1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 Restoration Project: Step 1

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Edmonton AB, Jan 13 2017 - We all love stories about finding, buying, fixing and selling cars. There is much enjoyment in succeeding at one or more of these activities - but it's rare to win at all times. Despite knowing full well that one should just buy a perfectly finished car instead of trying to restore a junker, the temptation lies at the heart of many a car lover.

If you are going to restore an old automobile, it helps to have a few desirable traits to make a better selling price when done.

Purchase price is most helpful - you might make more money buying at the right price than just selling at the right price. Body style is key - less doors (2) and less roof (convertible) means more money in most cases. Muscle cars will always find a buyer, and always have replacement parts. Rarity increases the buyer interest - low production numbers of special edition models will command a premium. Also important is the paint and interior colors, and being able to prove origin and originality is significant factor in attaining full sales value.

With all that in mind, we let temptation chew a hole in our brain and guide the hands to write a check for field find. We found our target treasure online - advertised as being in storage since 1978, this 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Rallye 350 was a little rough but a good starting point for a restoration. Only 3547 such cars were produced and surely less have survived. Check all the boxes in the above paragraph.

Hagerty Classic Car Value Guides lists a #4 Rallye 350 at $10,900 - with concours #1 valued at $35,200. We have room to play here. We could just drive warts and all, but this car deserves a facelift. Restoration starts February 2017 - stay tuned for updates!

by Randy Berg

The Rallye 350 was introduced on February 18, 1970, by Oldsmobile General Manager John Beltz and made its debut at the 1970 Chicago Auto Show. However, some were built as early as the second week of January 1970. The car consisted of option package W-45, which included blackwall tires, a W-25 fiberglass hood, the L74 350 V-8 engine, N34 Custom Sport steering wheel, D35 sport mirrors, FE2 Rallye suspension, N10 dual exhaust and W35 rear deck air spoiler. All of these items would have been included on a true Rallye 350. Full 2007 article: 1970 Oldsmobile Rallye 350 from Hemmings Muscle Machines