1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible
It started automotive life innocently enough in 1961. An upscale model within a new line of compacts designedin partto 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.