RARE NUMBERS MATCHING RALLYE. 350/310 HP L74, AUTO, R134A A/C, GREAT RESTORATION

Description

This eyeball-popping numbers-matching 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 is one of only 3547 built, and while they might have been largely overlooked when they were new, these affordable muscle cars with their unique look won't be this affordable for very much longer. Nicely restored a few years ago, this Olds absolutely delivers on the promises made by its outrageous bodywork.The Rallye 350 was designed to compete with the Road Runner and other "affordable" muscle cars, delivering the performance look with a more mild powertrain ("mild" being a relative term). All 3547 cars wore the same bright Sebring Yellow paint job with color-matched bumpers and a dramatic satin black graphics package, twin-snorkel fiberglass hood, and decklid spoiler, so it certainly looks the part of a maximum muscle performance car. It is only recently that these cars are achieving collector notoriety, so finding one accurately restored like this can be a challenge. The sheetmetal is in great condition, particularly the bulging rear quarters that look like horsepower rendered in steel, and while it's not perfect, it offers great gaps and doors that open and close easily. The decals, stripes, and logos are all accurate reproductions, and yes, the factory urethane-coated bumpers remain in place (many were jettisoned in favor of stock chrome units by irate dealers who struggled to sell the unusual-looking cars). Today, however, the Rallye 350 stands out as something special that's finally got collectors' respect.Despite their target audience being folks looking for affordable performance, this Olds is dressed up in some expensive designer clothes inside. Dual buckets and a center console definitely enhance its muscle car credentials, with the Oldsmobile chairs having an upscale pattern that's comfortable as well as stylish. The dash was standard Cutlass fare with burled walnut appliques and brushed stainless steel on the gauge faces, and as an Oldsmobile, this one carries factory A/C that was only available with the automatic transmission. Remote mirrors with color-matched housings were included with the package, and this car also carries a factory radio in the dash with a modern AM/FM/CD head unit in the glove box and speakers in the kick panels. The Hurst shifter knob isn't stock, but the original one is included with the car if that's what you prefer. Everything is recently restored and fresh, from the headliner to the carpets, with the trunk finished using a reproduction mat and custom "Tweety Bird" spare tire cover.The only engine in the Rallye 350 was the L74 Oldsmobile 350 which was rated at a stout 310 horsepower thanks to a recently rebuilt 4-barrel carb and standard dual exhaust. Reproduction decals were used wherever possible and even the little stuff is accurate, making this Olds look and run like it's supposed to. The air conditioning system has been upgraded to R134a refrigerant, and it exhales through a throaty dual exhaust system which is the only major deviation from stock. A rugged TH350 3-speed automatic backed by an Oldsmobile 12-bolt rear (which is different from the Chevy version) makes for an indestructible powertrain, and 3.23 gears out back make it an effortless highway cruiser. All Rallye 350s got the FE2 performance suspension setup and color-matched Rallye II wheels, with this particular car wearing trim rings that weren't standard equipment but are definitely a welcome addition.With its distinctive look and impressive performance, the Rallye 350 is a serious alternative for hobbyists looking for something a little unusual. Add in matching numbers and a few smart mods, and this is one you can drive and show with pride. Call today!