From one Oldsmobile Man to another…that is how this car came to me. It had been advertised in the magazine and was not getting much attention. I have to believe the fact that it was located in a very remote location had a lot to do with that. After a couple of months, I called. It seemed like a car worth pursuing. But then I got caught up in things and let it slide. When the next edition arrived and the price had been reduced, I took action.
The couple that owned this car drove to Nevada to buy it in 1992. They loved the unique specifications about the car and the fact that there was a Build Sheet to authenticate its existence. They had another Oldsmobile Cutlass that was her show car. This was more of a project car for them. He is quite capable of mechanical projects.
This car has perfect floors. There is not rust beneath the rear window. The trunk floor has no holes, in fact, it is still finished in the factory-applied spatter paint. All the glass is good. They knew this car had good bones.
Over time, the body was removed from the frame, the engine, transmission, lines, etc. were all removed. The frame was then sand-blasted and powder coated. It is quite impressive. The suspension was all replaced. Front disc brakes were installed. All new lines were hung. The original 400 engine was rebuilt, as was the original Turbo 400 transmission.
The power train was re-installed, new exhaust was installed, and new body mount bushings were installed. Then the unrestored body was put back on the frame. They drove it sparingly and estimate it has around 1500 miles on it since this work was finished.
In the meantime, they continued to show her Cutlass. Then, in 2010 a fire consumed their garage and her Cutlass. The plans were to use the insurance proceeds to replace the garage and restore this car. The garage was rebuilt, but the 442 is unchanged. Unfortunately, about the time the restoration was to begin, he developed cancer.
Now he is unable to proceed, they are up in years and their funds have been exhausted. The car was offered for sale. We drove almost 200 miles into the far Northern reaches of WI to get the car. And Anita drove it back!
This car is a real 442, as evidenced by the Build Sheet. It was built in Fremont, CA and sold new by a dealer in Glendale, AZ. Supposedly, the owner in Nevada was the first owner, but we have no proof.
This car has its original powertrain. The gear ratio is still 3.23/1. It has power steering and brakes, with the front being disc. It has Air Conditioning, but the compressor is locked up. It has an AM radio, which is not installed. A modern stereo was installed beneath the dash. It has bucket seats and console.
When new, this car was tu-tone in Sable and Topaz. It had the Appearance Group of moldings and Tinted Glass. I believe it was sold with wire wheel covers, but now has Rally Wheels with bolt-on center caps. They are wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial TA tires.
The interior is still Gold. The driver’s seat is now black vinyl. The other seats had tri-tone cloth inserts installed. I cannot believe that is the original upholstery…or could it be?
The interior is mostly original and in so-so condition. The carpet, headliner, door panels and dash pad are all original. They all have some flaws. As mentioned, the seats are mismatched and should be reupholstered.
The body was painted white a long time ago. It needs some work to the lower portions. I see rust in the lower quarter panels, lower door skins and lower fenders. The bumpers and trim are still in nice condition.
We have receipts to support all the work that was done. In addition, there are Owner’s Manuals, show/assembly/electrical/body manuals that go with the car. There is a correct jack, lug wrench and spare in the trunk. There are two sets of keys and they lock/unlock as they should. There are some spare parts as well.
This is a very capable driver. It is a real 442 that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. You can drive it while you restore it, drive it as it is, or lay it up and go through the restoration immediately. We were told it was a capable driver and the long drive home proved just that. From one Oldsmobile Man to another…this is a great car for the money.
