it, second yes it is Royal Plum, third yes 275 hp 327 with a powerglide. It only has 34,211 miles as of right now. Unrestored and original everything, it was parked in the winter of '77 and was not "legally" on the road again until 2018, so just over 40 years of storage. Dad used to get it out about once a year and drive it around the yard to put a mile or two on it, this was because the break lines had rusted. In 2000 we built a new 40x60 steel building and it went in there got put on jack stands, and left there, so it didn't see the light of day for 18 years. to be honest I don't know what to do with it, I'm tore really, I hate to sell it, but it just isn't quite my cup of tea. It could be for sale for the right price to the right person. I can tell you more if you are interested.

 

Awesome W-31

 

Absolutely beautiful car. Is there a thread here on that car?
One of my brothers had a 69 F-85 that was painted turquoise before he bought it. Not sure what the factory color was. I will try and dig up pictures. He sold it to a co-worker that totalled it shortly after buying it.

 

I bet thats a fun little car to hotrod..