1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

Description

This outstanding 1970 Oldsmobile 442 convertible is a pretty big deal, and once you see its list of credentials, perhaps that price tag won't seem so big either. The recipient of a comprehensive restoration and subsequent certification by Oldsmobile experts Cas-Am, it's a completely numbers-matching car with some of the best options you could ask for in 1970, including factory A/C. They don't come much nicer than this, and with a spirited drivetrain and a top that goes down with a flick of a switch, it's one of the best performing classics we've ever had the pleasure to test drive. Take a closer look, because this is what American vintage motoring is all about.

With meticulous ownership since it left the factory, it's easy to understand how this car remained so well-preserved throughout the years. Cars with this sort of pedigree are special when they're new, so guys tended to treat them better even when the dark days of the 1970s rolled on. During the restoration, it was torn down to the molecular level and rebuilt from there, and from what we can tell, it's wearing all its original bodywork. The trim tag says it was born with this beautiful shade of code 28 Twilight Blue Metallic, and when coupled with white stripes anyone could easily see what made the 442 such a legendary icon. Paint and bodywork are exemplary and if you want to make a statement, nothing does it better than the gaping ram air hood and indented hood pins found on a 442. The pinstripes were painted on as per factory spec, and they do a great job of adding a little contrast to the handsome dark blue finish. Nothing was overlooked, although the shine is far deeper than it would have been in 1970 thanks to the use of modern paint technology. At the same time, all the chrome and stainless was refinished, and it still wears correct 442 emblems on the front, rear, and fenders, along with twin trumpet exhaust tips out the back of the rear bumper. Even the headlamps are correct T3 units, the mirrors are correct Rally Sport spec, the Soft Ray glass is factory tinted, and the nearly flawless vinyl convertible top with a very rare color matched frame is as exemplary as the rest of the car. Bottom line, if Oldsmobile expert Steve Minore from Cas-Am inspected and certified this car, you know you're looking at the best of the best.

The brilliant light blue interior is really the only reasonable choice with a blue convertible, and everything you can see or touch is brand new. A bench seat with an integrated armrest as actually optional equipment on the 442 in 1970, and it's anchored by dark blue carpets protected by 442 vinyl floor mats and a matching dark blue dash that keep it from being too bright on a sunny day. Woodgrained accents and the Courtesy Light Group options remind you that this isn't a lowly Chevy or Pontiac, and it has great options like a power top and factory A/C, which remains fully functional thanks to an upgrade to modern R134a refrigerant and hardware. The Rally Pack gauges are in excellent shape, and it includes a cool Tick-Tock-Tach that's so subtle you may miss it at first glance. A factory AM radio still lives in the dash, which may just be the rarest thing you'll find in this fantastic cat. There's a blue power convertible top that disappears with the touch of a button, and the spacious trunk is correctly restored with a full-sized spare and proper mat.

That's the original, numbers-matching 455/365 HP cubic inch V8 under the hood, fully rebuilt and decked out in numbers-correct hardware. In fact, you'll find the correct factory VIN on the engine bock, transmission, and frame, and the correct part numbers and Julian date codes on the following: the 3.23 non-posi rear end, "E" heads, distributor, exhaust manifolds, intake manifolds, brake calipers, and the original non-functioning carburetor that's included with the sale of the car. So don't fret numbers junkies, this one is for you too. Finished in metallic blue, the engine is show-quality and runs superbly with a big hit of low-end torque that made these engines famous. There's plenty of correct factory detail under the hood, right down to the Harrison radiator, and you'll never hesitate to open the hood at a show to brag without having to speak. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission handles the power and shift very smoothly, and the 12-bolt rear end is full of 3.23 gears, which were standard on automatic 442 convertibles. The floors are beautifully preserved and not patched together, and a correct set of Rally II wheels and GR70-14 Firestone Wide Oval tires give it the perfect stance.

Heavily documented with restoration photos and documented in the Rocket Report by Steve Minore, this is an investment-grade 442 convertible that's not only rare, but a lot of fun to drive. Call today!