Apr 21, 2023  •  For Sale  •  12 Comments

Award Winner: 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

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This 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 belongs to a genuinely passionate Oldsmobile enthusiast. There can be no doubting that because it is 1-of-28 vehicles in their collection wearing the Olds badge. They need to downsize, choosing to list this award-winning survivor here on eBay. The 442 is located in Toms River, New Jersey, and although the bidding sits at $10,095, that figure falls short of the reserve.

After a four-year absence, Oldsmobile revived the 442 badge as the sporting variant of the Cutlass in 1985. Such was the response that they continued production in 1986 and 1987. Our feature car is 1-of-4,273 produced in 1986, presenting nicely in a color combination of Teal and Silver. The paint isn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t expect it to be, considering it is an original and unrestored survivor. It shines nicely, with any chips or marks insignificant. The panels are straight, and this Olds is completely rust-free. The trim and decals are crisp, the plastic has survived remarkably well, and the distinctive wheels look flawless. The seller indicates the car has walked away with Best in Class Awards from the Oldsmobile Club of America, and the overall condition and originality make the claim plausible.

This classic’s exterior might present well, but its interior takes that theme to a higher level. Its combination of Dark Blue cloth and vinyl upholstery is immaculate, with no signs of wear or damage. The dash is spotless, as are the pad, carpet, and console. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to the passage of time, and the faux woodgrain shows no evidence of lifting or wear. The interior is original and unmolested, with no aftermarket additions. It is also nicely equipped, and everything works as it should. The original owner ordered the car with a T-Top, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a power antenna, a tilt wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio and cassette player.

The Malaise Era was in full swing when its 442 rolled off the line. Although loosely classed as a muscle car, its 307ci V8 produced a modest 180hp. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed THM 200-4R automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes an integral part of the package. The journey down the ¼-mile should take 16.6 seconds, which was actually considered pretty respectable during the mid-1980s. The seller doesn’t make outrageous mileage claims, with this car having 111,000 miles under its belt. It rolls on a new set of correct-size Cooper Cobra Radial tires, with the engine bay housing a correct AC Delco battery. The Olds has been appropriately maintained throughout its life, running and driving perfectly. It is a turnkey classic that the winning bidder can enjoy immediately.

This 1986 Oldsmobile 442 isn’t perfect, but its condition and originality make it a multi-award-winning classic that a new owner could drive with pride. The options the original owner selected increase its desirability, meaning the bidding should comfortably sail past $15,000. Considering its originality, it could threaten $25,000 before the hammer falls. Are you tempted to make this classic part of your life, or don’t cars from this era tick the boxes for you?

Comments

  1. Rich
    Apr 21, 2023 at 11:53am

    I’m sure I’ve seen this one at the GBody show in Cleveland. Extremely nice car!

    Like 3
  2. Smokey Smokerson
    Apr 21, 2023 at 11:56am

    As a 50 year old, cars of this era has always had a hold on me, especially this style of the Cutlass. But alas, I drove a 1984 5.0 TBird in high school.

    Like 3
    • Big C
      Apr 21, 2023 at 4:11pm

      Consider yourself lucky.

      Like 3
    • Marshall Belcher
      Apr 22, 2023 at 9:48am

      New jersey?? You can bet its rot under it bad.

      Like 0
  3. Michael P Pearson
    Apr 21, 2023 at 2:56pm

    I’ll buy it quick to go with my 87 442

    Like 1
  4. Zen
    Apr 21, 2023 at 4:16pm

    Even if pampered, these cars looked nice, but were made out of crap. The seats must have been redone or after 111,000 miles they couldn’t possibly look like new. I find it hard to believe it’s all original. That said, it looks nice, and I hope it finds a good home.

    Like 3
    • John
      Apr 26, 2023 at 12:31am

      100% with you. I had lots of this style GMs and talk about cheap garbage. Especially the interior. But fools and their money….. Another prime example of a non-muscle car that someone will pay way too much for… Jmo but to me this era is just another “USED CAR”

      Like 0
  5. Pops in TX
    Apr 22, 2023 at 9:51am

    Wow, beautiful machine.. Makes me really miss my 86 gray Cutlass.. Same exact interior although in gray, dual exhaust, swapped wheels with a 442 that was going to auction n mine looked like a 442,although missing the decals n a few horses as it was the standard 5.0…. This would be the perfect weekend cruiser for me..

    Like 2
  6. KFT
    Apr 22, 2023 at 11:33am

    I always like this style of Cutlass.
    Being a 442 is icing on the
    cake.

    Like 2
  7. Courtney Puzzo
    Apr 22, 2023 at 2:05pm

    my dad got his driver’s license in a maroon 1974 Cutlass Supreme Sports Coupe so I’ve always had a soft spot for the Cutlass though nobody we knew owned one when I was a kid and it was discontinued in my early teens after a 50 yr. production run only to have Oldsmobile itself discontinued in April 2004

    Like 0
  8. Donald Porochonski
    Apr 22, 2023 at 2:06pm

    I like Olds Cutlasses of this vintage, but I don’t see how it’s a 442. What did the numbers stand for? That Olds Calais 442 had more of a claim. Four cylinders, four valves per cylinder dual overhead cams.

    Like 1
  9. AnthonyD
    Apr 22, 2023 at 2:44pm

    Olds 442 stood for 4 barrel carb, 4 sp. trans, and dual exhausts.

    Like 1

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