Information
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a range of vehicles manufactured by General Motors’ Oldsmobile division from 1961 to 1999. Initially, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile’s smallest model, beginning as a unibody compact car before achieving its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate vehicle.
The Cutlass name was first used on an experimental sports coupe in 1954, which featured a dramatic fastback roofline and was powered by a V8 engine. This platform closely resembled the compact F-85, which debuted seven years later.
Third Generation (1968–1972)
For the 1969 F-85/Cutlass, the changes were relatively minor compared to the 1968 model, with the introduction of the now-iconic Oldsmobile split grille with vertical bars and vertical taillights. In compliance with federal safety regulations, headrests became standard, and the ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column, allowing the steering wheel to be locked when not in use.
The engine options largely remained unchanged from 1968, but a new three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 350 transmission was added to the lineup. This transmission was available with all versions of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) Rocket V8, including the standard two-barrel version, the four-barrel Ultra High Compression 310 hp (230 kW) option, and the W-31 option, which was rated at 325 hp (242 kW). The two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission continued to be available with the 250 cu in (4.1 L) “Action-Line” six-cylinder engine or the two-barrel 350 cu in (5.7 L) Rocket V8. The Turnpike Cruiser 400 cu in (6.6 L) Rocket V8 was discontinued, with the four-barrel 400 engine remaining exclusive to the Vista Cruiser wagons.