Make: | Oldsmobile |
Model: | 442 |
SubModel: | W-30 |
Type: | Other |
Doors: | 2 |
Year: | 1971 |
Mileage: | 17,039 |
Color: | Blue |
Engine: | 455 V8 |
Transmission: | Manual |
Interior color: | Black |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
SUMMARY
Authentic 442 / Ground-up restorationSo, you're looking for some hot GM muscle that you can enjoy and build a little equity in. Your first thought is to click through our inventory of second generation Chevelles. But, as nice as all those Super Sports are, they're just a bit too common. Then, your mind migrates to team Chevelle's flamboyant cousin: The Pontiac GTO. Problem is, the second generation GTO, with all its stripes and bolt-ons, is just a tad over-the-top. Frustrated, you think: "there's always Buick, but good luck finding a good one". And then you remember the humble outfit known as Oldsmobile. GM's technology division definitely created some of the nastiest stoplight warriors ever unleashed on American roads. And this fully restored 442 is a prime example of their 'bar brawler in a tuxedo' philosophy. Featuring an original, 455 cubic inch Rocket V8, a tough 4-speed transmission and flashy looks that swap '70s glam for middle-of-the-road sophistication, it's a car that's nice enough to covet but not so pristine you'll be afraid to hit the road. If you're in the market for a great alternative to GM's traditional stars, there are few cooler cars than this sweet Oldsmobile hardtop!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Assembled in Lansing, Michigan during the second week of February, 1971, this awesome Oldsmobile is an impeccably restored classic that's benefitted from an extensive, ground-up restoration. During that thorough reboot, the car's solid profile was decked in correct Viking Blue base, trimmed with sinister W-30 stripes and sealed in glossy clear. And today, this coupe rolls as one razor-sharp classic that's primed for both the street and the show!
Like all second generation A-bodies, the 442 continued to get better year after year. The car's clean, boxy lines were no doubt a play on its parent division's engineering leadership within the GM hierarchy, and the resulting design continues to weather exceptionally well. At the front of this Olds, a black and silver grille hangs a black "442" emblem between a small rocket badge, clean T3 headlights and a guarded bumper that's finished with clear parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a fiberglass ram air hood anchors stainless tie-downs opposite like-new glass that's framed in polished stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, "442" and "W-30" fender emblems lead a clean profile that reflects traditional door handles and thin door guards in dent-free wheel rings and body-matched sport mirrors. And at the back of the car, a "442" branded decklid hangs a large wing above pristine taillights, a second guarded bumper and trumpeted 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. Twist the locks, fling the resin and you'll find 455 cubic inches of Rocket V8 that's branded with a correct 396021F casting number and a matching partial VIN. Stomp the throttle and a restored Quadrajet 4-barrel mixes juice from leak-free fuel lines with wind that's supplied a familiar W-30 air cleaner, and shoves it in to a Winters high performance intake. At the back of that intake, a traditional points distributor feeds fire through proven Packard TV R Suppression cables, which snake around correct "H" heads, and stamped and painted valve covers. Below those covers, restored exhaust manifolds shoot charred dinosaurs in to big, true-dual pipes. Mechanically, the stout mill is all day reliable, spinning 370 lb./ft. of rock-crushing torque from one of the largest and most powerful valvetrains ever created. Aesthetically, familiar plastic fenders and Metallic Blue block skin look fantastic against the car's glossy body. There's a roster of high quality ancillaries that includes a rebuilt alternator, pliable GM radiator hoses and a fresh Delco Moraine brake booster. And the entire set up flat out rocks, from its correct decals to its vivid firewall stamps.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
While this awesome 442 has certainly seen some road time, one trip to the lift reveals a solid undercarriage that's devoid of any significant weathering. The aforementioned Rocket 455 fronts a correct Muncie 4-speed, which twists power to an aluminum-capped axle that's stuffed with 3.73 gears. That marked driveline rides a familiar FE2 heavy duty suspension, which, along with the car's chassis, was carefully restored during the ground-up reboot. Solid stops are provided by rebuilt power front disc and rear drum brakes. Turns come courtesy of factory power steering. At the center of the car, a fresh exhaust system funnels spent gases through throaty IMCO mufflers. And everything rolls on chrome Styled Steel Is, which spin G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sports around rocket-branded center caps.
INTERIOR
Inside this impressive coupe, you'll find a correct Black interior that appears to have been completely replaced during the aforementioned restoration. At the center of the car, stainless-trimmed strato-bucket seats ride on fresh carpet that's protected by "Oldsmobile" branded floor mats. At the sides of those seats, clean door panels center familiar GM armrests in bright chrome handles, straight stainless trim and fresh wood applique. Up front, a wood-trimmed dash hangs deluxe Rallye Pac telemetry above an upgraded radio and a monochromatic "442" emblem. At the base of that dash, a plateaued console frames a requisite Hurst shifter. In front of the driver, a Sport Steering Wheel laps a bright rocket emblem. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk anchors a fifth Styled Steel I and Fifth Firestone tire between correct tools, correct decals and a fresh mat.
PROVENANCE
As we all know, authentic 442s were specially coded from the factory. Here's a detailed breakdown of this Olds's VIN and Cowl Tag.
VIN: 344871MXXXXXX
3: Oldsmobile Motor DivisionCOWL TAG
71: 1971 model yearOUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
A vintage magazine adTired of the same old Chevelles and GTOs you can find anywhere, anytime? Then take a close look at this killer 442! Numbers-matching and highly correct, it's a super cool muscle car that's poised to gain value by the year. Whether you're an emphatic Oldsmobile collector, or a serious muscle car fan who wants something that's a little different, this exclusive A-Body is the perfect choice!