PROBUILT MONSTER 383 STROKER, TCI AUTO, SERPENTINE, LONGTUBE/DUALS, PS/PB, FAST

For reasons that aren't altogether clear, the Oldsmobile Cutlass continues to be a bargain-priced alternative to the virtually identical Chevelles and GTOs out there. This particularly handsome 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has been treated to a hardcore makeover that includes gorgeous black paint and a hard-hitting 383 cubic inch V8 that makes this a genuine wolf in sheep's clothing.Generally, I've always felt the Oldsmobiles were the most handsome of the A-bodies, and in particular, the fastback coupe with its more formal roofline and dramatic fender cut lines. Given the quality of the restoration and the car's history, it's easy to see why so much money went into restoring the sheetmetal, all of which is in exemplary condition. Just recently, the car was treated to a complete makeover, with a high-end paint shop handling high-gloss black finish and delivering a stunning car that looks like it should be a lot more expensive than it is. The subtle paint is smooth and glossy, with no additional ornamentation to detract from the car's handsome good looks, and if you want to take it up a notch, a professional buff would make it a show-stopper. Somehow, the classic color only serves to emphasize the flared fenders and aggressively styled hood, while reinforcing the idea that Oldsmobiles aren't just family cars. All the chrome and trim is intact and in good to excellent condition, including the intricate egg crate grille, new front and rear bumpers, and the bright trim that surrounds the side windows, making this one look distinctive.Open the door and you'll discover an absolutely beautiful interior with lots of restored components. The wide bench seat wears a correct reproduction cloth seat cover, with a matching setup in back. Details like the wood appliques on the door panels and dash remind you that this is a few steps up from a basic Chevy, and as an Oldsmobile, it's loaded with upscale features. The original are gone, replaced by a full set Dakota Digital gauges, and they're framed a woodgrained steering wheel that's both unusual and ideally suited to the car's mission. There is no radio, but only shows you that the builder's priorities were in order, and one could be easily added if that's your thing. The trunk shows off a professional fuel cell and clean floors, another suggestion that there's more to this Olds than meets the eye.One glance under the hood and you'll understand why this car seems to have so much heavy-duty hardware. No, it's not an Olds small block, it's a 383 cubic inch Chevy stroker motor built by Matt Bishop. With a big cam, a propensity to rev, and big block levels of torque, it transforms this Cutlass into a street weapon There's an Edelbrock high-rise intake manifold, aluminum heads, a QuickFuel carb, and an MSD ignition system, all of which contribute to the big hit of power you get every time you crack the throttle. A bit aluminum radiator and a serpentine belt drive system update the support staff and the '383 Stroker' valve covers plainly advertise what lives within. The chassis is as clean as you'd expect with a durable TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and 12-bolt rear end, plus a set of long-tube headers and a dual exhaust system for just the right growl. Billet Specialties wheels add some flash to the black Olds and are fitted with 215/65/15 front and giant 295/50/15 rear BFG radials.With big horsepower on tap, a sinister look, and the hardware to back it all up, this is what you always wished for in your next A-body. Call today!