1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass

The Oldsmobile Cutlass began its existence as a top trim level on Oldsmobile's compact F-85 line. It shared its Y-body platform with the Pontiac Tempest and Buick Special, and rested on a wheelbase that measured 112-inches. In 1964, the F-85 was enlarged to a 115-inch wheelbase, a perimeter frame, and an 'intermediate' classification. Another major body restyling occurred in 1968, with styling headed by Stan Wilen. The two-door body styles used a 112-inch wheelbase while the four-doors measured 116-inches. Both the two-door F-85 and Cutlass models had semi-fastback rooflines. Power was courtesy of a Chevrolet 250 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine or an Olds Rocket V-8 with displacement sizes of 350, 400, and 455 CID.

The base model was the F-85, the Cutlass S was the mid-level, and the Cutlass Supreme was the top-of-the-line trim. The 4-4-2 became a distinct model rather than an option package.

The 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Oldsmobile reduced the F-85 to a single body style - a sports coupe - in 1969 and sales failed to surpass ten thousand units. The Cutlass continued its perch above the F-85 with prices that were approximately $100 higher than the F-85. The two-door Cutlass body styles were known as the Cutlass S and continued to utilize the short wheelbase size. The two-door sports coupe was priced at $2,680, the two-door holiday hardtop at $2,740, the town sedan at $2,770, the four-door holiday hardtop at $2,850, the convertible at $3,000, and the station wagon at $3,050. The addition of the base V8 added approximately $110 to the base price.

Approximately 1,800 examples of the Cutlass received six-cylinder power in 1969. The most popular eight-cylinder powered Cutlass was the two-door holiday hardtop with 66,495 examples built, followed by 24,251 of the town sedan, 13,498 of the convertible, 10,682 of the sports coupe, 8,559 of the station wagon and 7,046 of the four-door holiday hardtop.

The standard engine was an overhead-valve, 250 cubic-inch inline-6 with seven main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester one-barrel carburetor, and 155 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The 350 CID V8 with overhead valves, 9.0:1 compression, a Rochester two-barrel carburetor, and five main bearings delivered 250 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. With a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and 10.25:1 compression, output rose to 310 bhp at 4,800 RPM.

A two-speed Jetaway automatic was available with the Chevy-built 250 CID 'Action-Line' six or the two-barrel 350 CID V8. A three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 transmission, added in 1968, could be paired with all versions of the 350 CID V8.

The standard equipment included seat belts and shoulder harnesses, outside rearview mirror, cigarette lighter, front armrests, four-way flashers, nylon blend carpeting, Deluxe steering wheel, hood louvers, and insulated fiberglass hood blanket. The upholstery was vinyl or cloth.

The 'W-31' package was offered on the Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme models and added a 'Force-Air' inducted Ram Rod 350 CID V8 engine and special equipment.

The Cutlass Supreme was offered as a holiday hardtop priced at $3,030, a town sedan at $2,940, and a four-door holiday hardtop at $3,110. The two-door holiday hardtop was the most popular with 24,193 examples built, followed by 8,714 of the four-door holiday hardtop, and 4,522 of the town sedan.

The Cutlass Supreme came standard with an oval outside rearview mirror, molding package, loop-pile carpeting, inside day/night mirror, dual-latched hood, and a stabilizer bar at the front. The interiors could be optioned in either cloth or vinyl.

The combined total of 169,798 examples of Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme models accounted for approximately 26-percent of Oldsmobile production in 1969.

The styling introduced in 1968 would continue through 1972. GM redesigned the Cutlass for 1973 and used the new 'Colonnade' A-body platform with a wheelbase size of 112-inches for the coupe and 116-inches for the sedans. The trim levels included the base Cutlass, Cutlass 'S', Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass Salon, Vista Cruiser station wagon, and the 4-4-2 appearance package on the Cutlass 'S' colonnade coupe.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2022