Two Owner: 1970 Oldsmobile 442
The muscle car wars were still in full swing in 1970, although the end was in sight as manufacturers braced for tighter emission and safety regulations. That is why I consider classics like this 1970 Oldsmobile 442 as a “last hurrah” for the breed. It has been part of the same family since 1975, and it has remained garage-kept its entire life. If you feel tempted, the Olds is listed here on eBay in Pompano Beach, Florida. The seller set their BIN at $39,988 but left the option to make an offer. I must say a big thank you to ever-reliable Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this stunning survivor.
Oldsmobile designed the 442 to be a muscle car providing greater refinement and luxury than its competition, which is emphasized when the vehicle carries a combination of Fire Red paint with a White vinyl top. The paint shines impressively, and although the seller doesn’t mention any prior restoration work, I wouldn’t be surprised if the paint is relatively new. However, since it has been garage-kept its entire life and has a genuine 52,000 miles on the clock, we can’t rule out the possibility it is a stunning survivor. There are no bumps or bruises, and the floors wear undercoat that’s kept them rust-free. The flawless glass, chrome, and Rally II wheels with no evidence of stains or physical damage further reinforce the positive impression.
I will never back away from my belief that ordering any car with White upholstery requires bravery. That is what we find inside this Olds, and its condition is difficult to criticize. There is no wear, yellowing, or evidence of physical abuse or neglect. The seller refers to the seatcovers as leather, which surprised me. I was unaware Oldsmobile offered that option on the 442 in 1970, so it will be fascinating to gauge reader feedback on that. The dash and pad are spotless, while the console, faux woodgrain trim, and carpet are immaculate. The owner has mounted speakers in the rear parcel tray, and since the factory radio remains intact, it suggests there’s a stereo hidden somewhere. Otherwise, I can’t spot any further additions. Surprisingly, given its location, the original owner elected not to order this classic with air conditioning.
While many buyers focused on the inherent comfort offered by the Oldsmobile 442, more turned their attention to its performance potential. This car rolled off the line when cubic inches were king, and its 455ci V8 is proof positive of that approach. It should churn out 365hp, with the original owner selecting a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. If the owner pointed this classic at a ¼ mile, the journey would take 14.5 seconds. I previously mentioned the impact regulations had on muscle cars, and I can provide some perspective. By 1971, the 455ci under the hood of a 442 produced 340hp, and although the newer car was slightly lighter, the ¼-mile ET increased to 15.1 seconds. From there, power outputs continued dropping, while ¼-mile times ballooned to an embarrassing level. The engine bay of this Olds presents as impressively as the rest of the vehicle, but the hold-down for the air cleaner is worth mentioning. The current owner’s father created it, and the seller indicated there is a story behind it they will gladly share with the new owner. The car is numbers-matching and is in sound mechanical health. It is a turnkey classic where the buyer can fly in and drive it home.
While it is true that manufacturers continued producing muscle cars beyond 1970, it is also true that many of their models began losing their performance edge. The Oldsmobile 442 was no exception, and enthusiasts watched the situation deteriorate as the 1970s progressed. Finding a beautifully preserved 1970 Olds 442 is a treat, and while its price isn’t pocket change, recent sales results suggest it is highly competitive. Considering its history, is this a gem you might consider pursuing further?
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Comments
The ’73-’74 SD-455 is an exception.
Love the Oldsmobiles. Love the 350ci w31 ralleye available. Real screamer. Of course a 455 and autoloader will fly along beautifully. Rear gear options ⚙️ were plentiful, 2.56 – 3.42 and everything in between, to suit the buyer.
Actually you could get all the way up to 5.00:1 as a dealer installed option if my memory serves me right.
There was no such thing as a “W31 Rallye”. The only engine offered in the Rallye 350 cars was the L74 310 HP 350 4bbl, same engine that came standard in grandma’s Cutlass Supreme.
3 versions were available Joe in the 350ci.
250hp
310hp
325hp in the w-31 model.
None of which has anything to do with the car in this ad, but again, the Rallye 350 was only offered with the L74 310 HP motor. The post above talked about a mythical “W31 Rallye”.
The standard 350 in grandma’s 1970 Cutlass Supreme was a 250hp 2 bbl. version not 350 310hp 4bbl. version.
Sorry, you are not correct. The L74 310 HP motor was standard equipment in all Supreme models for the 1970 model year. The L65 250 HP motor was an available option. The 2bbl motor was standard equipment in lesser Cutlii, but not in the Supreme.
No Joe I’m not wrong my family owned Derrick Motor Company in Union SC and I know for a fact I’m
right. We sold Buick Oldsmobile and Pontiac. Please post a link backing up your claim. You might want to just Google 1970 Cutlass Supreme base engine.
Here’s the link to the powertrains booklet for the 1970 cars. Note what engine is listed as (STD.) for the Supreme.
http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Oldsmobile/1970%20Oldsmobile/1970-Oldsmobile-Power-Teams/slides/1970_Oldsmobile_Power_Teams-07.html
RL, a few pieces of data.
The Cutlass Supreme page from the SPECS booklet that shows the 310 HP 4bbl motor as standard equipment.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/classicoldsmobile.com-vbulletin/929×879/80-1970_supreme_specs_a10e6159b89cbf5c3fb05f2b2c43dbff8d988538.png
Two pages from the 1970 Olds Info Kit from GM.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/classicoldsmobile.com-vbulletin/1125×1454/80-supreme_selling_facts_1_00de333b5257383ff01d5e219b842f50a0570234.png
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/classicoldsmobile.com-vbulletin/1129×1461/80-supreme_selling_facts_2_1d302d095973faf64f8ba42b1e13fa95ddb70006.png
One more data point for RL. Note in the page from the SPECS booklet that the L65 2bbl motor was a $33.70 credit option on the Supreme. The base price included the L74 310 HP motor. A buyer had to consciously order the L65 option to get the 2bbl motor.
Ok Joe I’m going to have to concede this info you post is exactly what I was going to go up in my attic and dig up. I have alot of Gm tech folders brochures manuals ect. in boxes. Now I don’t have to sped a couple oh hours digging through. I was 15 when the 70 models came through and right the haulers my job was to check each to make sure all the paperwork matched the each unit. So thanks I stand corrected and don’t mind being wrong.
Great car! Barn finds is like going to the car lot on Sunday, no one to bother you.
A dealership on ebay? Come on folks AND I know how to get to an Auction site too!!!
Is this Cadman Bill in Northern Cal??
I have to say that although the price isn’t cheap it seems to be priced pretty fairly for the condition of the car
Check out the sellers other 18 hot cars for sale.
1 of the few fastbacks that look real good with a vinyl roof, tho i don’t know why someone would get that & a clock before they ordered(instead of ordering) optional gages or even a sport steering wheel.
A SNOW tire spare in the trunk of a garage queen puzzles & even disturbs me. lol
Looking at
https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTYwWDEyODA=/z/EVUAAOSwMqljTlbK/$_57.JPG?set_id=2
i thought all ’70 442s came with big hood scoops & optional big stripes on top of them. This car has no scoops & hood decals i never seen before!
Looking closely here,
https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTYwWDEyODA=/z/jJcAAOSwo6BjTlbb/$_57.JPG?set_id=2
i would say that the driver’s door armrest pad has been replaced & possibly both front seat covers, since they don’t quite match the rest of the “white” interior.
& the interior seating sure looks like vinyl to me.
Can i assume red paint spatter on the underhood body tag is indeed FACTORY carelessness?
https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTYwWDEyODA=/z/-d0AAOSw9lhjTlbv/$_57.JPG?set_id=2
That exhaust “surgical” tape on both tailpipes by the gas tank are interesting. Can they even patch exhaust pipe holes/leaks? Who makes that?
70-71-72 442’s did not come standard with a hood scoop hood, that came as an optional OAI hood or on W30 package.
Thank you very much for the kind words, Adam Clarke.
It looks honest, as it should with the claimed mileage and being garaged. Very surprised it hasn’t been retro-fitted with an aftermarket twin-scoop hood and the ubiquitous spoiler.
Those are Super Stock 1 wheels,( jsyn )
Seems priced within a normal range , which now seems odd for 2022 !!
Install some Vintage AC and it’ll be perfectomundo!