1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Oldsmobile employed the Cutlass name from the early 1960s until 1999. It began as the top trim level in Olsmobile's F-85 compact line, later becoming its own series. It was a compact vehicle from 1961 through 1963, becoming an intermediate 1964 and resting on a body-on-frame chassis with a perimeter frame with it shared with the 'A-body' Chevrolet Chevelle. The third generation was introduced in 1968 and brought about a major body style, as did all other A-body GM cars. It wore styling by Stan Wilen and had a wheelbase size of 112 inches for the two-door body styles and 116-inches for the four-doors.

For 1971 the intermediate Cutlass design was similar to 1970, but with new headlight assemblies, new bumpers and taillights, and a new hood. Four new exterior body colors were offered, including Saturn Gold, Bittersweet, Viking Blue, and Lime Green. Standard equipment included the items found on the entry-level F-85 model and added carpeting, recessed windshield wipers, Deluxe armrest, and Flo-Thru ventilation. Bodystyles included a Holiday Hardtop, Town Sedan, and a station wagon. A 250 cubic-inch overhead-valve six-cylinder engine offering 145 horsepower was standard, although most buyers selected the base V8 - an overhead valve 350 cubic-inch unit with 240 horsepower. Depending on the configuration, the engine offered upwards of 340 horsepower when fitted with the Rochester 4MC four-barrel carburetor. Along with the 'small-block' 350, the large 455 could be given either 2- or 4-barrel carburetors. This was the final year for the 250 six-cylinder engine, due to its lack of popularity. A three-speed manual transmission was standard with four-speed manual and automatic units optional.

For buyers seeking more, Oldsmobile offered the Cutlass 'S' in either six- or eight-cylinder configuration. This trim level added cloth or vinyl upholstery, a dome light, a chrome molding package, a hidden radio antenna in the windshield, seat belts with shoulder harnesses, a Deluxe steering wheel, cigarette lighter, and armrests. Bodystyles consisted of a 2-door Holiday Hardtop or a 2-door Sports Coupe.

Above the Cutlass 'S' was the top intermediate trim level, the Cutlass Supreme. Along with a 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop, it could be purchased as a convertible. The 'Supreme' added additional amenities including a woodgrain dash, interior light package, and chrome hubcaps.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019