Ran When Parked: 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass
The “ran when parked” phrase in a car listing has become an almost comical line for us car enthusiasts. After a car sits for many years a phrase like that becomes virtually irrelevant, knowing that many times considerable work will need to happen to get it going again. This 1969 Olds Cutlass, found here on eBay, may not follow the same “running when parked” storyline.
The seller of this Rocket 350 powered Olds doesn’t specify how long the car has been sitting but does say that it turns over and was running when parked. Thankfully, it has been stored inside its entire life. This may indicate that getting it running again may not be as much of a task like something that has been sitting in the weeds for a few decades.
The big selling point for this car is that it is claimed to a one-owner, all original, garage kept time capsule. Like any nearly 50-year-old car it’s not perfect, but being 100% complete and original makes this a tempting project to take on. Additional paperwork and related information help to validate its history.
The seller states that the car will need to be gone through since it has been sitting for a significant amount of time. The original mileage isn’t given, but having original spark plugs and hoses is an interesting note here. It is also said to be 99% rust free, with some appearing on the left front fender. It’s hard to tell what the paint’s overall condition is based on the fact that it looks to have just been pulled out of the carwash. The $6,500 asking price seems decent for such an original car, but since it’s not running what might be the best offer for this garage find?
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Comments
Oldsmobile didn’t use red heater hoses and worm gear hose clamps. Who does the seller think he is kidding? Also, the metal fuel line has been butchered and rubber hose spliced in. Why does it have black seats with no headrests and tan door panels?
Body looks extremely solid though.
It’s down to 45 now. I guess the original hoses and plugs must be in a box. AC is disconnected, rad is missing. New water pump in place. Wet look pictures on a trailer. The blacked out rockers and floor pans are making me think failed project or divorce fire sale a flipper got for a song and a dance. The price is right though. I tip my hat to the seller for keeping it real during auction fever. Definitely a couple weekend’s of wrenching and sweat equity could make this a fun driver. Only thing I would change are rims and tires.
Fooling anyone how? This was someone’s car for years before it was parked, and he probably maintained it and replaced things like heater hoses as needed. Most people don’t worry that the hose clamps aren’t factory correct with 3.22 mm screw slot width, they put the car back into service, with parts from their local auto parts store. So the red heater hose and clamps means nothing, and I’m not sure what your point was.
I don’t give a crap about original hose clamps, but the seller is claiming all original hoses when it clearly isn’t the case. He is stupid or assumes his buyers are.
RE: the “ran when parked” Comment, yep its a catchall Phrase, but a savvy seller that knows what the deal was when parked makes the sale go easier. Maybe the eng was blown when it was parked? Turns over, u would think they would at least attempt to get it going. Easier to sell that way! Also agree that ran when parked is one anyone could use!!
Cheers
GPC
I’ll bet he tried to get it going (his tool cart is parked right next to the car). I guess “ran when parked” is worth a little more than “doesn’t run”.
I heard that early 69 models didn’t have headrests, it was a mid-year change. This car is a rare post model, and has factory AC and power brakes. An excellent candidate for restoration, I hope it finds a good home and is restored to original.
Car went through PDI in April, so it isn’t an early car.
Next time I list a car, I am going to say “ran when manufactured”.
or, “ran when I parked it in my driveway 10 minutes ago”
I remember when these cars were new, but this is the first two-door post 1969 Cutlass I have ever seen.
Body looks straight + solid floors & trunk + post body style + roof looks to probably be intact under the vinyl + little rust on at least one door (which may be hard to replace considering the rarity of 2 door post cars but it could possibly be fixed) = good buy for $4,500. The person who buys this could care less about original hoses or the butchered A/C. If it’s destined to be restored, those parts will be replaced anyway.
Someone bought it now for $4500.
that was my first car back in 93 as a teenager. Too bad I didn’t have it too long before I wrecked her, the man that car there looks almost exactly like her and I miss her a lot, injoy.