1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442-W30 Tribute Convertible
First off, this is NOT a real 442, and that also means it is not a W30. Someone spent a lot of time, energy and effort to create a very nice tribute to the 442-W30. It looks corrects, acts and sounds correct and is truly a great car.
This car was restored and converted in 2010. The restoration was a frame-off. We have quite a few of the receipts and it is evident that the investment and commitment to create the car was tremendous.
Our receipts support the information passed along to me. The powertrain was rebuilt. It is a 455 with Muncie four speed transmission. The rear end has 2.78 gear ratio, Anti-Spin positraction and a W-27 Aluminum cover.
The suspension has been tended to. The brakes are new, with the front being disc. The rear trailing arms are boxed. There are sway bars. The Rally I wheels are wrapped in BFG Radial T/A tires that probably have less than 1000 miles on them. The fuel tank and sending unit were replaced. The exhaust is true dual with Flowmaster style mufflers.
The engine was rebuilt. A new Aluminum radiator was installed. The engine bay is very neat and tidy. It appears to be correct for a W30. It is topped by a correct appearing W30 intake manifold. There are both power steering and brakes. The inner fenders are red W30 style. The proper air cleaner is in place and it functions as it should. Much of the wiring is new, as is the battery. All belts and hoses were replaced during the restoration.
The interior was completely changed to mimic the 442. It has correct bucket seats and center console. The upholstery is Parchment in color. The carpet, seat belts, lower door panels and dash are all black. The dash has been upgraded with Rally gauges and includes a functional Tic-Toc-Tac. The AM/FM stereo radio functions properly and it has been upgraded with a hidden Sirius/XM tuner.
The interior includes a correct four spoke steering wheel and remote outside driver’s mirror. The Convertible top mechanism was all rebuilt and a new top was installed. This top has a glass rear window. The convertible boot was not shipped to me, so a brand new Parchment convertible boot is included.
The underside of the car looks great. There are no bad spots in the frame or floors. They were all refinished at the time of the restoration. After 10 years and some driving, they still look great, but are not show quality.
The body is in great condition. A correct Outside Air Induction hood was installed. The paint, stripes, rear wing and emblems are correct in their appearance. The quality of the body and paint is high. There are no flaws to discuss.
The quality of the finish is very close to show worthy. It is certainly much better than most that you would see at any local show of Cruise Night. It will stand tall and get plenty of attention no matter where you have it on display.
Our inspection concluded that all features function properly. There is a jack set and spare in the trunk. There are two sets of keys that actuate the locks. There is a stack of receipts that go with the car. There is an Owner’s Manual.
I cannot imagine the investment to create this 442-W30 Tribute. It truly looks the part and will only be exposed as a Tribute upon very close inspection by someone with great knowledge. You likely know how valuable this car would be if it were a real 442-W30 Convertible. Perhaps four times our asking price? Or more?
Because this is a Tribute, you can drive it and enjoy it. It is particularly fun to drive due to the four speed transmission. My short test drive found it to perform and handle exceptionally well.
If you are like me, you enjoy driving your cars. And it is also gratifying to show them off. This is a car that deserves to be both driven and shown. You will be impressed with the overall quality and condition of the car.
Of course it is not a real 442-W30 Convertible. But it is a well-done Tribute. I look forward to discussing it with you and offering it for your inspection. I am quite certain that you won’t be disappointed. This is a great value.
