Where do I start? How about from the beginning? This car was built at the Fremont, California Oldsmobile production plant. It was ordered out and is highly optioned. But man, oh man, is it lovely in Triple Black!
This 442 has its original 400 Rocket V8. The engine was rebuilt in the late 80’s to original specifications and we have the receipts. Option M40 is the Turbo 400 Automatic. It is shifted by the shifter mounted in the Sports Console.
The long list of options includes Anti-Spin Rear Axle and Super Stock Wheels, which are now wrapped in Coker Redline Radials. The 442 Performance Package is what we all like to see as an option. Did you know Ultra High Ignition was an option? Because the car was sold new in California, it has the Air Injection System and Crankcase Ventilation. The dual exhaust begins with the original cast iron manifolds and flows through the proper tuned chambers and exits out the rear with thin chrome tips at the very end, just like when it was new.
Many of the options were appearance and convenience related, such as Chrome Door Edge Guards and Chrome Roof Drip Moldings. The Outside Mirror is Remote-controlled. Of course it has Power Steering and Brakes. It has Glove Box, Console, Ash Tray and Trunk Lamps. The Deluxe Steering Wheel is mounted to a Tilt Away column.
You can monitor the performance with the Rocket Rally Pak gauges. Enjoy the comfort of Four-Season Air Conditioning. Of course that means it has Soft-Ray tinted glass. This 442 has the Deluxe Interior and Deluxe Front and Rear Seat Belts. You can enjoy some tunes with the original working Deluxe Pushbutton AM/FM radio which plays through both front and Bi-Phonic Rear speakers. If things get steamy, the Rear Window Defogger is ready for action.
These options are easy to identify thanks to this 442 having exceptional documentation. You can learn all about it from the Original Purchase Order, Original Window Decal and all the manuals which includes the Owner’s Manual, Pollution Booklet, Warranty Booklet with Protect-o-Plate and the Maintenance Record Card.
Speaking of maintenance, there is an envelope that was overflowing with maintenance records. I discarded those that were of little consequence. Now you have maintenance records from the original selling dealer in California and from the most recent owner of 30 years here in WI. There is also a stack of original California registration cards.
To make the originality of this car even more significant, it comes with its original California Black Plate and Dealer Plate Frame. There is a set of original keys, as well.
Now that we are through the history lesson, let’s discuss the car itself. It is a GREAT driver! The power is significant. The gearing is right and it handles extremely well. Certainly radial tires help with that.
The interior of the car is said to be original. I will agree that the door panels, headliner and rear seat may be original. They are in good condition, yet appear to be original. It is hard for me to believe the front bucket seats are original, they are just too nice. I feel the same about the carpet. No matter what, the interior is crisp and correct.
The body is laser straight. Black is tough to pull off if the panels aren’t straight. This car has some big slab panels that would show imperfections. Of course, it has never been rusty. The repaint occurred sometime in late 80’s. You would think it is less than five years old. It really shines up nicely.
The vinyl top is perfect. Certainly it has been replaced. I know the bumpers were replated and they look great. The wheels are in fantastic condition and would make you think they are not original. But I am told they are.
This was a valuable car from the day it was built. Certainly the first owner was a man of means. He took great care of the car. He kept all the documents and receipts. In fact, after the car was purchased by the most recent owner, he made contact with the original owner’s family and they sent him everything they had.
The most recent owner provided great care to this car for the past 30 years. He is quite meticulous and has high standards for his vehicles. It was great fortune that I was able to purchase such a great car from a caring owner.
This is a wonder highly optioned Triple Black 442 that came from California. How can it get any better?black
