1971 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 CONVERTIBLE W-30 TRIBUTE - numbers matching 350

This highly-documented, original code 75 Matador red, 1971 442 W-30 convertible tribute is an excellent example of a finely-restored american muscle car. I was lucky enough to purchase this convertible only 70 miles from where it was originally purchased back in 1971.

I have a lot of great historical paperwork on this car. On June 18th 1971, this car was purchased from Weise Oldsmobile in Kokomo, Indiana by a Calvin and Frances Bell (also from Kokomo). The gentleman I purchased the car from said he was the 2nd owner, and bought the car from the widow, in 2010. I bought this car in unrestored form about 6 months ago, from an older couple out of Greenfield, Indiana, who cared for the car for about 8 years. The car was in nice unrestored shape and had been through 1 repaint, likely in the 80s.

I have the original window sticker (laminated), warranty information, protect-o-plate, owners manual, page from a 2010 hot rod magazine ad when this car was purchased, and a receipt from YearOne for a trunk floor and some POR 15 undercoating.

Before bidding, make sure you scroll to the bottom of the page to check out my photo gallery with 100 high resolution images showing the amount of effort and detail put into this restoration. Over 700 labor hours and a LOT of parts went into an extensive 6 month restoration. Much of this car was taken to bare metal for an excellent paint job. The body work is incredible, and laser-straight. All the panels were painted off the car so you won't find ANY tape lines anywhere. While the panels were off, all the jambs, and hinges were media blasted, seam sealed and primered for a "fresh-from-the-dealer" look.

Everything was sprayed base/clear with high quality urethane products, and the clear is a super high gloss / high solids clear from Southern Polyurethanes Inc. The white stripes on the car are also base/cleared in arctic white, and as the restoration neared completion the body was meticulously color-sanded with 1500, 2000, and 2500 grit paper before being buffed to a mirror finish with all 3M compounds.

The quarter panels, outer wheel houses, and lower fender panels are brand new and were purchased from The Parts Place out of DeKalb, IL. The parts were professionally welded on and installed by an experienced body man. The trunk floor was at least partially replaced after 2010 but prior to my ownership. The floors look to be originals and are in great condition to the best of my knowledge. Most of the undercarriage has been treated with POR 15, and/or rubberized undercoating. It does show some age/wear but still looks to be in decent condition.

Aside from an outstanding paint job, the car has had all rubber body gaskets, door/trunk seals, window felts, rubber stoppers, and weather-stripping completely replaced with a whole kit ordered from Tamaraz's Parts. The front and rear 442 cutout bumpers are brand new as are ALL of the emblems, the 442 grilles, and the outer door handles. The restoration has absolutely ZERO miles on it. The all-new ram air hood is a VFN piece, out of Chicago-land area. It fits great and would be completely functional if someone were to install a flapper-door ram air cleaner for this car.

According to the laminated window sticker, all the components are original equipment to the car except for the spoiler, hood, and possibly the 4 spoke steering wheel. It is really cool to find a car that has the window sticker proving what it came with from the factory!

The power mill of this car is the original rocket 350 "numbers matching" (see photos) and looks to be in original condition, having never been rebuilt. It runs very well, and is topped with a recently rebuilt quadra-jet 4bbl carb. The fuel pump was dripping, so a brand new one was ordered and installed as well. The entire engine bay has been nicely detailed and much of it repainted. You can still see a few of the original stampings on the left side of the firewall.

This is an A/C car but some of the parts are missing, I will include the original compressor and bracket that was given to me by the previous owner. I chose not to reinstall all the correct a/c parts because many people these days will choose to use a VintageAir kit that can be purchased new, rather than attempt to get all the old parts working again.

The trunk was in very nice condition and so all that was needed was a fresh coat of black paint, followed by AC delco black and aqua trunk spatter and a universal clear coat. The spare tire, jack, jack stand, bumper mount, and crowbar, were media blasted, repainted and reinstalled in their proper locations. If you notice this Poly-glass bias ply spare, it's a Firestone Sup-R-belt, and I believe it could be original to the car.

The original Super Stock II (SSII) wheels have all been restored, sanded, and painted base/clear the same as the body in Matador Red. The rims are wrapped in 225/70/R14, BF Goodrich raised white letter tires, and look to be close to new. All 4 wheels have new chrome lug nuts, and new center cap rocket emblems.

Under the car, you'll notice an almost new dual exhaust with brand new trumpet tips, exiting the rear cutout bumper. You should also notice the gas tank. The previous owner told me that he had recently replaced the tank and sending unit. The power meets the pavement via an original TH350 3 speed automatic transmission and a 10 bolt differential. The factory correct boxed control arm inserts and rear sway bar are new and help to complete the tribute package as well as help with the handling.

Up top there is a fully functional white power convertible top that shows very well and only has some slight blemishes. There are a few marks here or there, scuffs, and some discoloration, but again it shows very well inside and out.

The interior is in very nice condition and is highlighted by bucket seats, center console, and rally sport steering wheel. Everything works to the best of my knowledge but I honestly forgot to check the AM radio. The carpet appears nearly new, the door panels look good. Some new parts have been added to the interior including chrome armrest base plates, and chrome seat edging. Overall the interior shows very well and much of it is original and restored. The seats have been recovered at some point prior to my ownership. All 5 seatbelts are also present, and functional.

Maybe you had one of these cars when you were young, or maybe you always wanted one but couldn't afford one until now. Make no mistake, this 1971 convertible has great investment potential and will receive endless praise wherever you choose to drive it!

These oldsmobile classics were such cool cars and every one of them deserves to be saved! This one has been already and should provide years of enjoyment to come. This color combination is one of the most popular and so hard to find. Don't miss out on your chance to score this car at a great price. This classic is being offered to the public for the first time on a 5 day, no-reserve auction starting at $2000, and will end on Sunday evening to the highest bidder!

All statements provided are solely my opinion, and therefore it is an as-is sale with no warranty expressed written or implied. I have gone through painstaking efforts to be very detailed and forthcoming with this desciption but this is still a used car nearly half a century old. Please be reasonable with your expectations. Every car, manufacturer, year and model, has its own strengths and weaknesses. I would encourage anyone who plans to bid on this car, please come see it if you can, as I am sure you will be impressed. It looks better in person than in photos. If you can't make it, please bid with confidence after viewing my extensive gallery.

I'm sure there are things I may have left out, so do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. The car will come with a clear Wisconsin title in my name, and will be stored in a locked facility until pick-up.

Thank you and good luck!