1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Hardtop W-31
The Oldsmobile Cutlass first came on the scene as a 1961 1/2 model. It was designed as a sportier high end F-85. The Cutlass would turn out to be one of the industry’s longest-running and most successful names. During the second decade of the model’s run, the Olds Cutlass would take the position as the best selling American car for much of the 1970s and early 1980s.
This 1970 Cutlass S is a Nugget Gold Metallic hardtop that was first sold at Tapper Chevrolet-Oldsmobile in Montpelier, Idaho, and it reportedly remained with its original owner until 2018.
The body was refinished in its factory shade of Nugget Gold Metallic (53) during prior ownership in 1984. Equipment includes a fiberglass dual-inlet hood, sport mirrors, black accent stripes, and W-31 badging.
Super Stock II wheels with polished trim rings wear vintage-style Firestone white-letter tires fitted during current ownership. A full-size spare wheel with a Goodyear tire is located in the trunk. A power steering system was reportedly installed by the original owner, while updates by the seller are said to include resealing of the steering gear, re-installation of the power steering equipment, replacement of the center steering link and hoses and shock absorbers as well as performing an alignment.
The front and rear benches are trimmed in black vinyl upholstery (940), and features include an AM/FM stereo equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, faux woodgrain trim, and shoulder belts for the front occupants. Additions by the seller include a Custom Sport steering wheel and hub, a 7k-rpm tachometer with an inset clock, a woodgrain dash bezel and ash tray cover, and rear package shelf trim.
Rated to produce 325 horsepower when new, the 350ci V8 featured an exclusive camshaft and connecting rods in W-31 trim as well as a Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, an aluminum intake manifold, and a low-restriction air cleaner assembly. Additional factory equipment includes a six-blade fan and a N10 dual-exhaust system.
A W-31 is not the same as a big-block W-30, but it’s still a real W-Machine with a fiberglass hood with functional ram air feeding a 325hp 350ci V8 purposely built by Oldsmobile for enthusiasts. These cars are very rare and attract owners with erudite knowledge of Oldsmobile muscle. Dabblers or flippers in the muscle car hobby would likely mistake the unique W-31 350ci V8 as a common GM V-8 fitted with a four-barrel.
