1971 Oldsmobile 442

Description

Start with a real-deal 1971 Oldsmobile 442. Add in goodies like an enhanced performance V8, cool original features, and bold paint, and you've got the recipe for the perfect all-around American muscle convertible.

They always say save the best for last, and so a 1971 Olds 442 is absolutely worth collecting. This was the final year the famous 442 was its own separate model. The original Bittersweet paint was a good '70s color, but it is no match for the bright and glossy blue that the convertible wears today. This professional application of modern paint means there is a deep luster that we couldn't dream of 45 years ago when this left the Lancing factory. We also can see there's been plenty of care to make sure the panel fit has stayed superior to when it left factory, too. The white double stripe running down both sides, white convertible top, and those aggressive white scoops on the fiberglass hood almost make this one feel like it's a two-tone car. The final premium touch is the nice chrome bumpers that rival the paint for shine, and even the Cragar wheels offer some standout brightwork (if you don't like these, the color-keyed iconic N67 Super Stock wheels also come with this sale.)

Just like the exterior, the interior Sienna color was good for the '70s, but it's a bit dated today. That's why there was a big investment in changing it over to a white vinyl. Now this one looks fantastic with the top down because the interior matches the exterior accents. You paid a premium to get the Oldsmobile name back in the day, and so there are plenty of luxury touches throughout. It starts with the optional bucket seat interior. The wood paneling on the center console also matches the doors and the dashboard. The driver gets the Oldsmobile sports wheel and beyond that is a full gauge package including a factory tach and a set of auxiliary readouts under the dash. The power top goes down with the flip of a switch, and you can choose to stay cool even in the summer months with provisions for factory air conditioning. But possibly the piece you will like the most is the original AM radio. It still has the optional 8-track player installed, and everyone at the car show will marvel as you play everything from Frampton Comes Alive to Elvis that's in the case of cassettes that comes with this Olds.

A true '71 442 needs a big 455 cubic-inch V8 under the hood, and this one only has 2,000 miles on it since a rebuild. It also has been enhanced with features such as a bored .30 over kit, Engle Racing camshaft, Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, and Performer 455 intake. But more than just powerful, this big motor has been well maintained. You can see it in the fresh wires, belts, hoses, etc, and there's even a new steering box and master cylinder. So it fires up promptly and commands authority from the rumble of the dual exhaust. A fresh three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 transmission was installed when the motor was rebuilt, and now includes a mild shift kit. But this is more than just a powerful street-eating machine. A convertible like this was built for cruising thanks to features like the power steering, front disc brakes, and modern BF Goodrich tires at all four corners.

This has all the old-school features you'll want to show off right down to the owner's manual. But it's wrapped in a modern attention-grabbing style. As the sunny days get longer we know a cool convertible like this won't last long in our showroom. Call today!!!