INTRODUCTION: This is a beautifully restored and highly sorted #s
matching 442. The "U" in the VIN confirms it was born with a 455
engine, and it still retains its original #s matching engine,
trans, rear end, and factory color combination. Very well equipped
with desirable options, this 442 checks all the boxes for
collectors while offering the comfort, performance, and reliability
to be thoroughly enjoyed on the road.
EXTERIOR: This clean western body was stripped down, all of the
moldings and trim were removed, and countless hours were spent
block sanding the body to achieve exceptionally straight panels. It
has excellent gaps, doors shut like new and the ram air hood looks
great. It was then repainted its original Nordic Blue color using
quality PPG products. The color was laid out evenly and topped with
an acrylic urethane clear coat. To achieve its show quality
appearance, the entire car was put through a three stage color
sanding and buffing process, resulting in a deep, glass like
finish. The factory stripes were carefully applied according to
original Oldsmobile specifications. The window regulators were
cleaned and lubricated, the glass was properly aligned. The
stainless trim was polished, and the bumpers, weatherstrips and the
black power convertible top has been replaced. It's sitting proudly
on restored SS III wheels wrapped with new BFGoodrich tires.
INTERIOR: The interior has been thoroughly restored and serviced.
It is loaded with great factory features too. The dash was restored
with a new bezel, fresh woodgrain, and Rally Pac gauges, including
the very desirable Tic-Toc-Tach. The instrument lights were
upgraded with LEDs, and both the AM/FM radio and 8-track player
were sent out, serviced, and are fully functional. The speakers
were replaced as well. The heater box was removed from under the
dash, disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and fitted with a new
heater core. The carpet looks fresh, the seats have great cushion
and have been reupholstered, and the door panels and armrests were
replaced. The center console features the highly desirable His and
Hers shifter, and there is also an optional sport steering wheel.
New visors, working interior lights, a new glove box liner, and
many other details make this a very tidy, well appointed, and
properly restored interior.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: At the heart of this 4-4-2 is its original #s
matching 455 engine, which was completely rebuilt with no shortcuts
taken. The block was bored .030 over, the crankshaft was polished,
the rotating assembly was balanced, the block was decked and line
bored, and the connecting rods were rebuilt. It received new
pistons, rings, bearings, seals, a double roller timing set, a new
camshaft, harmonic balancer, and a complete valve job with hardened
valve seats. The result is a strong, reliable engine that performs
as well as it looks. The distributor was disassembled and rebuilt,
while the carburetor and alternator were professionally rebuilt as
well. The exhaust manifolds were glass bead blasted and refinished
with high temperature coating, and the engine was painted the
correct factory color. The vacuum hoses are properly color coded,
and it has a complete Ram Air system. The air conditioning system
was completely removed, rebuilt, and upgraded to R134a refrigerant.
The cruise control unit was rebuilt, and a new power brake booster
and master cylinder were installed. Reproduction hoses and correct
style clamps help maintain the factory appearance. In fact, the
entire engine compartment was completely disassembled, restored,
and detailed, making it every bit as impressive as the rest of the
car.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Under the trunk lid and in the jamb, the
beautiful Nordic Blue paint shines just as nicely as the exterior.
Inside, the trunk is completely solid metal that was properly
prepped and refinished with the correct GM spatter paint. The trunk
light assembly was repaired, and it features a new correct trunk
mat, weatherstrip, and well liner. The attention to detail
continued with the jack assembly, which was glass bead blasted and
restored. Even matching spare wheel was sandblasted and refinished
before being fitted with a new BFGoodrich tire. This trunk
compartment is every bit as clean, detailed, and well restored as
the rest of the car.
UNDERSIDE: The underside of this 4-4-2 is every bit as impressive
as the top side. The steering system was completely rebuilt
including the steering box, rag joint, swivel joint, power steering
pump, idler arm, and center link. It retains the desirable Rally
Suspension, which includes front and rear swaybars along with boxed
rear control arms. The suspension was completely rebuilt and
upgraded with gas shocks for improved ride and handling. The brake
system was also completely gone through and features front disc
brakes with premium ceramic pads. The emergency brake system is
fully functional. The exhaust system sounds great through
Flowmaster mufflers and exits through the correct trumpet style
tips in the rear bumper. The fuel system was restored. The rear end
was inspected and serviced, while its original Turbo 400 automatic
transmission was professionally rebuilt. The starter was rebuilt
and the bottom of the engine is clean as well. Most impressive is
the condition of the original metal underneath. The floors, braces,
rockers, frame, and chassis components are exceptionally clean and
solid. They were properly prepped and refinished in semi-gloss
black, giving the entire underside a very tidy, detailed
appearance.
SERVICE: We take pride in our cars and our reputation. Every
vehicle goes through our service department where it is inspected,
test driven, and we address the essentials before offering it for
sale.
CONCLUSION: Whether you're seeking an investment grade muscle car,
a classic you can confidently drive and appreciate, or a show
stopping cruiser that commands attention wherever it goes, this
Oldsmobile delivers on every level.
For over 30 years, I, Jay Grams, have written the highlights for
nearly every car in our collection, based on decades of hands-on
experience. If you're seriously considering this car, the best next
step is to call us. We'll give you straight answers and help you
decide if it's the right fit. If you don't want to risk missing it,
you can secure it on our website with a $1,000 refundable deposit.
That holds the car while you complete your due diligence. We
encourage a personal inspection, and our team is happy to assist
you every step of the way. Our vehicles are displayed within our
museum setting. To view a specific car, we recommend scheduling an
appointment with a salesperson. Guests without an appointment may
tour the showroom with paid admission. If you purchase a vehicle,
your admission will be refunded and you'll receive a one-year
museum membership.
?? 815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
??
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Ram Air induction
Air conditioning
Power steering
Power disc brakes
Rallye suspension
Cruise control
Rallye gauges
Tic toc tachometer
Am-Fm radio
8-track player
Bucket seats
Console
Dual gate shifter
Deluxe wheel
Power trunk release
Power top
Stripes
Sport mirrors
SS lll wheels
