General Cutlass SX455 Q&A

Just wondering what folks think. I'm looking to purchase a 71 Olds Cutlass Convertible, & from what I can tell, it meets all the requirements to be an SX, but it's been badged-up to a 442 tribute. By that I mean, the proper 442 badges on the nose, trunk and front quarter panels. The "SX" badging has been removed. The seller may not know, but so far, the seller has not advertised it as an SX. I was wondering what folks think of this in terms of value. The condition of the car is "sweet" perhaps slightly better. It's turn-key ready, no need for paint or interior corrections. Engine bay is very clean. Underbody could use some housekeeping. If I assume the "sweet" value of $22500 what does the badging do to the value? For reference, the asking price is $30k. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks

Doug,

The '71 SX convertible is a rare and very desirable car.

Pictures, or a link to the ad will be helpful.

The vin# will determine conclusively whether it's a Cutlass or a 442 (but not that it's an SX).

1) If it's not advertised as an SX, what criteria are you using to determine that it is?

2) Are the engine and trans original, numbers matching to the car?

3) Does it have the dual cut-out rear bumper?

4) Is the owner advertising it as a 442 "tribute"?

5) Does the owner know anything about the history?

If it's a 442 tribute, the 442 badging, etc. can be undone and reversed.

If the car is a confirmed '71 SX Convertible, then I believe the asking price is reasonable in the condition you describe.

Kevin

Hello Kevin

I appreciate your thoughts. I have the VIN, and it's not a 442. I can confirm that all the SX evidence listed is true, except for the matching numbers. I can't determine if its numbers matching or not. Even the inner fender bracket is not there. This is a consignment purchase and the current owner did not do the 442 tribute conversion. The up-badging was done by at least one-owner removed, and therefore very little history on the car. The consigner seems reluctant to dig deeper into my questions. The car is being advertised as a 442 tribute with no reference to the SX. As far as the SX emblems, which are not on the car, I have to believe that since it was badged-up, these SX emblems were removed. I've asked about original build sheets, protect-o-plate, purchase agreement etc. The consigner does not have this type of documentation and did not offer to dig for it. Thanks for your input and we'll see where this goes.

Hi Doug,

Just a FYI—convertibles don’t have the fender braces. Is the engine # not available from the seller, or just not visible? A phone camera makes it easier to see.

Good luck with the purchase!

Doug, if you're still considering the car, do you have the VIN handy? I can look it up in the registry database for you to see what else we may or may not know about it already. You can email me at vette442@hotmail.com. Terry