This is one for the Oldsmobile fans out there - the cream of the crop. This 1971 Oldsmobile 442 convertible is a very special car and has the documentation to prove it. Although the Olds 442 was introduced in 1964, at that time it was simply an option package and it wasn't until 1968 did the Oldsmobile 442 become a model in its own right, reverting once again to an option package in 1972, making this 1971 442 one of the last, true 442's built. What makes it even more special is the fact that it is a W-Machine optioned vehicle. In 1971 Oldsmobile built just 1304 442's, 920 of which were W-30 optioned cars, of which only 110 were convertibles and of that number, only 78 of them were ordered with an automatic transmission. A true numbers-matching W-Machine optioned 442, the VIN and cowl tag indicates that it is a real 442 and that it was built at GM's Lansing, Michigan plant, where all W-Machines from 1966 to 1972 were produced, and the engine block has the correct 396021 F stamping to indicate a period correct 455 block. Additionally, it has the correct W-30 red inner fenders, the correct 409160-stamped 455 cylinder heads which were 1971-only and W-30-only, the correct 402295- and 402294-stamped W-30 headers, and an 'OW' code TH400 transmission, which was the specially-tuned TH400 installed in every automatic W-30 442. Other W-30 indicators include the correct W-25 OAI (Outside Air Induction) fiberglass hood with special air cleaner, and W-27 aluminum differential cover, while the rear sway bar and boxed lower control arms are true 442-only items. To further complement the rarity of this 442 it was also heavily optioned when it was ordered from the factory, and according to the original dealer invoice this convertible was ordered with a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission, anti-spin rear axle, variable-ratio power steering, power brakes with front discs, Four-Season air conditioning, Soft-Ray tinted glass, Custom-Sport steering wheel, AM-FM Stereophonic radio with Stereo Tape Unit, Deluxe seat belts, front and rear floor mats, Rocket Rallye Pac, which included a 7000RPM tachometer and self-regulating clock, Sports Console with wood grain trim, Super Stock IV wheels, and the convenience group package, which included a visor vanity mirror, underhood lamp, luggage compartment lamp, glove box lamp, and rearview mirror with integral lamp. As for the W-30 option itself, that package included a 455 engine with Force-Air induction, aluminum intake manifold, W-30 specific distributor and carburetor, W-30 fender emblems, special air cleaner with W-25 OAI fiberglass hood, sports styled outside rearview mirror, W-27 aluminum differential cover, and special body side paint stripes and hood paint scheme. The Pearl interior of this 442 is immaculate and all original with Strato bucket seats, and the exterior is the original color Sterling Silver with white convertible top, which is correct according to the cowl tag and the original sales invoice. A new set of Goodyear Polyglas G70-14 tires have just been installed on the original factory Super Stock IV wheels. As a 1971 model, this Oldsmobile is special simply because it is one of the last 442's built when they were produced as models and not trim packages, but what makes it even more special is the fact that it is a real W-30 442 and a convertible as well, making it that much more rare. The fact that its pedigree can be proven with original dealer and factory documentation put it beyond reproach and establish this 442's credentials as an extraordinary piece of American muscle car history.
