G-Body Looking For Somebody: 1987 Oldsmobile 442
Despite the 117,000 miles, this car appears to be in great shape for its age. This is a prime example of a car that was driven by an owner who maintained it’s condition and originality. 1987 was the last year for the 5th generation 442’s and only 4,208 of these were made on the G-Body platform. 1987 was also the final year for rear wheel drive 442’s as they switched to front wheel drive in the 1990 model. This Oldsmobile is listed here on Craigslist located in Winter Haven, Florida with an asking price of $12,900. Special thanks to Jack M for this tip!
To help clear up some confusion, for this model year 442 stood for the 4 barrel carburetor, 4-speed transmission, and the dual exhaust. This 442 had an option of four color choices with this one being the Dark Teal Blue Metalic. Also standard on 1987 442’s was the gold striping and the silver paint color on the lower part of the car. Kind of an odd color combo but it was the 80’s after all.
This interior appears to be in great shape as well as the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The current owner clearly cared for this car and the condition is definitely showing it. It has front bucket seats and a rear bench seat that show some use but look as good as the rest of the car. The seller states that the A/C runs strong as it was a standard option for 442’s in 1987. In my eyes, it would be difficult to find a cleaner example with this many miles.
This Oldsmobile is equipped with a 5.0 liter V8, pushing out 170 horsepower. The performance was not where it used to be in the original generations of the 442’s but the seller states it runs strong. All this seems to need is a quick cleaning and your off to the local cruise night. In my opinion, cars are meant to be driven and I respect the owner for the fact that he has kept it in such nice shape while enjoying the car. If it was your car would you continue to drive it as it sits?
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Comments
I would like to apologize to the reader who found this add. This was my first post using the tip list and I forgot to give credit to the reader who came across this car. If you see this I would really appreciate it if you commented below so you can get the credit for finding this sweet car.
I’m confused James as you already gave me credit in the first paragraph. Nice write up, but there were a few late rear wheel drive Cutlass marketed as 1988’s.
Cheers,
Jack
I had initially forgot to give you credit and one of the editors got your name and put it in after I wrote the comment. I apologize for the confusion.
True about the rear drive 1988 “Cutlass Supreme Classics.” James was referring to the last year for the rear drive 442 as no 1988 442s were built.
Beautiful colour combination, and with the waterfall grille the Cutlass is my favourite G body. It has a sporty appearance, but also maintains and shows its class well. We’re not used to seeing them here in the snow-belt anymore, so it’s great to see one this clean and original.
I hate to be “that guy”but Id do a clean LOS swap,change NOTHING else,and save the wheezy 5 litre for future collectability for numbers matching sake
Funny how the screws in the tach are rusty and the speedos numbers are so yellowed.
I believe the discolored numbers is a result of the odometer rolling over. I’ve heard about a dye that’s released when the numbers roll over, causing the discoloration. Anyone is welcome to correct me if i’m wrong or fill in the blanks.
I’d say it’s from exposure to the FL sun and the rusty rivets from salt air (?) even though Winter Park is inland. Some of the other normally bright colors on the high or low ends of the gauges seem faded out also. I’ve also seen bright whites turn darker from cigarette smoke and it appears to have a burn on the rear seat back. My guess is this car may be a smoker.
maybe an occasional damp garage or car port, the faces look good its just the odo. I dont think they would stay pearly white after 30 years
Looks like the one I had that was stolen a week after I got it, never to be seen again. Mine had a few more options, though. Nice looking cars, I hope this one finds a good home.
Looks like the gas gauge doesn’t work…
Great cars for their time. I had two of them at the same time. Both the same color as this one, and one had a T top. Horsepower was not great but the 3.73 positrac helped.
these actually make great hot rods. Parts are everywhere, you can make them handle pretty good for what they are. Compared to todays cars they are actually pretty light. Fit almost any engine you want in them and use off the shelf headers. exhaust is easy. rear end choices are endless. Fit killer stereo equipment in them if thats your thing also. I would maybe drive this one as is because why spend $12k just to chop it up when you can find old lady editions for half the price
I think that it’s a very attractive car! However it’s not the old 442 in any way shape or performance wise! I did notice either the gas gauge isn’t working or the next owner should dicker a fill up! LOL!
Beautiful car though I disagree with the “leather wrapped” steering wheel being in great shape. It appears to be a pep boys wrap and if you zoom in, the left of the horn appears discolored and the right of the horn appears to be pep boys wrapped. Still a nice car and great find/write up.