1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass

American automobile manufacturer's mantra 'no substitute for cubic inches' had brought increased government and insurance scrutiny by the late 1960s, making it more difficult for young buyers to afford high-performance cars. GM's Oldsmobile Division solution was to build a lower-profile supercar that offered all the performance of the ground-pounding machines while avoiding the establishment's wrath. The two-pronged supercars strategy for 1969 was successful with the 400 CID V8 Cutlass 442 and new 350 CID W-31 package. Oldsmobile marketed the new W-31 as the Ram Rod package, available on any Cutlass body style.

The W-31 350 V-8 was rated at 325 horsepower, had a redline of 6,600 RPM, and delivered acceleration nearly as quick as that of the 442. With minimal W-31 emblems announcing its specification, it was also very stealthy. An option price of just $205 made it affordable, on par with Plymouth's Road Runner budget supercar.

The W-31 features included bigger intake valves, high-lift cam, aluminum intake manifold, 780 cfm Rochester 4-barrel carburetor, special distributor, large harmonic balancer, and a long-duration, 308-degree duration lopey cam, High Capacity Harrison 4-core radiator, and hydraulic valve lifters. The W-25 scooped fiberglass hood for 1970, and cold-air induction (initially via under-bumper air scoops for 1969 models) boosted power output at speed. Both the automatic or four-speed manual transmission were available, however, power brakes were not an option. A close-ratio transmission was not necessary as the W-31 delivered a broad power curve from 3,000 RPM to redline. Other components included rear sway bar, boxed heavy-duty rear control arms and suspension, and sport side mirrors.

The W-30 was an option of the 442, while the W-31 was an option on the Cutlass. Over 19,000 examples of the 442 and approximately 1,300 W-31s were built in 1970.

Since the insurance companies had become wise to Detroit's practice of under-rating its muscle car offerings and linking insurance premiums to the VIN codes that denoted its high-performance nature, Oldsmobile side-stepped these skyrocketing rates by offering two versions of the 455 CID big-block in the Cutlass model dubbed the SX, emphasizing luxury instead of power. Along with the SX's base two-barrel engine, Oldsmobile kept the insurance companies off the scent with the optional W-32 and failing to assign the cars unique VINs. It had the same horsepower and torque ratings as the L31, the Oldsmobile marketing department described it as 'a performance engine designed to operate with higher axle ratios' and 'develop maximum torque at higher RPM.' The Cutlass SX was outfitted with all the plush interior options, setting it apart from other muscle cars of the day. The SX option package was only available on the Cutlass Supreme hardtop and convertible models. Additionally, the SX was limited to a well-defined package that did not include obvious performance giveaways such as the 4-speed manual transmission, 3.91 or 3.42 (W-32 only) gearing, the W-30 package or stripes, or Force Air Induction. Only the pair of chromed 442 exhaust trumpets nestled into the notched rear bumper gave any indication of the car's deceptive intentions.

The Cutlass was Oldsmobile's intermediate level vehicle for 1970, and the two-door Cutlass models were given a shorter wheelbase which measured 112 inches. The 4-door versions, including the Cutlass Supreme, had a platform of 116 inches. Body styles included a 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop, Sports Coupe, Town Sedan, and station wagon. The Cutlass Supreme body styles included a 2- and 4-door holiday hardtop and a convertible.

Standard equipment included a chrome molding package, Deluxe steering wheel, special hood design, and interior light package. The interiors were either vinyl or cloth. The Option W-45 - which included Sebring yellow paint, special decals, and a 350 engine - was the Rallye 350 Package, which was installed on 3,547 Cutlass 'S' coupes.

The Cutlass Supreme included all Cutlass items plus Flo-Thru ventilation, V-8 engine, special dash, Deluxe steering wheel, and Custom Sport seat. The Cutlass Supreme could be purchased with the exclusive 'SX' package. The 2-Door Holiday Hardtop sold for $3,150 while the convertible sold for $3,335. A total of 4,867 convertibles were sold, 792 with the 'SX package.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2014