Vehicle Description
If you want high-visibility, maximum performance, and plenty of
luxury, all with a side of open-air fun, then this 1969 Oldsmobile
442 tribute should grab your attention. It's beautifully done in
bright orange, so it definitely ain't subtle, but the
strong-running 350 and long list of Oldsmobile comfort and
convenience features make it a great alternative to the usual
A-body choices.
We'll admit that bright Hugger Orange on an Oldsmobile seems like
blasphemy, but the original code 69 Platinum just didn't measure up
to the excitement such a car should generate. So just recently it
was torn down, smoothed, sanded, and prepped, then covered in that
vivid orange paint, and wow, is it bright! The two-stage urethane
gives it a fantastic shine and the white stripes in traditional 442
patterns were painted on, not decals, then buried under the clear
coat so it has a very smooth, seamless look. The big, bold hood
bulges practically lend themselves to the stripe treatment and
outlining the wheel arches makes the car look even longer and lower
than it is. Correct 442 badges have been placed in all the right
spots, so it'll take an expert and a look under the hood to prove
it's not a real 442. Other parts like the bumpers, the grilles, and
the cool Oldsmobile rocket side marker lights add up to a car that
has a lot of visual appeal, even up close.
The black interior works rather well with the orange bodywork and
it's also been beautifully refinished. They used a higher-grade of
vinyl than the factory, so it feels luxurious and upscale without
losing the OEM feel thanks to keeping original-style patterns.
There's a center console that makes this Olds feel sporty from
behind the wheel, a feeling that's reinforced by the cool 4-spoke
steering wheel and round instrument pods ahead of the driver. The
gauge markings are big and bright and there's a brand new Kenwood
AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the center of the dash, which powers a
set of huge speakers stashed in the trunk. A nice-looking power
white convertible top offers a glass rear window and the trunk is
neatly finished with what might very well be the original mat.
Power comes from a stout 350 cubic inch Oldsmobile V8, which is a
distinct creature from its GM corporate cousins. Wearing Oldsmobile
Gold paint and a few dress-up parts, it's a fun, reliable, and
torquey powerplant that suits this ragtop quite well. The engine
bay is very clean, with a lot of new parts, including the intake
manifold, 4-barrel carburetor, and alternator. It starts with that
familiar Oldsmobile starter chatter and settles into a nice idle,
burbling through long-tube headers and Flowmaster mufflers. It's
linked to a quick-shifting TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and
a 10-bolt rear end, so the powertrain is reliable and durable.
Other upgrades include recent shocks at all four corners and in
back you'll note there are polished exhaust tips poking out through
the 442 bumper openings. Ultra-clean floors mean this car isn't
from the rust belt and it sits on shiny 5-spoke alloy wheels with
225/70/15 front and 235/70/15 rear performance radials.
If you crave attention, this Olds will deliver. But if you simply
want a fun ragtop with a comfortable interior and plenty of
performance, well, this is also an excellent choice for that.
Either way, you're getting a lot of car for the money. Call
today!