The Overlooked Oldsmobile Restomodders Are Quietly Choosing Over Chevelles
Look, I get it, alright! The Chevrolet Chevelle is bad to the bone. Then the Chevelle SS or Super Sport models take things to an entirely different level. It’s an iconic muscle car that’s difficult to ignore. But its popularity can be taken in two different ways. Some Chevy fans may feel like it’s too popular and mainstream.
Others secretly enjoy its reign as it overshadows other iconic high-performance cars that can be quietly pounced on for a fraction of the cost. Seriously, while you’re busy drooling over the Chevy Chevelle 396, you’re missing a classic option that’s built to handle plenty of potent power without having to spend 442 money.
This overlooked car is packed to the gills with untapped potential, with an attractive, aggressive style. It serves as a popular choice among smart restromodders as it can easily be modified to provide modern performance with an LS swap. Its performance might even make Chevelle buyers jealous.
The Chevelle SS 396 And 442 Get All The Money
I’m not here to hate on the Chevy Chevelle, just to present you with an overlooked option to consider as an affordable build. The Chevelle SS 396, in particular, will always live on as a coveted legend that packs serious heat with its big-block V8 power. The 396 cubic-inch (6.5-liter) V8 produces up to 375 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
It has a nostalgia factor, as it was the defining muscle car of the era that younger drivers could afford. Plus, some may claim that its iconic ‘Coke bottle’ styling hasn’t been topped yet. However, the Chevy Chevelle SS 396 comes at a premium cost. Its market value ranges from $45,000 to over $110,000 depending on quality and condition.
Restomodders are typically blinded by the hunt for the Oldsmobile 442 as well. Again, I get it. It combined sophistication and power for a refined yet thrilling experience. The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 has a 455 cubic-inch 7.5-liter Rocker V8 engine with 365 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Then the W-30 package increases the output to 370 hp.
This car was positioned above the Chevelle SS and Pontiac GTO. As a result, it comes at quite the premium. You can typically snag an Oldsmobile 442 for between $45,000 and over $120,000 depending on quality, condition, and configuration. Models with the highly desirable W-30 package command much higher premiums.
But The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Has The Same Bones
However, instead of going to the Chevelle SS or an Oldsmobile 442, you can save with the overlooked 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. If you’re a Taco Bell fan, then you know that the word Supreme often comes with exciting additions. However, the important aspect here is that it has the same bones as the Chevelle SS.
Both of these cars use the A-body platform. Plenty of their parts, including the suspension features, chassis components, and engine mounts, are interchangeable. Plus, they have the engine bay space for big-block V8 power. They’re like fraternal twins, meaning they have characteristics with distinct personalities and different styles.
While the Chevelle is built for raw power and a thrilling drag strip performance, the Cutlass Supreme is more of a luxury cruiser. It’s also more refined, with an upscale interior that includes a wood-grain dashboard, vinyl seating, split-bench seating with fold-down armrests, air conditioning, and power windows.
Sure, the most common engine is a 350 ci (5.7-liter) Rocket V8 with only 350 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, while the 442 turns up the heat. It’s not truly that far behind in horsepower, but it does get left in the dust in terms of torque. However, it’s a bit better for modernizing with an LS swap and features tons of savings.
And Smart Builders Are Using Those Bones
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is an increasingly popular option for resto-modders looking to build without breaking the bank. There are plenty of examples available with low mileage after their LS swaps and other upgrades such as modern transmissions, disc brakes and suspensions have been added.
It’s not like crate LS engines are weak by any means. The LS3 or 6.2-liter variant provides 430 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than the Chevelle SS 396 and Oldsmobile 442 have to offer. You could possibly go to the track and embarrass purists with your build. Plus, the engine is compact, lightweight, and reliable. It pairs well with the incredibly adaptable body-on-frame chassis for high-speed performance builds.
The engine is surrounded by a muscular style as well. It has the coveted Coke-body style with a low stance to stand out in a sea of Chevelle models. It doesn’t come with the same limitations as more popular options either, providing the freedom to upgrade the electrical components, change the interior, and more with the potential for less criticism from purists.
Last but not least, the higher-end cabin is a massive plus. This car features an excellent base and tons of space for features like modern bucket seats, heating, air conditioning, radio systems, and digital gauges. Don’t bust out the pitchforks, but dare I say it could be upgraded to include Apple CarPlay?
The Perfect Alternative To The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454
The 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS is a legend, but this rare but underrated American muscle car can give you a comparable fix.
The 1968 Cutlass Supreme Is A Proven Bargain
Value of the 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme ranges between $10,000 and over $40,000 depending on the condition, body style, and engine. Convertibles and models with the W-31 package are often priced higher. So you can get the same bones as a Chevelle SS for a fraction of the cost.
There are resto-mods available on the market as well that feature completed builds. Entry-level resto-mods can be found for between $25,000 and $35,000. These often pair with LS engines, which actually increases the value over the older engines with upgraded wheels and modern brakes. However, models in this price range often include exterior and interior imperfections.
High-quality builds with LS fuel-injected engines, modern suspensions, and custom leather interiors go for between $45,000 and $65,000. Then, top, show-quality and Pro-Touring models with supercharged engines and modern luxury amenities like ventilated seats will go for over $75,000.
But the problem with custom builds is that they have features based on what the builder likes, not your preferences! Good thing it’s affordable and easy to get hands-on with the Cutlass Supreme. This car, as well as the Chevelle, have been popular for decades, meaning plenty of after-market kits, parts, and support are available.
For example, heavy-duty, powder-coated FOM steel tubular control arms can be found for about $330 in a four-piece kit. A complete A-body front suspension kit is available for around $1,780.99, front sway bar kits often retail for under $500, and standalone infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay are under $400.
SOURCE: Hagerty, Barret Jackson, Bring A Trailer
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