I am going to call it unique. Call it what you want, but this is certainly not your normal red W30 that is loaded with options.
The colors combination of Sienna Iridescent paint and the Sienna vinyl bench seat interior is something I have never come across in all of my days of lusting after Oldsmobiles. The fact that this W30 has a column shifter and no gauge package makes it even more unique. Is it desirable? It’s a REAL W30, so yes!
The Broadcast Card is in the glovebox. It is definitely from this car. While the 455 engine is a replacement, the OW code Turbo 400 Hydramatic transmission is numbers matching. This is a REAL W30 that is very unique.
The engine is a 396021 casting block with Ka heads. The Rochester carburetor is a 7041256 version. The intake manifold is a Winters “Olds 455” model. The exhaust manifolds are correct, with the left side casting of 402295. The Outside Air Induction hood feed the correct vacuum controlled plenum air cleaner.
The Owner’s Manual/Protect-O-Plate packet tells me the car was sold new at “for those in the know” Row Oldsmobile/Rambler in Grand Rapids, MI. There is evidence that the car was in Georgia and has spent the last couple of decades in SW Missouri. Judging by the condition of the floors and undercarriage, it has not been a rusty car. I can see that it was rust-proofed when new. The underside has been undercoated and painted.
The Sienna paint is in great condition and certainly cannot be ten years old. The body shows no signs of repair, corrosion or filler. There are no blemishes of note. The tinted glass is all in great condition, as is the chrome.
The Sienna interior looks too nice to be original. But is it? I personally detailed the interior and see minimal signs of age and use, yet don’t see that it was recently replaced. The condition of the Sienna Deluxe seat belts indicated that they are original, yet they are very nice. Is initially felt the carpet must be a replacement, but after close inspection, I am not sure. I did not search for the original tag. The upholstery is in great condition, as is the headliner. The dash is perfect. Could this interior have survived, or was it replaced a few years back?
While detailing the interior, I noted a working pushbutton AM radio, inside hood lock, remote control for the driver’s mirror and rear view mirror mounted map light. I believe the map light may be part of the Courtesy Light package. There are lights under the hood and decklid. There is a set of aftermarket auxiliary gauges beneath the dash. This car did NOT come with the Rally Pac gauges, which seems so odd for a W30. The Sport Steering wheel appears to be correct for the car, but that is easy to change.
The minimal options on the exterior of the car include Super Stock II wheels that are painted to match the car and Sport Mirrors. The tires are 225/70/14 BFG Radial TAs. There is a W35 rear spoiler on the decklid. It appears to be correct and original.
While inspecting the underside of the car, I noted the boxed trailing arms, front disc brakes, Flowmaster exhaust ending in trumpet tips and the corporate ten bolt rear end. I double-checked the gear ratio and came up with the ratio of 3.73:1. The differential is Anti-Spin.
The odometer reads almost 9000 miles. I do not know what that signifies. But I can tell you that the condition of the car is very good. It is a very capable driver that is a blast to drive. The immense torque combined with 3.73 gearing makes this car very quick and responsive.
All features work properly with exception of the parking brake. There are two sets of keys. The solid trunk floor is properly spatter painted, then covered with correct mats. There is a bumper jack, wrench and matching spare.
I suppose this W30 fits the “love it or hate it” category. It is the REAL deal, yet it is very unique. You will never see another at a car show, no matter how many cars are participating. This car is sure to draw attention and comments.
