1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Tribute Convertible

Description

We love cars like this 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Tribute convertible. They offer great looks, plenty of V8 power, good creature comforts, and a classic convertible feel that's better than most cars of the period. How can you go wrong with that?

The maroon paint on this Olds is just the right period shade to make the convertible look great in the sun. We seldom see bodywork this good on cars this reasonably priced, and there was clearly a sizeable investment in getting it to look this good. White stripes down the flanks and on the Scoops in the 442 hood, along with the big wing on the deck lid, add a sporty, muscle car look that it isn't over-done; the Old's natural curves seem to lend themselves perfectly to the strip package. The quarter panels are smooth, the doors line up well, and aside from the aforementioned stripes, there aren't any deviations from the factory put on 442s, so it has a nicely detailed look that's just right. There's also plenty of chrome and bright trim, including on the exhaust tips, around the windshield, and in the form of big block numbers on the deck lid and fenders that proudly spell out "442" for everyone to see. Clean lenses, a power convertible, and that iconic split grille up front adorned with the 442 badge definitely make this one look like a grown up's hot rod.

The handsome Sienna interior is either all-original or an older NOS replacement, and offers a great complement to the bodywork without adding a clashing color to the mix. It's standard Oldsmobile fare, which means a bit of luxury to go with your muscle, and it's particularly effective here. The seat covers are in great shape, especially the ones in the back, and the rest of the interior is nicely maintained so you can cruise without worries. The woodgrained appliques on the dash and door panels are likely original too, and the factory gauges are bright and crisp and there are seat belts at all five positions. Auxiliary gauges have been slotted neatly under the dash, since Olds didn't give you much beyond the basics, and goodies like factory A/C are very welcome. An Audioxox AM/FM/Cassette stereo lives in the dash, and a three-spoke steering wheel with an Oldsmobile horn cap rests on the original column and is joined by the shifter for the automatic transmission. A snug-fitting white top provides an upscale touch that's welcomed on the darker colors, and includes a plastic window rear window, so you never have to worry about it breaking when it's stowed away. Out back there's also a factory fifth wheel and tire in the spacious trunk, along with a jack assembly and a correct plaid mat.

Oldsmobile's "Rocket" 350 cubic inch V8 shares very few parts with its corporate cousins, so it has a personality all its own. Olds was always about torque, and even this small block delivers in a big way, making the convertible feel effortless in everything it does. It starts easily, idles smoothly, and goes about its business in an unobtrusive way, exactly right for a car whose first priority is luxury. The engine is indeed the car's, original, number's matching unit and is nicely detailed in Oldsmobile Gold paint with correct decals on the chrome air cleaner. You'll also find a factory-style 4-barrel carburetor and intake, a newer alternator, the aforementioned factory A/C, and a power booster for the braking system. Dual exhaust gives it a distinctive sound that's unique to Oldsmobile V8s and the turn-downs just under the rear bumper keep it looking super-cool. GM's reliable TH350 3-speed automatic transmission was the gearbox of choice behind the small block V8 and it feeds highway-friendly gears in the 10-bolt rear. Pretty Rally II wheels accentuate the muscle car look and now carry fat 235/60/15 white-letter BFGoodrich rubber.

This is one of those well-maintained cars that's a joy to own. Trust us on this one, an Oldsmobile is the one you want, not a garden-variety Chevelle. Call today!