This car was built at the Fremont, California plant. It is definitely a REAL 442 Convertible, but I don’t have documentation to prove it. All characteristics are correct, all emblems are proper. The hood has the proper non-functional louvers and the trailing arms are boxed. The head light buckets and grill are proper for a 442 and the deck lid trim is blacked out. Everything about this car says it is a real 442. As a lover of Oldsmobiles, I try very hard to know my cars and the characteristics that define authenticity.
The odometer reads 45,457 miles. Those as said to be actual miles, but we have no supporting documentation to verify that claim. As such, due to its age, it will be sold exempt of mileage disclosure.
This car underwent a comprehensive frame-off restoration in the early 2000’s. From my inspection, I cannot see any part of the car that was left untouched. The underside is restored, as is the trunk and engine bay. The powertrain was rebuilt. The interior, body and paint and suspension were all refurbished. It now has a few miles and some years on it, but it looks and performs very well.
The overall appearance is to stock, but there were a few modification and liberties taken during the restoration. The exhaust system begins with headers and runs true dual 3 inch pipes with Flowmaster mufflers and trumpet tips. The intake manifold is Edelbrock Aluminum, topped with a Holley dual-feed carburetor. The ignition is a HEI unit. The front brakes are now disc. The sway bars and suspension are beefier than stock. The steering column has tilt and the steering wheel is aftermarket. The stereo is a retro-appearing unit with AM/FM/Cassette and a 10 disc CD changer in the trunk. There are speakers mounted in custom kick panels. The Super Stock 1 wheels are now 15 inch and wrapped in 225/60R/15 Eagle ST tires. I would say there were great choices that make the car perform well.
The Spanish Red paint is base coat/clear coat. It is deep and shiny. The body is very straight. This is a show quality finish, were it not for a few small touch-ups of paint chips. The white convertible top is brand new. There is a Parchment convertible boot to match the upholstery. The chrome and trim is in fantastic condition.
The Parchment upholstery is in great shape with only minimal wear. It is beautifully set off by the red carpet, red dash and red seat belts. The aftermarket 442 floor mats match perfectly. There is a proper console that is also red. This was all replaced during the restoration.
This car is very well equipped. It has power steering and brakes, power top, power antenna and power windows. It is a factory Air Conditioned car. The A/C still has R12 Freon and it blows cold. When you order Air Conditioning, you get Soft-Ray tinted glass. This car also has Courtesy Lamps, Chrome moldings and Rally gauges. The outside mirror is operated remotely. The seats are buckets.
The correct 400 Rocket V8 is very strong. It is backed by a Turbo Hydramatic 400 three speed automatic. The 12 bolt rear axle contains 3.36 gears and Anti-Spin differential. The differential is adorned by a W27 Aluminum cover.
The trunk contains the proper jack, wrench and a matching spare. It was spatter coated during the restoration and new mats installed. The proper decals are affixed beneath the deck lid. The doors lock with the key. There are two sets of keys.
All lights and features on this car work properly. With exception of the sound system. We are looking for the reason and believe it is simply a power source issue. It is our intent to have that rectified.
This is not only a great driving car, but it is definitely worthy of being proudly displayed at your local car show or cruise night. It has a fantastic look about it. The body and paint are wonderful, as is the interior.
Life in California offered this car the opportunity to remain in great condition. Minimal driving kept it from becoming worn out. A frame-off restoration brought it back to its Glory.
