There are still plenty of affordable cars out there that give you something different while remaining instantly familiar. Take this 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass, for example: it's still one of the best-looking cars of the era, but with that cool paint job and oversized rolling stock, it takes on an entirely new personality. Yet it still retains all the things that make these cars favorites: V8 power, a comfortable interior, and outstanding value. The bright candyapple red paint is a high-visibility choice, but we're getting the impression that getting noticed is entirely the point of this Olds. Adding some silver stripes gives it a neo-442 look and anyone who is an Oldsmobile fan will notice the performance image and find it familiar. It's important to note that none of the factory body panels have been altered, not even the hood, but with nice workmanship and detailing, it definitely has the right look. Fit and finish are good all around, and while it shows signs of use, there's still no getting around the fact that this car gets noticed. All the factory trim is in place, and we especially like the way the side stripes frame the Cutlass emblems on the front fenders. Up front, the grilles are a little loose, but there's also a nice bumper, while out back, the familiar Oldsmobile taillights make the perfect complement for the twin exhaust pipes underneath. It's hard not to like the way this car looks. The interior is a bit more traditional, starting with black vinyl buckets that are a rather rare find in a '71 Olds. A factory center console is another nice addition, and it has been fortified with a custom B&M shifter for the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission as well as a set of auxiliary gauges under the dash. A grant GT steering wheel hangs on the original column, and the primary gauges are factory-issue as well. An upgraded Pioneer AM/FM/CD stereo system works with amplifiers in the trunk to fill the interior with sound in a rather impressive way. The carpets are in good condition and the door panels echo the vertical pleats used on the seats for a cohesive look. Like all Oldsmobiles, there's a good-sized trunk, which includes some stereo equipment but still has plenty of room for your gear. There was a good pile of money spent recently on the Rocket 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood, giving it great road manners and that traditional Oldsmobile feel. An Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor lives on the factory intake manifold for a little extra snap and chrome valve covers and matching air cleaner dress things up a bit. The block wears correct Oldsmobile Gold engine enamel that really stands out in the all-black engine bay, and there's a giant radiator up front. Long-tube headers lead to a mellow-sounding dual exhaust that's just about right for an Olds, and you'll note that the underside is quite clean for being mostly original. The suspension has been tweaked a bit to clear those giant wheels, but it goes down the road quite well and doesn't wander, and don't worry, the legendary Oldsmobile ride quality isn't totally lost with those big hoops. It's a trade-off we'll gladly make, because those 22-inch Pinnacle wheels and 255/30/22 tires give it an awesome stance. Not expensive, this is an Oldsmobile that gets a lot of things right. It really pops with that beautiful red paint and the stance is hard to ignore. Call today!
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