Vehicle Description
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible
Many believe that Oldsmobile launched the American 'muscle car' in
1949 with the Rocket V-8 engine powering the lightweight 88. In
1964, the muscle-car theme returned with the F-85 Cutlass-based 442
performance package. By this point in history, the automotive
landscape had changed considerably especially with Pontiac's GTO.
For the 1968 model year, the Oldsmobile 442 (400 CI, 4 barrel
carburetion, 2 exhaust pipes) was upgraded from a simple options
package to its own separate model. The model is denoted by VINs
that start with the digits '344'.
For consignment not your father's Oldsmobile...not by a long shot!
This beauty original from New Mexico (can you say hot dry air?) has
been taken to task on all aspects with a new big block engine, new
convertible top, nice paint, new interior, digital gauges, and some
added in lighting just for extra giggles! A true looker, definitely
able to create a 1 car parade down Main Street when you go to get
groceries, what more could you want?
Exterior
While the body was being restored some obvious filler work had to
be completed and was not finished to showroom sharpness. After this
process, 2 coats of base and clear were added. Bathed in silver,
this exterior is looking presentable for a driver quality
restoration. Add on a wraparound black stripe on the end of the
front quarter just to highlight the 442 badge, and at this point
all re-chroming was initiated, as well as the restorer polishing
all the stainless...for days to get the shine needed. A new black
canvas convertible top was installed and add on some snappy
Aerothruster 3 (from American Racing) color matching wheels wrapped
with 225/50ZR17's on front and bigger 255/45ZR17's in back, and
coupled with the simplistic design we have a winner!
Interior
Not to be outdone by the exterior, a swing of the doors and the
competition begins with tuck and roll triangular patterned upper
door panels, and black faux leather pattern vinyl below. Within
this field of niceness are all the essentials door actuators,
window cranks, and the mirror toggle as well as the armrest, all
pristine and ready to welcome you into the seats. Here we have a
new interior seating with buckets covered in light gray tuck and
roll inserts, and black smooth bolsters. A small headrest resides
atop these buckets. Turning our attention to the back a nice newly
covered bench in the same pattern as the buckets stretches from
side to side. Racing upfront from the bench and between the buckets
is a snappy console looking like the factory original. Here we see
a futuristic shift lever, and in the glovebox, some stereo control
knobs and toggles. The dash is ultra padded black vinyl and has
some aftermarket gauges hanging below in the form of a speedometer
and water and oil gauges. Deep inset gauges and some accent
lighting throw in can also be seen. Black carpeting floods the
floors, and a rally steering wheel is now installed.
Drivetrain
Talk about mechanical bling, or jewelry for the motor head, a newer
455ci big block painted all gold has been shoehorned in under the
hood. Some chromed accenting bolt ons add to the drama with a shiny
air cleaner cover, and valve covers. On top is now a 4-barrel
carburetor and on back of a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission.
This pushes power rearward to a 10-bolt rear axle. All looking very
fine.
Undercarriage
Fully stripped and restored adding the power disc brakes to the
front (which was an option in keeping with originality) new
suspension, with Hotchkis sway bars, a rebuilt rear axle with new
seals and gaskets, and a Flowmaster exhaust and all is looking very
nice underneath. Also added accenting LED lighting is neatly
installed here too.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter with the push of a button, and eager to get to the
test track we were off in a blaze of glory, where we experienced
wonderful acceleration, a smooth ride with barely detectable
shifting and fine handling. I noticed the heater blower is in op,
however all else was working great.
I'd have to say this is a really great example of the Olds 442,
well done and added on features, new interior, and beautiful paint,
custom wheels and the big block 442. Some 1968 muscle for you to
flex...there's gonna be a gun show just stay tuned!
VIN DECODE
344678M449344
3-Oldsmobile
44-442
67-2 Door Convertible
8-1968
M-Lansing, MI
449344-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
07C
ST 68 33637-1968 Cutlass Convertible
BDY LAN45421-Lansing Body #
TR 940-Black
PNT R2-Scarlet, Black Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.