When Oldsmobile launched the Cutlass, it was an entry-level model all the way back in 1961. This was right before America entered what gearheads refer to as the golden age of muscle cars. Clearly, the Cutlass was certainly a successful car for Oldsmobile and General Motors, seeing how it ran till 1999. However, the Cutlass definitely found its most successful years when it switched to a body-on-frame chassis in 1964. When the Cutlass was in its second generation, Oldsmobile introduced the Cutlass Supreme in 1966.
This time around, however, the Cutlass Supreme was a premium offering on the lineup. Inarguably, the best time for the Cutlass Supreme was the '70s, when it became not only the most successful Oldsmobile, but also the highest-selling model in its class. Oldsmobile first offered the Cutlass Supreme as a convertible in 1968, and it lasted till 1972. An extremely sought-after collectible that has plenty of merits, here are 10 things we love about the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible.
10 The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Boasts The Classic A-Body Muscle Car Look
The age of the muscle car began shortly into the 1960s and lasted till 1973-74, right when the Oil Embargo and stricter emission laws brought on the Malaise Era. When it comes to the best classic muscle cars, the models from the early '70s prove to be the most beautiful, being their most refined versions.
The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, too, is one such example, boasting the classic muscle car looks and feel. With its sleek, sporty design, the Cutlass Supreme, especially the convertible, evokes gearheads' memories right back to the golden age of the V8.
9 The Convertible Top Is One Of The Most Iconic Features Of The 1970 Cutlass Supreme
Inarguably, the convertible top remains one of the most iconic features of the 1970 Cutlass Supreme. Oldsmobile discontinued selling the Cutlass Supreme as a convertible shortly after in 1972, which makes the '70 Convertible all the more special.
The convertible top allowed drivers to enjoy the open air and feel the wind in their hair as they revved the fantastic V8 under the hood and the symphonies from the power mill entered their ears.
8 Powerful Engine Options Made The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible Formidable On The Road
What's a good muscle car without a respectable engine under the hood? Oldsmobile offered plenty of great engines with the Cutlass Supreme, including a 350 cubic-inch V8 which churned out a whopping 310 horsepower.
Not only that, but Oldsmobile also offered the convertible (and the coupe) with the high-performance 'SX' package, which came with the phenomenal Rocket 455 cubic-inch V8, which took horsepower up to 320 hp.
7 The Cabin Of The '70 Cutlass Supreme Convertible Was Spacious Despite Its Sporty Exterior
Despite its sporty exterior, you'd be surprised by how spacious the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible was. The roomy cabin was one of the things the car was known for.
In fact, it could accommodate not just four, but even five, sometimes six passengers at a time. In a time when more and more people prefer bigger cars for more space, the '70 Cutlass Supreme Convertible won't disappoint you in terms of room.
6 The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible Boasted Plenty Of Top-Notch Features
For its time, the 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible was quite well-equipped with advanced features and technology, including power windows, power steering, and air conditioning.
The car gave occupants luxury inside the cabin, doubling down on the padding on the vinyl-clad bench seats. Owners could also opt for front bucket seats, and gauges of all sorts were available on the '70 Cutlass Supreme Convertible.
5 Gearheads Loved The Excellent Handling Of The 1970 Cutlass Supreme
A sporty convertible is something everybody always wants, but it certainly has to handle well. A sluggish, disobedient car is never any good, and thankfully, the 1970 Cutlass Supreme was nothing but agile.
Even with the large 455 Rocket V8 underneath, the Supreme Convertible garnered praise for its excellent handling. This was thanks to its well-tuned suspension, which, to this day, holds up in the handling department.
4 Oldsmobile Spoiled Customers For Choice With Plenty Of Trims And Designs For The 1970 Cutlass Supreme
Oldsmobile certainly wanted the Cutlass Supreme in every house possible, which is why they offered the car with a wide range of trims and designs. Customers were spoilt for choice when it came to exterior colors, interior trim levels, and other features.
While GM offered almost every possible interior feature as optional, the 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible could also be had with upgraded wheels and a performance suspension with the SX package, which equipped the car with the monstrous 320-hp Rocket 455 V8.
3 The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible Was Pretty Rare At The Time
The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible was certainly a successful car. Priced at just over $3,325, the drop-top warranted 4,867 units in 1970.
This is what makes the '70 model all the rarer, since production rose above 10,000 models the next two years, after which Oldsmobile discontinued the Cutlass Supreme Convertible's production.
2 The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible From 1970 Is Still Sought-After By Collectors And Enthusiasts
Today, the 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and can command high prices at auctions and in the private market.
However, if you're looking for a decent model on the used car market, it won't completely break the bank, as Hagerty values the '70 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible at around $21,500.
1 The 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Is An Icon From An Era Gone By
We surely love the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme for its nostalgia factor. For gearheads, the '70 Convertible is a symbol of an era gone by.
Today, we're certainly coming to the end of the V8 era, and for owners, the Cutlass Supreme Convertible can be a way to relive fond memories of the past.
Sources: GM, Hemmings, Hagerty