Vehicle Description
Even though the Pontiac GTO may have inspired the muscle car era,
there we're plenty of other entrants that were just as cool and
just as notable. One such participant, Oldsmobile's sophisticated
442, consistently serves as the foundation for some of the nicest
MoTown metal we sell. And when you take a close look at a car like
this fabulous drop-top, you'll understand exactly why. Wrapping
rich Aztec Gold aesthetics around sedate Saddle vinyl and 400 cubic
inches of spry Rocket motor, this Olds is the stuff of legend!
GOLDEN OLDIE
During a professional, body-off restoration that was completed by
Harbor Auto Restoration of Rockledge, Florida, this authentic 442
convertible was entirely disassembled and completely stripped of
its dull, original pigment. After a bit of hard work, the car's
clean body presented itself as an excellent foundation for a slick
coat of correct Aztec Gold 2-stage. And today, a close look at our
high-resolution photos reveals a handsome payoff in the form of one
of the coolest looking muscle cars on the planet!
Straddling the line between luxury and performance, the 442 has
always been a stylish ride. At the front of this Olds, a bright
chrome bumper hangs clear parking lamps below a stainless-trimmed
grille, which frames a silver "442" emblem and bright T3
headlights. At the sides of those lights, slick stainless trim
traces the car's fenders while bright wheel liners reflect polished
handles, a polished mirror, bold "442" emblems and cool rocket
marker lamps. Opposite those lamps, a Power Bulge hood leads the
eye to like-new glass, which seats straight stainless frames under
correct Black vinyl. And at the back of the car, a second bright
bumper aligns crystal clear reverse lamps with rocket-inspired
taillights, trumpeted exhaust tips and a fourth "442" emblem.
ROCKIN' ROCKET POWER
Hoist the hood and you'll find a correct, 400 cubic inch Rocket V8
that's branded with a familiar 396026G casting number. A
super-efficient wedge head design, that hot V8 utilizes a proven
455 cranktrain to turn stout 10.5 to 1 compression into 350
horsepower and 440 lb./ft. of stump-pulling torque. Stomp the
throttle and a big Rochester Quadrajet mixes juice from new
stainless fuel lines with wind that's supplied by a Fire Red air
cleaner. At the sides of that carb, correct "C" branded heads ride
above factory cast exhaust manifolds. At the back of those heads, a
correct points distributor sequences spark through predictable
Packard TV R Suppression cables. Aesthetically, the car's Satin
Black fenders and masculine Bronze block look great against their
glossy, gilded shell. And the entire engine bay, from its pliable
GM hoses and fresh Delco Moraine brake booster to its Delco
Energizer battery and old school Frigidaire AC compressor, features
a clean, mostly correct appearance.
MO-TOWN MUSCLE
The bottom of this awesome 442 is completely solid, showing no
signs of undue wear or question-inducing battle scars. The Rocket
400 fronts a correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed, which is paired
to a correct 1969 (69) Oldsmobile 442 400 (OG) assembly tag. That
proven transmission sends power to a stout 12-bolt axle, which
features a date-correct "R2" assembly stamp. That pumpkin pushes a
requisite heavy-duty suspension. Power-assisted stops are provided
by a correct combination of calipers and drums. Turns come courtesy
of factory power steering. At the center of the car, aluminized
pipes funnel spent gases through baritone turbo mufflers. And at
the corners, chrome Magnum 500s spin G70-14 Goodyear Polyglas
Custom Wide Treads.
SADDLED WITH STYLE
Inside this impressive classic, you'll find a restoration-fresh
interior that's both comfortable and appealing. At the center of
the car, stainless-trimmed seats ride stain-free carpet, which
snugs up to pick-free door panels. In front of those thrones, a
warp-free dash hangs factory air conditioning between an old school
AM radio and rebuilt factory telemetry. At the base of that dash, a
slim console frames a stylish shifter. And in front of the driver,
a Sport Steering Wheel laps a factory tilting column.
VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Service records from the 1980s
Registrations from the 1990s
A binder of restoration photos
With striking aesthetics and a sorted restoration, this awesome 442
is a fun classic to cruise in virtually any setting. Factor in the
car's correct drivetrain, 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!
HIGHLIGHTS
Authentic 442 convertible
The beneficiary of a professional, ground-up restoration
Correct 400 cubic inch Rocket V8
Correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
Correct 12-bolt rear axle
Factory Frigidaire air conditioning
Factory power steering
Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
Correct Aztec Gold paint / Correct Black top
14-inch Magnum 500 wheels
Factory heavy-duty suspension
Restoration photos
