Vehicle Description
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible
It started automotive life innocently enough in 1961. An upscale
model within a new line of compacts designed-in part-to stem the
rising tide of cheap, economical imports, while stealing sales away
from Rambler. Not coincidentally, production of excessively large,
mid-priced cars had been foundering since the late Fifties. But
this humble start for Oldsmobile's Cutlass belied its eventual
impact; the badge had longevity on its side, becoming the most
popular car in America in the process. Its secret recipe for
success was an open book for decades: Put simply, it was the
biggest bang for the buck, in the right size, with a face that
everybody loved.
Named after the familiar short curved blade sword used by
swashbuckling sailors, this Cutlass in 1968 form comes to us in
fair condition. Some previous bodywork, and recent mechanical work
bring her up to snuff. Not your father's Oldsmobile, it's an S
(short wheelbase 2 door) and a convertible.
Exterior
I'm just wild about Saffron, and that a good thing because this car
is draped in the yellow version of it. Paint is overall good,
although areas of body work are evident particularly around the
quarter panels and specifically the wheel well surrounds. Some
previous repair work is cracking, and there is slight bubbling in
the paint. Chrome bumpers and trim-work is a bit faded and has a
little dimpling and beginnings of rust in certain areas, but
overall not too bad. A nice black canvas top with a clear rear
glass window is moved up and down effortlessly with a power switch.
Available and coming with this car is a new trunk pan, and drivers
rear quarter panel, a 442 rear bumper, and original wheels.
Interior
Opening the doors, we can see the original door panels with a
diamond patterned tuck and roll vinyl in black. Some of the chromed
trim work around the door pull is faded, cranks and door handles
are good. A front split bench and rear full bench are covered in
black tuck and roll broadcloth with white square patterned
stitching. The bolsters are smooth vinyl. All seats are excellent
and nearly like new. The original dash in black is very nice with a
trio of inset round gauges in front of an original steering wheel
wrapped in leather. A slight crack in the dash between the
speedometer and right circle gauge is forming, and some areas where
knobs are on the dash have worn away paint. Black carpet below the
dash and throughout is very clean and not faded.
Drivetrain
An original 350ci Rocket V8 is in a nicely patina engine bay. This
is topped by a 2-barrel Rochester carburetor, and a 2-speed Jetaway
automatic transmission with a fresh service. A 10-bolt rear is
noted.
Undercarriage
Save for the trunk pan (which a new one is coming with the car; it
just needs to be installed) there is a rust free environment
underneath. New brakes (power drum all round), new shocks and new
rear coil springs have been put on within the last year. Mostly
clean and green underneath.
Drive-Ability
This car started with ease, idled smoothly, and drove beautifully.
It has solid handling, and good acceleration. The interior is
beautiful and very comfortable to sit in, and the car provides a
very nice cruising ride.
The 2 door Cutlass S for 1968 is the first of this design. This
one, with some TLC needed on the body quarters, is otherwise a very
nice car. Mechanically sound, great interior, and new convertible
top, and seals, and some new suspension parts. It can also be noted
that for an additional price, a 1966 425 ci engine AND automatic
transmission can be had to go along if you wish.
VIN Decode
336678M157137
3-Oldsmobile
3667-Cutlass S 2 Door Convertible V8
8-1968
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
157137-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
10C-3rd Week October Build
ST 68 33667-1968 Cutlass S Convertible V8
BDY LAN158517-Lansing Body #
TR 950-Black Vinyl
PNT Y2-Saffron, Black Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
