SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a body-off, rotisserie restoration that was completed in the Fall of 2016Authentic 442 / Authentic W25 induction
Original 455 cubic inch Rocket V8 / 370 horsepower
Original Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Ebony Black paint / Red stripes
Correct Black, bucket seat interior
Sale includes: An original Build Card / Restoration photos / Restoration receipts
Date-correct 12-bolt rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.90 gears
Factory power steering / Correct front disc and rear drum brakes
Correct heavy-duty suspension / 14-inch Styled Steel wheels
In 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 head turner like this incredible W30. The beneficiary of a body-off, rotisserie restoration that was conducted by a seasoned 442 expert, this striking Olds pairs an original, 455 cubic inch Rocket V8 with an original Muncie 4-speed and correct Black on Black aesthetics. And if you're the kind of gearhead who likes to take their metal to the show, it's the lust worthy trophy king you've been devoutly saving for!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Assembled in Lansing, Michigan during the second week of January, 1970, this awesome 442 is a stunning classic that's been painstakingly restored to a factory-correct appearance. During that body-off, rotisserie rebuild, the car's solid profile was decked in correct Ebony Black base, trimmed with sinister stripes and sealed in glossy clear. And today, this Oldsmobile 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 correct ram air hood anchors slick lanyards in front of chip-free glass, which rides behind straight stainless frames. At the sides of that hood, polished door handles and color-keyed sport mirrors perfectly complement clean marker lamps, dent-free wheel rings and bold "442 W-30" fender lettering. And at the back of the car, an angled decklid hangs a large wing above a second chrome bumper, correct exhaust tips, silver-trimmed taillights and more monochromatic "442" lettering.
ENGINE
It's not immediately apparent why this Olds's 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 original Rocket V8 that hang a correct 396021F casting number above a matching 248501 partial VIN. Stomp the throttle and a big 4-barrel carburetor mixes juice from leak-free fuel lines with wind that's supplied by a correct W25 air cleaner, and shoves it in to a Winters aluminum intake. At the back of that intake, a Delco-Remy coil jolts a traditional points distributor, which fires eight fresh plug wires. Below those wires, correct "F" heads hang stamped and painted valve covers over freshly restored exhaust manifolds. And in front of those tubes, a fresh Harrison radiator funnels coolant through pliable GM hoses. Mechanically, the standard-bore mill is all day reliable, utilizing one of the most powerful valvetrains ever created to spin 370 horsepower in to 500 lb./ft. of pavement-melting torque. Aesthetically, familiar plastic fenders and Metallic Blue block skin look fantastic against the car's glossy Ebony body. Naturally, there's a roster of high quality ancillaries that includes fresh stamps, fresh decals, a date-correct alternator and a modern battery. And everything works well thanks to Findlay, Ohio's Haley's Machine and Welding, which wrapped up the engine's professional rebuild in April of 2016.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
The bottom of this awesome 442 is clean, solid and better than factory-fresh. The aforementioned Rocket fronts an original Muncie 4-speed, which hangs a correct 3925660 casting number above a Muncie (P) M21 (B) assembled on December (T) 10th (10), 1969 (9) build stamp and matching 248501 partial VIN. That proven transmission twists power to a date-correct 12-bolt, which hides 3.90 gears and a posi-traction differential under a W30-exclusive W27 inspection cover. That tagged driveline rides a familiar heavy-duty suspension, which, along with the car's chassis, was thoroughly stripped, painted and detailed during the rotisserie reboot. Solid stops come courtesy of rebuilt front disc and rear drum brakes. Tight turning is provided by a power-assisted Saginaw gearbox. At the center of the car, throaty exhaust pipes funnel spent gases through baritone turbo mufflers. And everything rolls on painted Styled Steel wheels, which spin G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sports around stainless trim rings and rocket-branded center caps.
INTERIOR
Inside this impressive Oldsmobile you'll find a correct Black interior that, in the realm of performance-focused muscle cars, is both classy and upscale. At the center of the car, correct, stainless-trimmed seats ride fresh carpet. At the sides of those thrones, clean door panels center familiar GM armrests in bright chrome handles, straight stainless trim and fresh wood applique. A wood-trimmed dash hangs deluxe Rallye Pac telemetry above factory AM audio. At the base of that dash, a factory console frames a racy Hurst shifter. In front of the driver, a Sport Steering Wheel laps a bright rocket emblem. And behind the passengers, a restored and decaled trunk props a fifth Styled Steel wheel and fifth Firestone tire on a correct jack.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
In addition to an original Build Card that confirms this handsome Olds's status as a real-deal W30, a simple decode of the car's VIN and Cowl Tag confirms its status as an authentic 442.
VIN: 344870M248501
3: Oldsmobile Motor Division44: 442 V8
87: 2-door Holiday coupe
0: 1970 model year
M: Assembled in Lansing, Michigan
248501: Production Sequence Number
COWL TAG:
70: 1970 model year3: Oldsmobile Motor Division
44: 442 V8
87: 2-door Holiday coupe
LAN: Assembled in Lansing, Michigan
348414: Plant Sequence Number
930: Black interior that's finished with bucket seats
19: Ebony Black lower body paint
19: Ebony Black upper body paint
01B: Assembled during the second week (B) of January (01), 1970
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
The car's original Build CardA vintage Owner's Manual
A vintage tuning and blueprinting book
Restoration photos
Restoration receipts
Two sets of keys
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 its exquisite restoration and numbers-matching drivetrain, nothing will deter this classic from being both a rocket on the street and a winner at the show. If you're an enlightened enthusiast who's looking for the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique, blue chip muscle car, take a close look at this sweet Olds!