Frame Off Built Cutlass Pro Touring 455/500 HP V8 TKO600 5 Speed PS A/C

SUMMARY

* Rotisserie restoration completed in 2014
* 455 cubic inch Rocket V8 / Bored .060 over / Roughly 500 horsepower
* Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission
* Vintage Air conditioning
* Power steering / Baer disc brakes
* 19 and 20-inch Boze 3-piece wheels
* BMW silver and Satin Black paint / Powder-coated trim
* Speedtech suspension
* Modern audio
* 10-bolt rear axle / 3.73 gears

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It's been a banner month for world class Oldsmobiles here at RK Motors Charlotte. Not only did we sell our rare 1972 442 W30, we also introduced a numbers-matching 1967 Cutlass 442. And, if you're in the market for a classic Olds but neither of those options moved you, we're now debuting this foreboding Cutlass pro-tourer. In addition to trick aesthetics and a heavily modified suspension, this killer coupe mixes a rugged Tremec TKO600 5-speed with 455 cubic inches of Oldsmobile big block that makes roughly 500 horsepower. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind muscle car that's live, loaded and ready to launch, strap yourself in to THIS rocket!

BODYWORK/TRIM

During a 2014 rotisserie restoration, this solid Cutlass was entirely disassembled and completely stripped of its dull, original paint. After a bit of hard work, the car's clean body presented itself as an excellent foundation for a slick combination of BMW silver and Satin Black 2-stage. And today, one close look at our high-resolution photos reveals a handsome payoff in the form of one of the coolest looking GM muscle cars on the planet!

Unlike most pro-touring builds, this Olds wasn't entirely stripped of its stainless and ornamentation. Instead, the baubles and bolt-ons were muted with careful powder coating that highlights the car's awesome 'coke bottle' profile and intimidating street presence. At the front of that profile, a silver grille hangs a vivid “442” emblem between bright halogen headlights and a Satin Black bumper that's complete with clear parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a standard hood leads the eye to new glass that's framed in straight stainless and reflected in vinyl-wrapped sport mirrors. At the sides of that hood, aftermarket door handles and color-keyed lock cylinders perfectly complement clean marker lamps and dent-free wheel rings. And at the back of the car, a vinyl-wrapped decklid rides above silver-trimmed taillights, a second Satin Black bumper, and stainless, center-outlet exhaust tips.

ENGINE

It's not immediately apparent why this coupe's body carries so much sizzle; that is, until you see what's under its hood. Pop the latch, fling the steel and you'll find 455 cubic inches of Rocket V8 that produces somewhere around 500 horsepower! Excellent throttle response and modern drivability are provided by a big Holley 4-barrel, which is piped to braided fuel lines and fitted with a black-cased reusable filter element. Beneath that carb, an Edelbrock Torker 455 feeds factory heads and giant cylinders that benefit from a .060 overbore. At the sides of those cylinders, ceramic-coated, long-tube headers push thrust through large-diameter, true-dual exhaust pipes. That thrust gets its ignition sequence from an aftermarket HEI distributor and JEGS 8.0 Pow'r Wires. In front of those wires, a blackened March serpentine system spins modern power steering and a chrome Powermaster alternator opposite modern air conditioning. And in front of that drive, a beefy aluminum radiator, which is equipped with a polished overflow tank and two electric puller fans, keeps atmospheric heat at bay. Aesthetically, the car's body-matched engine bay appears to be holding up very well. And items like an Optima gel cell battery, a familiar Wilwood master cylinder and custom-finished valve covers add a heavy dose of form and function.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

While you might think that monstrous engine is this classic's biggest selling point, some of its best hardware is hidden out of view. For starters, there's a tough Tremec TKO600 5-speed that keeps power up at the stoplight and revs down on the highway. That gearbox leads a rugged 10-bolt rear end, which hides tall 3.73 gears under a snazzy aluminum inspection cover. That axle transfers power to a Speedtech 4-link, which is complete with a Detroit Speed sway bar and QA1 coil-over-shocks. That 4-link pushes a Speedtech front suspension, which makes good use of traditional power steering and two more QA1 coil-over-shocks. That chassis' stops are provided by a Baer 4-wheel disc brake system, which employs four drilled and slotted rotors. The car's spent gases are ushered away by 3-inch pipes and great sounding Flowmaster mufflers. The straight, Satin Black floors are dotted with well-planned ancillaries, including Detroit Speed subframe connectors, a Powermaster XS Torque starter, a fabricated oil pan and a clean stainless fuel tank. And all this top-notch hardware rides on a slick set of Boze 3-piece wheels, which spin 255/40ZR19 Nitto Invos in front of 315/35ZR20 Nitto Invos.

INTERIOR

Like its exterior, this Oldsmobile's cockpit is a masterful blend of old and new that features the comfort and convenience of modern technology wrapped in classic Detroit design. The familiar front bucket and rear bench seats appear to be factory-correct and, along with traditional '72 Cutlass door panels, literally glow under our intense showroom lighting. Between those seats, a custom console founds a billet shifter in front of handy cupholders. Below that console, fresh red carpet stays fresh and red thanks to heavy duty floor mats. At the head of that carpet, a conservative dash features a familiar Alpine CD player, Vintage Air climate control and a full array of color-keyed Classic Instruments gauges. In front of the driver, an attractive Budnik steering wheel spins around a modern, tilting column. And behind the passengers, quality Focal speakers, which play perfectly off large kick speakers, hang over a custom-upholstered trunk.

With a hot big block and curve-carving dynamics, this sinister Cutlass is a fun classic to cruise in virtually any setting. Factor in the car's great color combination and head-turning detailing, and you've got one seriously appealing A-Body. It seems that Oldsmobile enthusiasts, much like their favorite cars, are always one small step ahead of their contemporaries. If you're thinking about adding a rocket to your orbit, don't hesitate; the countdown has begun!