Vehicle Description
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible
1968 was a banner year for the Oldsmobile A-body. This was the
first year of the Hurst/Olds partnership which resulted in a
special edition 442 that wore Peruvian Silver and black before the
familiar gold and white palette used later. 1968 would also have
styling cues that would be one year only, making them instantly
recognizable and unique.
For consignment, a 1968 Oldsmobile 442 convertible showing 25,701
miles, but the true miles are unknown. What is known is that only
3,476 442's with an automatic were produced in 1968 and this
numbers matching example has been subject to a high end restoration
which was completed about five years ago and included everything
from the paint, engine compartment, and newer power top.
Exterior
This time in two stages, Provincial White shines bright on the car
augmented by an epic fender stripe in black that travels north to
south, taking a break to absorb the ever important 442 emblem on
each side. Here's the final year with an unobstructed grille as all
future Oldsmobiles would include a bisecting nosepiece, often with
the Oldsmobile logo or 442 emblem. Here, 442 appears in block style
font front and center, flanked by dual headlights that themselves
flank a marker light, all framed in chrome trim. A slight bulge on
the hood is bordered by faux vents but terminates at an open cowl
grille, followed by robust stainless trim on the windshield, and
it's all in fine condition. The newer blue canvas top houses a
glass rear window trailing down to more shiny trim, a flat decklid,
thin tail lights, and distinctive megaphone style chrome exhaust
tips. We find only one flaw on this clean 442 in the form of some
bubbling under paint near a wheel opening.
Interior
Stitched and patterned blue vinyl makes up most of the door panel
with a smooth blue panel below housing a pair of speakers on each
door. Up front, blue vinyl bucket seats have alternating patterns
of vertical stitching and smooth panels, showing some use but in
otherwise clean condition and the rear seats are even nicer. A
three spoke wood rimmed steering wheel retains its sheen and leads
to the blue backed instrument cluster composed of three main gauges
deeply inset into the plastic dash. Along with the vent panel, the
silver painted trim shows some wear while the AM/FM Olds branded
radio still looks fresh. The very cool shifter has a wood handle
and is inset in the aluminum base on the floor, surrounded by blue
carpet in nice shape.
Drivetrain
The engine bay is spotless and houses the gold numbers matching
rebuilt 400ci V8 rated at 325 horsepower, topped by a 4-barrel
carburetor. Behind it, the numbers matching rebuilt TH400 3-speed
automatic transmission that routes power to the 12 bolt axle with
2.56 gears. Power disc brakes are employed up front while power
drums are in back.
Undercarriage
Clean underneath with some general patina, almost zero surface
rust, and few drops of oil on the pan, it is dominated by stain
black paint, and what appears to be a newer gas tank. Dual exhaust
runs through FlowMaster mufflers on their way to the bell shaped
tips, a fantastic end to a clean system. Suspension consists of
coil springs up front and a 4 link with coils out back.
Drive-Ability
That radio that looked so good is unfortunately not working. But
that's okay, because the music we want to hear comes from the
engine and exhaust and it is indeed a sweet sound, hinting at the
325 horsed packed under the hood. We're not letting them all out of
the stable, but you can tell they're restless in the gate and that
there's power on demand. The GR70-14 tires on Olds Super Stock
wheels have a date code of mid 2022 so still fresh, adding to the
car's grip and handling which is good. We note the reverse lights
not illuminating and along with the radio, represent the only
things not working. All other functions do! While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
In all our years of business, this is only the second 1968 442 to
visit our Hallowed Halls and we're thrilled it's here. Some of us
are partial to this one year design and it is objectively striking
in its configuration, perhaps a bit meaner looking than other
iterations of the 442. This is a few steps from concours level
perfection, but an outstanding show car and representative of an
iconic model. Around here, four plus four plus two equals
collectable!
344678Z115357
3-Oldsmobile
44-442
67-Convertible
8-1968
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
115357-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
04A-1st Week April
ST 68 34467-1968 442 Convertible
BDY BF00151-Fremont Body #
TR 943-Blue Vinyl Buckets
PNT C4-Provincial White, Blue Top
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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