BF Auction: 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible

• Seller: Jeff F riedman
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Mileage: 99,254 Shown
• Chassis #: 338676Z105xxx
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 330 V8
• Transmission: Jetaway Auto

Locating a project candidate that doesn’t require hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars in rust repairs can be challenging. However, this 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible ticks the right boxes for potential buyers. It is rock-solid, complete, and features a range of desirable factory options. This beauty has been in warehouse storage for over a decade, and the owner feels it deserves a new home with an enthusiast who can return this classic to its former glory. Therefore, he has listed the Convertible with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

The first thing that struck me about this Cutlass beyond its complete nature is the lack of rust. Scrolling through the image gallery is worthwhile because you will be impressed by how clean the floors, frame, trunk pan, and lower body extremities are. The winning bidder won’t need a grinder and welder for this beauty because its needs are essentially cosmetic. The Pale Blue paint cloaking its exterior isn’t original, with the Cowl Tag confirming it rolled off the line finished in attractive Lucerne Blue Metallic. Combined with a white top, this would have been a stunning car in its prime. It’s a power top, so stowing and raising is easy. The existing paint shows deterioration and is lifting in a few spots. Therefore, stripping it away would be worthwhile to achieve a high-end result. Some people find that prospect daunting, but it will add little to the restoration budget beyond the price of appropriate abrasives and some hours on the end of a sander if the buyer adopts a DIY approach. The panels are free from significant bumps, and apart from a couple of imperfections on the back bumper, the chrome and glass look comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade restoration. The top has some minor tears that might be repairable, and one of the welcome and classy factory options is a full set of wire wheel covers.

Powering this Cutlass is the company’s 330ci “Jetfire” V8 that delivered 310hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. The first owner teamed the engine with a two-speed “Jetaway” automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The mechanical combination should provide excellent performance, meaning the Cutlass will be equally comfortable prowling city streets or cruising at 70mph on the open road. The Convertible hasn’t fired a shot in anger since being parked a decade ago, but the owner confirms that it ran and drove perfectly at that time. It requires revival, which will involve flushing the fuel system, replacing some perishable items, and performing a thorough inspection. However, with the engine turning freely on the key, breathing life into this classic should be straightforward and inexpensive.

If this Olds has a genuine highlight, its interior might garner that honor. In addition to the power top, the first owner equipped it with air conditioning, power windows, bucket seats, a console, a clock, and a pushbutton radio. The interior presentation is surprisingly good for a classic of this vintage, carrying the hallmarks of a car treated respectfully. The first task facing the buyer will be performing a deep clean. The results will justify the time and effort because there is no evidence of any significant flaws or imperfections. The Blue upholstered surfaces are free from rips and wear, and the dash and pad are excellent, with the same true of the console. One challenge with owning an older Convertible is disguising a substandard interior, which isn’t a consideration in this case.

With winter fast approaching, now doesn’t seem the right time to spend money on a classic Convertible. However, this 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass is an exception to that rule because returning it to its former glory would be the ideal way to occupy those cold months. That way, it could be ready to provide the winning bidder with relaxed and comfortable top-down touring when the sun shows its face again. That prospect sounds attractive, and the best way to make it happen would be to drop a bid on this rock-solid gem.

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• History (18 bids)