INTRODUCTION: This 442 is the kind of classic muscle car you hope
and pray to find! From every angle and every aspect, it is in
outstanding condition. What really speaks volumes is the owner who
cared for it. This car came from a meticulous enthusiast who
documented it with pages of detailed handwritten notes. He even
took the time to leave instructions inside the car explaining how
to properly operate it. The result is a highly restored, gorgeous
442 that will cruise all day or tear up the streets if you want it
too!
EXTERIOR: This is an absolutely stunning car to look at! The 442
has always had handsome, muscular lines, and this one showcases
them beautifully. The body is pristine- laser straight from end to
end with no damage or issues. Believed to be original rust free
metal. The panels fit precisely, with excellent gaps and alignment
throughout. It has been refinished in its original special order
Rally Red color. Yes, it looks orange to many people, but Rally Red
is the correct Oldsmobile color, and on this car it absolutely
glows. The paint has been polished to a literal glass like finish
that highlights every curve and body line. Correct painted white
pinstriping accents the body, while the white vinyl top provides a
striking contrast. The chrome and trim sparkle from every angle,
the 442 emblems are properly placed and the rear bumper features
the correct exhaust cutouts. The windshield and weatherstrips have
been replaced, adding to the fresh, restored presentation. To put
the finishing touch on an already gorgeous car, it's sitting on a
set of new 15x8 SS1 chrome wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich tires.
INTERIOR: There isn't anything about this car I don't love, and the
interior is certainly no exception! The factory Pearl White
interior is absolutely stunning and complements the exterior color
perfectly. The seats have been completely rebuilt with firm
cushions and fresh upholstery, including the headrests. The chrome
trim and seat backs have been replaced. It features new
reproduction Pearl White door panels, the armrests and window
cranks replaced. Down on the floor is fresh carpeting with
reproduction floor mats, while overhead you'll find a tight fitting
white headliner and matching visors. The dash area is in excellent
condition and has been tastefully upgraded with Dakota Digital
gauges, including a GPS speedometer. Additional upgrades include an
updated climate control system with electric slide controls, a
retro style stereo mounted in the factory location, and molded kick
panel speakers. Unique features include the factory hood lock
release mounted beneath the dash and the original 8-track player,
both reminders of the car's heritage. For monitoring engine
performance, a digital display showing engine vitals is mounted to
a custom bracket attached to the seat frame and can be easily
removed if desired. Completing the interior is a sport steering
wheel mounted on a tilt column and a center console between the
seats.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: At the heart of this Olds is a professionally
built 455 by Mondello Racing Engines, long recognized as the leader
in Oldsmobile performance. This powerhouse was bored, balanced, and
dyno tested at an impressive 516 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque! The
build features premium components throughout, including an Eagle
crankshaft, Wiseco pistons, H-beam rods, Lunati cam, Comp Cams
lifters and timing set, Edelbrock aluminum heads and intake, Holley
Terminator EFI, MSD ignition, and a set of American Racing
stainless steel headers. Detailed specifications documenting the
build are included. The front of the engine is equipped with a
modern serpentine belt system featuring air conditioning, a modern
alternator, and power steering with a polished reservoir. Cast
aluminum valve covers provide a period correct performance
appearance. Keeping all that horsepower cool is a Be Cool aluminum
radiator with dual 13-inch electric fans and an aluminum water
pump. It also features power brakes for confident stopping power.
What really stands out is the quality of the assembly and attention
to detail. This engine compartment is meticulously finished. The
wiring is neatly routed, the hoses and components are carefully
installed, the finishes are smooth and tidy throughout, and even
the windshield washer squirters are connected. One look under the
hood makes it obvious that this was a no-compromise.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: It actually exceeds expectations! Open the deck
lid and you'll find the underside and jambs finished to a standard
that's nearly as smooth and glossy as the exterior of the car.
Inside, the trunk is all clean, solid metal finished with a neatly
applied factory style spatter paint. The details have not been
overlooked either, featuring reproduction decals, a new
weatherstrip, a correct two piece felt trunk mat, and the desirable
Oldsmobile accessory rubber mat. The attention to detail continues
with a complete jack assembly and spare tire setup. In fact, the
spare isn't just any spare- it's a matching brand new SS1 chrome
wheel wrapped with a new BFGoodrich tire. Even the correct lug
wrench is secured in its proper place. It's a trunk compartment
that is every bit as impressive and detailed as the rest of the
car!
UNDERSIDE: It is impressively clean, featuring rust free original
metal throughout. The floors, inner rockers, and braces all appear
to be original and exceptionally solid, then lightly dusted with
black paint for a fresh, well detailed appearance. The mechanical
components have been completely rebuilt and upgraded. It is
equipped with the Rallye Suspension package, including front and
rear sway bars and boxed rear control arms, all of which have been
fully restored. The brake system has been completely redone and
upgraded with disc brakes at all four wheels, and the e-brake
assembly is properly hooked up. The fuel system is all new and
upgraded with Aeromotive components compatible with the fuel
injected engine. The exhaust features mandrel bent 3-inch tubing,
an X-pipe, and Flowmaster mufflers for improved a great sound.
Looking up at the engine, you'll find an extra capacity oil pan and
a high torque starter. Power is transferred through a TCI
StreetFighter 700R4 overdrive automatic transmission equipped with
a Shiftworks 4-speed selector conversion. A custom built rear end
from Just Rear Ends puts the power to the pavement, featuring a
12-bolt housing with 3.42 Eaton locker gears, Currie axles, and a
Detroit Speed girdle cover. Overall, the underside is exceptionally
solid, properly upgraded, and detailed.
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: Go look at as many muscle cars as you want. I have a
feeling you'll find yourself coming back to this one. That's
because cars like this are hard to duplicate. It has the right
look, the right upgrades, exceptional attention to detail, and the
kind of care that only comes from meticulous ownership. When you're
done shopping, you'll likely realize this is the one that stands
above the crowd. The only question is whether it will still be
available when you come back.
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Air conditioning
Fuel injection
Power steering
Power brakes
4 wheel disc
3.42 12 bolt posi
Rallye suspension
Bucket seats
Console
Pro Comp gauges
Retro stereo
Sport wheel
Vinyl top
Remote mirror
Stripes
15" SS1 wheels
Restoration docs
Original docs