The 1987 model year marked the end of the line for the Oldsmobile 442 in what many would consider its original form. The company revived the badge in 1991 but had performance enthusiasts hyperventilating when they attached it to a front-wheel-drive Cutlass Calais. This 1987 version is a tidy vehicle featuring a claimed rare paint shade when teamed with the T-Top. It has no immediate needs and suits a person seeking a turnkey classic that could serve as a daily driver. It is listed here on Craigslist in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The seller set their price at $16,000, and I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.

There’s a bit to consider with this Olds, so we might as well begin with the seller’s claims regarding rarity. They state that this 442 is 1-of-4,208 produced in that model year, and that figure is correct according to General Motors’ figures. They then state that only 1,111 buyers ordered their 442 with a T-Top, which seems far lower than I expected. The most commonly quoted figure is 1,916, but there seem to be some shortcomings in the available information on specific option figures for 1987 that may lead to gaps and inaccuracies. Therefore, I am willing to take the claim at face value but will state that the rarity would climb considerably if it were 1-of-501 ordered with the Astroroof option. With a question mark hanging over the T-Top total, it also brings into question the claim that this is 1-of-277 cars featuring that option combined with Dark Teal Blue paint. I’ve spent considerable time trying to confirm all the claims, and I’m left with a pile of contradictory information. Therefore, I’m hoping that one of our knowledgeable readers can put the subject to bed. The paint shines well, with no significant flaws or defects. The panels are straight, and this classic is rust-free. The seller says there are no air leaks around the T-Top, but since he never takes the car out in wet weather, he can’t confirm whether it is free from water leaks! The plastic shows no deterioration, with the same true for the stripes and graphics. The car rolls on a set of aftermarket wheels, but the distinctive factory items are there for those seeking a more original appearance. I’m putting up my hand because that’s the first thing I’d change.

If I am critical about anything with this seller, it is their lack of supplied photos. There are none providing an interior overview, but what we see suggests that it would benefit from a deep clean. There are visible marks on the carpet and accumulated dust in some areas, so I’d hand it to a professional to perform their magic. The original owner ordered the car upholstered in Blue cloth, and while I can’t confirm the seller’s rarity claim for that option, I agree with their assessment that the shade makes a refreshing change to the Gray trim we see on many 442s of this vintage. It features the 120mph speedometer, which was unique for this model year. The photo of that item also reveals damage to the edge of the dash pad. A specialist may be able to address this, but the buyer may have to bite the bullet and source a replacement if they seek excellent presentation. From a 1987 perspective, the interior is well-equipped. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power trunk release, a rear defroster, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player with a graphic equalizer.

The seller also fails us regarding engine photos, but they provide helpful information. Buyers ordering a 1987 442 received a 307ci V8 producing 170hp. A THM-200-4R four-speed automatic transmission attended to shifting duties, while this car also scores a 3.73 G80 Anti-Spin rear end. The 442 was no longer the firebreathing beast of years past, taking 16.7 seconds to cover the ¼ mile. The seller recently replaced the plugs, wires, rear end oil, and brake components. They also undertook other maintenance tasks, and the list is comprehensive. Frustratingly, as well as no engine photos, they provide no specific information on how well the Olds runs and drives. I hope they are approachable because it seems that potential buyers may have plenty of questions requiring answers if they intend to commit to this classic.

The 1987 Oldsmobile 442 was the last of a breed, as it was the final year that a rear-drive model wore that badge. This one looks like a gem, and its combination of paint and options increases its desirability. If I were to find it in my garage, my first move would be to remove the aftermarket wheels and bolt on the originals. Otherwise, it needs very little and could serve as a competent and comfortable daily driver. I initially wondered whether the seller might have been overreaching with their price, and the jury remains out on that subject. A few flaws may negatively impact its value, but I will be fascinated to read your feedback to see whether you may be tempted to pursue this 442 further.