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I’ve been looking for a car me and my pop to fix up for his birthday. He likes fixing up old cars,classic cars, any car really. That’s besides the point I don’t know why year of Oldsmobile to get him. I know it’s about preference, but I wanna know which year do you guys think was the best.
Total matter of personal preference! I started driving in mid 80's so I do like most of the cars from that era. I also helped the family down the road work on restore most the early to mid 70's A bodies when I was 10-14 year old. I owned an 87 442 and last bodied Bravada. I still own a 1970 Cutlass Supreme and 2004 Alero.
Pat
Last edited by 1970cs; December 4th, 2019 at 02:05 AM.
Depend upon (amongst many other factors) your budget and skill level.
A pre-war car will be fairly simple to work on, but finding any parts you need might be a major challenge, a badge engineered late B, G, or H body shouldn't present much difficulty but won't be a head turner at shows.
As with any classic car, buy the best you can afford, buying a basket case cheap will almost certainly be a very expensive and frustrating adventure.
But like Joe said, you will get as many answers as models made. You need to decide which models and years you like, and see what is available. Perhaps when you have a shortlist you could ask about any pitfalls or particular trouble spots they might have. No better place to ask than on this forum!
What are you going to do with it? If you just want to turn wrenches come to my house, got lots of stuff that needs wrenching. If you just want a driver get something in the 80-90's and buy your parts at any parts store. Late 60's and up to mid 70's A bodies is muscle era and in more demand with more after market stuff available Then again if you like mid fifties stuff you will turn heads every where and if a convertible even more so but parts are getting harder to find( especially anything convertible)and getting expensive.
Pick your poison and your price carefully once started it's hard to quit when you get in too deep. And remember the four D's for a bargain..... Divorce , death, desire, and debt. Usually there is a better price when the D's are around, don't be in too much of a rush and always look out for RUST. Just a few thoughts..... Lost in the fifties ...Tedd
Your question is kind of like saying "how far is up". A 70's or 80's car is going to have more parts available. The A bodies prior to 1973 are going to cost more to purchase. Tedd hit on one thing to pay attention to and that is RUST. Body work and paint are very expensive. It really depends on what kind of car you like and how much work you can do yourself. Good luck and let us know what you do.
The best I can do Ethan is give you a peak into my minds eye. I'm 50 years old and have been into Olds since 1986. Been driving one on and off ever since, as a matter of fact regardless of what I own or owned I believe I have always had an Oldsmobile in my possession since 1987. The years I have owned range from 1966 - 1988 and it was always a solid reliable car. So after 30 + years of Olds ownership, fandom, etc. This is my take.
Oldsmobile Peaked a long time ago, and I mean way before they went defunct. 1966 - 1972 was their peak. They never made a more special, durable, reliable, or quicker performing vehicle. Unlike many other companies they did not stay cutting edge or last long enough to have a renaissance like Buick, Chevy, or Dodge for instance.
The finest car they ever made is the first generation Toronado 1966 - 1970. This was the hey world look what we can make vehicle and boy did they nail it !
1964 442s were Oldsmobile telling Pontiac and the world we can make a nice performer too. 442s were the answer.
Midsize Cutlass coupes and sedans 1964-1988 RWD were and still can be everyday grinders, built to last, easy to maintain....
With that said I would be proud to own many a Oldsmobile within 1964-1988 and i'm sure some before or even after those years but i'm just not that familiar with them.
Things to consider. looks, size, luxury, parts availability, peak performance, and value.
442 or Hurst Olds 1966-1972 are probably some of the most valuable cars from these years depending on options.
1970 was/is Oldsmobiles commonly referenced peak performance year. Although 1966 - 1972 W30 essentially always had about the same net horsepower. After 1970 small block power started to fade.
I would think Cutlass being such a huge seller and still very popular to this day probably has best parts availability.
Luxury, Toronado, then many a full size, 98s, etc.
Full size models are great, but enormous. Fitting in some house garages could be next to impossible...
Looks, I am a coupe guy and a Cutlass guy so i lean that way. Although i have never owned one, 1970 - 1972 notch-back coupe hardtop is the most beautiful car they ever made IMHO.
I have felt this Cutlass body style above to be both handsome and beautiful at the same time for about 25 years now. They are even better looking in person and need a full walk around to fully appreciate. The body style literally looks good from every angle.
I am also a big fan of fourth generation 1973 - 1977 Colonnade Cutlass in the looks department. However so far 1968 - 1972 fastback coupes like my 69 have won out, simply because i still prefer a more aggressive look.
There are more important things to consider than the year. First would be what era(s) and body style(s) interests your dad. Second, what are your and your Dad's goals for this car? What are your abilities regarding restoring or working on a car, can you do body work, mechanical work, etc? As an example I can rebuild an engine, but I'd need to hire out rust repair. Budget?
obviously you and Dad want to get a car that requires some "wrenching" so look for something that forfills your wants, needs, and budget but still needs some tlc. Good luck.
Looks, I am a coupe guy and a Cutlass guy so i lean that way. Although i have never owned one, 1970 - 1972 notch-back coupe hardtop is the most beautiful car they ever made IMHO.
I wholeheartedly agree on this, a 1970 Cutlass Supreme is my favorite.
I also think 1970 was the pinnacle for classic Oldsmobiles. They had the most power and the engines got neutered after that.
I do also like 1978-80 Hurst Olds. Those can be had fairly cheap.
I would narrow it down to a few and see what is out there.
December 3rd, 2019, 10:59 PM
