Description

Take some extra time looking over this 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 because this has the history and upgrades to be the uniquely kind of awesome classic you never knew you always wanted. That's because this is a lifelong southern/western car that has been under the same owner for 30 years. He took the time to restore and upgrade this coupe so that the numbers-matching V8 produces the kind of power worthy of the 442 name. And cold-blowing air conditioning, an overdrive transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, and so many other upgrades deliver that ideal Olds cruiser feeling.

The story we're told is that the consignor purchased this car out of the Jacksonville Florida area in 1993. In fact, we have the buildsheet that shows this was delivered new in Jacksonville. So it likely never left its local area for the first few decades. The new owner brought it to Texas, and while it was already in award-winning condition, he started a full restoration in October 2007. Over a year later, the car returned to the road looking like a classic stunner inside and out - while also having the right additions to make it an even more exciting real-deal 442. The restoration stripped down the car to bare metal. It was resprayed the correct light blue metallic with a full white lower section with 442 callouts in the doors. This was a distinct and sporty style look that certainly makes this coupe stand out. But the real hallmark piece is the NASCAR-inspired sloping front end that was exclusive to the 442 package this year. And because there was so much time taken in the restoration, you have terrific details like the bright chrome bumpers, quad exhaust tips, and tinted glass showing off the desirable Colonnade coupe lines. And we particularly like the Cragar SS wheels. They never look out of place on a classic, but the larger 17-inch size is a subtle way of also letting you know this one cares about being a better driver.

The blue and white color theme continues inside where it's distinct and custom, and yet tasteful - perfect for a power Olds. The seats look awesome with the detailed two-tone and 442 callouts on the wide front headrests. And there are plenty of thoughtful details like the blue trim in the white door panels, and the white rubber mats protecting the blue carpeting. There's plenty of room for family and friends, and this has the right vintage premium style. That means desirable features like power windows, the stock Delco AM/FM stereo, wood-like trim, and cold-blowing factory air conditioning (now running R134a.) But what really makes this great is the way this 442 lives up to its heritage by engaging the driver with an instrument panel that wraps around you. Plus, you have a center console with a floor shifter, a proper Olds sports steering wheel on a tilt column, and a large tach mounted in the console.

The late-1970s were not known for their big power machines, and so this one really stands out for taking the numbers matching 350 cubic-inch V8 and rebuilding it into a proper muscle car. The motor was blueprinted and balanced, and then it was upgraded with a Holley 750 four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, Edelbrock aluminum heads, an HEI distributor, and Hedman headers feeding an H-pipe dual exhaust. We even have a dyno sheet from 2009 showing 319 horsepower. That means this 1970s Oldsmobile now produces about as much horsepower as the last of the Pontiac Trans Ams that came decades later! The upgraded 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission is an ideal pairing. It's a stout unit that gives you better ratios for power driving, and it also smoothly shifts into overdrive when all you want to do is cruise the highway. The versatile 3.53 Positraction rear end, power steering, rear sway bar, and upgraded four-wheel power disc brakes are all part of this package that makes this 442 a solid all-around driver.

The sale comes complete with the factory buildsheet, factory invoice, build history, a dyno sheet, restoration photos, and nice extras like the color-matched Super Stock wheels. You can tell this car was a passion project by the way it has been preserved since its thoughtful restoration, and so to get a chance at power, distinction, comfort, and rarity like this is quite fleeting. Call today!!!