Vehicle Description
1969 Oldsmobile 442
The "4-4-2" name, (pronounced "Four-Four-Two"), derives from the
original car's four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual
transmission, and dual exhausts, (some maintain that the '2'
indicated positive traction rear differential). It was originally
written "4-4-2", (with badging showing hyphens between the
numerals), and remained hyphenated throughout Oldsmobile's use of
the designation. Beginning in 1965, the 4-4-2's standard
transmission was a 3-speed manual along with an optional 2-speed
automatic and 4-speed manual, but were still badged as "4-4-2"s. By
1968 badging was shortened to simply "442", but Oldsmobile
brochures and internal documents continued to use the "4-4-2" model
designation.
For consignment a true, numbers matching, Olds 442 that was the
beneficiary of a frame up restoration 10 years ago. Prior to this
restoration it has spent its life in Florida and is now in the
hands of its 4rd owner, who has performed some required maintenance
and correcting some issues with drive-ability. The original owner's
manual, GM of Canada historic paperwork, and window sticker is
present and will come with the car, as well as complete
documentation of the restoration.
Exterior
The original Glade Green is now a splendid Aztec Gold, and it is a
well-done paint job. Wide black stripes race from the front hood to
the windshield. Breaking up the stripes on the roof is a pristine
black vinyl top. All badging and trim work as well as bumpers are
very clean and nicely polished. A sloping rear deck rounds off
nicely with vertical wrap around taillights that float between the
trunk lid and the bumper. Dual chrome exhaust tips exit under the
bumper through small coves in the bottom of the bumper. 15-inch
honeycombed gold and polished Oldsmobile Super Stock II wheels and
deep dishes are wrapped with Firehawk rubber.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see plenty of tuck and roll vinyl with
a triangular pattern in black for the panels. Front bucket seats
are similar with the tuck and roll inserts and smooth black vinyl
bolsters. These sit within a plastic molded tub that has a chrome
piped edging where it meets the bolsters. Headrests are noted on
the buckets, and a rear bench stretches from door to door. A very
clean dash which is original but fully restored has all the correct
buttons, instruments and knobs, and is fronted by a clean and
beautiful steering wheel. The original AM/FM radio is in the center
and a small cluster of 3 gauges hangs below the dash in a chromed
bezel. Carpet is in very good condition, as is the headliner, nice
and tight. Lest I forget the center console has matching burl wood
applique with a walnut spherical shift knob.
Drivetrain
A numbers matching 400ci V8 complete with a 4-barrel Edelbrock
carburetor, (the original carb is included as well), lurks under
the black striped hood. The gold painted valve covers, and intake
manifold are contrasted by the red Olds 442 badged air cleaner.
Hoses are all supple and shiny, and absolutely not a hint of any
corrosion under here. On the back is a TH400 3-speed automatic;
also, numbers matching. A 12-bolt rear with 3.23 gears has
posi-traction.
Undercarriage
As one would expect, the underside shows some surface rust and nice
patina but is structurally sound. Floor pans are clean and rust
free, and rockers have a slight bit of surface rust, but none
invasive. Power disc brakes for the front, and power drums for the
rear provide the stopping power. Independent coil springs are
upfront and a 4 link with coil springs are on the back. A
Flowmaster exhaust snakes its way rearward to the chrome tipped
ends.
Drive-Ability
Certainly, a quick starter, and smooth runner. Nice power as we
went through the paces thanks to a few timing and carburetor issues
being corrected, along with good handling, and no creaking or
squeaking when going through a turn. A great cruiser with some
snappy acceleration, all looking good on the test drive with the
exception of the radio not belting out tunes, the horn not beeping
and the clock only being right twice a day.
A muscle car that is a step above the GTO's and Chevelles with its
upscale trimmings, textures and materials used. Similar coke bottle
design, but done in a tasteful way, and this with the black over
gold, stripes, and muscle under the hood, this car is definitely an
investment that is sure to rise in the coming years. All numbers
matching, and all restored so you can turn the key and drive away
into the sunset.
VIN DECODE
344879111362
3-Oldsmobile
4487- 442 2 Door Holiday Coupe
9-1969
111362-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 69 34487-1969 Oldsmobile 442 2 Door Holiday Coupe
BDY OS517911-Oshawa Body #
TR 930-Black Vinyl Buckets
PNT 57-Glade Green C60-Air Conditioning
D55-Console
M40-Th400 Automatic Transmission
