I recently bought a 68 Cutlass that I am finishing a frame off resto that was mostly completed before I bought it. What is the difference b/w an F85, a Cutlass and a Cutlass S?

Thanks!

 

Levels of trim.

 

Olds (and most automakers) offered three-four different models in each car line with varying levels of trim and standard equipment. The model names varied over the years as well. When the small Olds line was first released in the 1961 model year, the models were called F-85, F-85 Deluxe, and Cutlass. Over the years the Deluxe nomenclature became the Cutlass, the Cutlass S was added, and the Supreme was also added as the luxury version. In 1968 the 442 also became a separate model line in the same A-body car line.

Frame, sheet metal, and most drivetrain parts are common. Differences were things like chrome trim, upholstery pattern, base engine, and suspension tuning.

In the mid 1970s, Olds (and GM) started changing the sheet metal among these different models, even though the chassis and suspension were the same.

 

Welcome to the site... Joe summed it up quite well to help answer your question...

 

I'd like to say welcome to the site as well. Show us some pics when you get the chance.

 

Thanks! The reason for my confusion is that during the restoration by the previous owner an F85 sticker was applied to the car but also Cutlass S emblems are also on the car. Is this correct?

 

Depends. What is the VIN?

In the 1968 model year, there were only two versions of the F-85 offered, the town sedan (4dr) and the club coupe (2dr post). The F-85 VIN starts 331... if it was originally a six and 332... if it was originally a V8.

Cutlass models included the flattop wagon, holiday sedan (4dr HT), convert, town sedan (4dr post), sports coupe (2dr post), and holiday coupe (2dr HT). A six cyl Cutlass VIN starts 335... and a V8 Cutlass VIN starts 336....

Cutlass Supreme models were the holiday sedan, town sedan, and holiday coupe. Supremes were only offered with the V8 and VINs started 342...