Original 455: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible
Oldsmobile released the 442 as a muscle car aimed at buyers who desired the ideal combination of acceleration and luxury. The one trait it shared with many vehicles of that type is that engine power peaked in 1970. Our feature is from that year and is the rare and highly sought Convertible version. It is a solid drop-top that is a candidate for a straightforward restoration. The bidding has been as spirited as you might expect for a vehicle of this type since the seller listed it here on eBay in Poolesville, Maryland. The price currently sits below the reserve at $22,300, but there is time for interested buyers to stake their claim on this beauty.
After spending its early years as an options package, Oldsmobile granted the 442 standalone model status with the release of the Second Generation version in 1968. Our feature car rolled off the lot in 1970, and potential buyers will consider it an excellent project candidate. The Platinum Silver paint coating its panels is the original shade, but it is believed the car underwent a repaint at some point. It carries a collection of marks and imperfections that will undoubtedly prompt the buyer to repeat the performance. The original Blue power top is in good order, but the back window is very cloudy. Any rust problems appear to be minor. It can spot small areas in the lower driver’s side front fender and passenger side rear quarter panel above the wheel arch. These should be patchable, and the internal shots suggest the trunk pan is rock-solid. The underside images are inconclusive. The seller includes this YouTube video, which is more revealing. We get a clear view of every aspect of this classic, and there are no signs of problems with the floors or rails.
The 1970 Olds 442 combined luxury and comfort courtesy of its 455ci V8, three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. This monster motor should produce 365hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque, which are impressive numbers demonstrating that the muscle care era had peaked when this one rolled off the line. It should be capable of storming the ¼-mile in 14.5 seconds on its way to 130mph. The seller claims this Olds is numbers-matching and that the engine and transmission have been rebuilt. The spending spree didn’t end there because this gem features a new booster, master cylinder, brake calipers, shocks, wheel bearings, suspension bushes, fuel tank, and fuel lines. It has been money well spent because the video mentioned earlier confirms this classic runs and drives well.
The theme of tidy survivor-grade presentation continues inside this Olds. The seller believes it may have received new seatcovers at some point, but the rest of the upholstery is believed to be original. There are flaws and marks on the door trims, and someone has cut the rear trims to house speakers for the JVC radio/cassette player. It would take an in-person inspection to determine whether these trim pieces require replacement, but I suspect there will be a shopping expedition on the cards. The dash and pad are in good order, as is the console with its original Hurst shifter. The seller says the only non-functioning item is the clock, with every gauge and light working as it should. The interior is serviceable, meaning the winning bidder could take their time locating the parts mentioned while enjoying all this classic offers.
Oldsmobile produced 19,330 examples of the 442 in 1970, but only 2,933 buyers selected the Convertible version. That makes this car relatively rare, helping explain why it has attracted twenty-seven bids. It shows promise as a restoration project, and returning it to its former glory should be immensely satisfying. Are you up for that challenge?
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Comments
This car really got my attention. I lived in the DC area and sold an identical car, to someone in the DC area about the same time. Same colors, same dark blue replacement top with the plastic window as opposed to the factory glass. The only difference is this one has the gauge package and a Dual Gate. Has screw holes under the dash in the location of the original hood lock (which was broken) Headers, but otherwise stock. Even had one repaint by my friend. I also installed a rear-mounted antenna. I’m about 99% certain this is my old car. About a month ago, my old 69 Firebird 400 convert was also up for sale in VA. Bizzare…
Same car back in the early 90’s. If I still lived in the DC area I’d be looking to buy!
Me gusta más, pero no tengo muchos dineros.
WOW, knock out color combo. What a beauty. How the once mighty GM has fallen.
Or not. To wit, Camaro ZL1, any new or older Corvette, and the mighty stealth Chevy SS Sedan.
We are fortunate to have seen the second coming of affordable performance. Different times. Cars were beautiful and distinctive then. They inspired pride from their owners. Changing preferences and regulations brought about the personal luxury period. The Sun is setting again. We have to see where it all leads.
For now I’ll enjoy this 442 and cars like it that populated my youth.
I had a 70 Olds 442. What a machine!! It was a brute with the 4 speed (M-22 rock crusher) and 3:90 posi rear. This one is a nice cruiser. But it’s going to need a complete paint and body work. And the bumpers re-chrome. To make it look like big bucks and having fun at the shows. I think the seller reserved is near $30,000 to me that’s a lot for what needs to be done next. Good luck to the next owner… 🐻🇺🇸
The M22 wasn’t available in the 442 in the 1970 model year.
It’s refreshing to see one that hasn’t been turned into an ersatz “W30” with repro hood, red inner fenders, incorrect wing, and incorrect stripes. It’s also refreshing to see the valve covers installed correctly. Curious as to what the reserve is. Too many sellers have Barrett Jackson disease.
I had a 1970 Olds 442 Convertible 455 c.i.d., Identical to this except mine was a factory 4 -Speed, (M-22 11.5 HD Clutch) Black Interior, Glass window, Factory AM/FM Radio with 8 Track Player, no A/C, I miss that car, I was in the service, and car was totaled out. Long story short, girl friend was driving lost control at 70 mph, saved her, I spent 6 months in Navy Hospital, she spent 1 night observation, just got back from deployment. I was broke from the chest up, Car hit bridge abutment, crossed divided highway, hit another one, back into travel portion and a Vette hit us. Then I bought a 1970 442 Madadore Red/Black stripes and interior, W-30 4-Speed Post Coupe, what a car that was :) I’m an Oldsmobile man, had 10 in my life, daily driver now 71 Vista Cruiser, I won’t own any car newer than 1972, 1st car in 1969, a 1956 Super 88, paid $50.00 2-62 Starfire Conv., 66 442 4-speed conv., 68 Cutlass crash car, and 3 71 Vista Cruiser’s Today’s Tupperware cars don’t stand up the Old Reible’s from the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s.
Your story sure hits close to home with me. My brother’s girlfriend was driving his 68 Firebird May 10, 1969. They hit a bridge abutment, she got a ruptured spleen and he was paralyzed from the waist down. He was nineteen. I was 12 when it happened, but I still remember exactly where I was when I got the news. One of only a couple of times I ever saw my dad cry. Eddie had been drafted, but of course that ended him having to go. He had a couple of rough years after the accident but lived to 45 before kidney failure, and other complications took his life. He and I became best friends.
I’ll watch this one. I had a 1970 442 Hardtop; incidentally, its license plate is the basis for my handle. Everything is true, the luxury, the 1/4 mile times and the top speed.
Warming up to the blue interior. Nice classic color combo! I don’t know why it doesn’t have the W-30 hood scoop and other 4-4-2 props.
Regular 442. 455 std. W30 was an option.
My first car was a 68 Cutless S cov butternut yellow. I brought the car from a nice lady for 350.00 dollars with only 53,000 miles on it. The car was her son’s who killed in Vietnam.That 350 rocket motor was solid. I reluctantly gave the car to my little brother and my sister’s fiance’s torch it over a nickel bag of weed.My little brother put him in the hospital for 6 months. Don’t mean to bore anyone it’s just any Gen2 Cutless cov brings back memories and the 70 442 was the Pinnacle of that series.
He should have put him back in the hospital after he was released.
Dream car…. 70-72, 442 convertibles but, would prefer a stick. Just comfort and performance.