Classic Classified: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455/320

From: Car Collector & Car Classics

Date: December 1987

Price then: $8,050 ($16,600 adjusted for inflation – about the cost of a new 2015 Dodge Dart)

Price now: $6,700 – $20,500

Approximate dollar difference: $3,900 (assuming #1 condition)

Approximate annual rate of return: 0.7%

1971 Oldsmobile SX 2-door, V-8, orange, factory air, original $8,050.

The Cutlass SX is a fairly rare find and was essentially a Cutlass with 4-4-2 parts. It received the more powerful 455 engine and even the special 4-4-2 rear bumper notched for the dual exhaust with trumpet tips. This was the car to buy if you wanted performance without the flashy graphics. Much like in 1987, when collector car prices were on the rise, the Cutlass SX doesn’t receive as much love from the collectors as it should, thus keeping values low. The only drawback to  buying this particular car in 1987 was the fact that with inflation, there is no profit to be had. It’s a lesson for anyone hoping to flip an Olds for a profit.