SUMMARY
Rotisserie restoration completed in 2014 / Winner of many awardsIn the golden age of American muscle, the 442 was the ultimate option for sophisticated enthusiasts. And today, when you're looking to grab a piece of Detroit's finest iron without closing out your retirement, a numbers-matching Oldsmobile is one of the smartest purchases on the market. There's no reason a blue chip classic should cost more than the mortgage on your house. And there's ABSOLUTELY no reason spending six figures of your hard earned money shouldn't get you a distinguished award winner like this incredible W-30. 1 of only 1,032 W-30 4-speed Holiday coupes built for the 1970 model year, this freshly restored Olds pairs an original, 455 cubic inch V8 with a tough Muncie 4-speed and correct Platinum on Black aesthetics. And if you're the kind of gearhead who likes to take their hardware to the show, it's the lust worthy trophy king you've been saving for!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Assembled in Lansing, Michigan during the fourth week of October, 1969, this awesome Oldsmobile is an impeccably maintained classic that still features all of its original sheetmetal. During an extensive, rotisserie restoration that was completed in the Spring of 2014, that solid profile was decked in correct Platinum base, trimmed with sinister stripes and sealed in glossy clear. And today, the car rolls as one razor-sharp coupe that mixes minimalist looks with a no-nonsense demeanor.
Like all second generation A-bodies, the 442 continued to get better year after year. The car's clean, boxy lines were no doubt a play on its parent division's engineering leadership within the GM hierarchy, and the resulting design continues to weather exceptionally well. At the front of this coupe, a 442-specific grille centers monochromatic "442" lettering between stainless-trimmed T3 headlights and a bright chrome bumper that's finished with clear parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a fiberglass ram air hood leads the eye to a new windshield that, along with the car's all-original greenhouse, rides behind straight stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, traditional GM handles and color-keyed sport mirrors perfectly complement clean marker lamps, dent-free wheel rings and a slick combination of "442" and "W-30" fender emblems. And at the back of the car, a smooth decklid hangs more monochromatic "442" lettering above a second chrome bumper, silver-trimmed taillights and correct, trumpeted exhaust tips.
ENGINE
It's not immediately apparent why this Olds' body carries so much sizzle; that is, until you see what's under its hood. Twist the locks, fling the resin and you'll find 455 cubic inches of Rocket V8 that hangs a correct 396021F casting number over a matching partial VIN. Stomp the throttle and a restored Quadrajet 4-barrel mixes juice from leak-free fuel lines with wind from a correct W-30 air cleaner, and shoves it in to a high performance, aluminum intake. At the back of that intake, a traditional points distributor feeds fire through proven Packard TV R Suppression Cables, which snake around correct "F" heads and stamped and painted valve covers. Below those covers, freshly restored exhaust manifolds shoot charred dinosaurs in to big, true-dual pipes. Mechanically, the stout mill is all day reliable, spinning 500 lb./ft. of rock-crushing torque from one of the largest and most powerful valvetrains ever created. Aesthetically, familiar plastic fenders and Metallic Blue block skin look fantastic against the car's Platinum body. There's a roster of high quality ancillaries that includes American Autowire wiring and a new 4-core Harrison radiator. And the entire set up flat out rocks, from its fresh decals and vivid firewall stamps to its tagged brake lines and color-keyed intake springs.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
The bottom of this awesome 442 is completely solid, showing no signs of undue wear or question-inducing battle scars. The aforementioned Rocket 455 fronts a correct close-ratio Muncie, which was professionally rebuilt in the fall of 2013. That proven transmission sends power to a stout 12-bolt, which employs moderate, highway-friendly gears. That smooth driveline hangs in a familiar heavy-duty suspension, which, along with the car's chassis, was thoroughly sandblasted and powder-coated during the rotisserie reboot. Solid stops are provided by rebuilt front disc and rear drum brakes. Turns come courtesy of an old school manual steering rack. At the center of the car, a correct Gardner exhaust system funnels spent gases through baritone turbo mufflers. And everything rolls on powder-coated steelies, which spin G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sports around dog dish hubcaps.
INTERIOR
Inside this impressive coupe, you'll find a Black Legendary interior that's both comfortable and appealing. At the center of the car, stainless-trimmed seats ride on fresh carpet that's protected by Cutlass floor mats. At the sides of those seats, clean door panels center familiar GM armrests in bright chrome handles, straight stainless trim and fresh wood applique. A wood-trimmed dash hangs basic telemetry above an old school AM radio. At the base of that dash, a slim boot frames a broad Hurst shifter. In front of the driver, a Sport Steering Wheel laps a bright rocket emblem. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk anchors a fifth steel wheel and fifth Firestone tire between a small light, correct tools and a fresh mat.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
It's pretty easy to confirm this handsome Oldsmobile's status as an authentic 442. Here's a look at the car's 442-specific VIN and Cowl Tag.
VIN: 344870MXXXXXX
3: Oldsmobile Motor DivisionCOWL TAG:
70: 1970 model yearAWARDS
Judging by the awards this car has collected, it seems like the car rolled right out of the paint booth and right up to the registration tent.
First Place at the 2015 God's Country Racing Association Custom Auto ShowOUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
An original Build Card (documents the car's W-30 option)This pristine coupe is certainly one of the nicest Oldsmobiles we've ever featured. And most diehard 442 fans will agree that 1970 was a high-water mark in terms of styling, performance and exclusivity. With a fresh restoration and correct drivetrain, nothing will deter this classic from being both a rocket on the street and a winner on the show field. If you're an enlightened enthusiast who's looking for the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique, award-winning muscle car, take a close look at this Olds!