There are many factors to consider when assessing the relative worth of a classic requiring restoration. Apart from its overall physical condition and originality, documentation can become a factor in any determination. That is one of the strong points of this 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Sports Coupe. It requires many hours of work, but it is an unmolested vehicle that will head to its new owner with a significant collection of paperwork. They date back to Day One, allowing the buyer to confirm its authenticity and specifications. If a 442 project has been on your radar, you’ll find this one listed here on eBay in Cypress, Texas. Bidding sits at $4,300, although that figure falls short of the reserve. Eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. spotted this promising classic, so thank you for that, T.J.

This 442 exhibits baked paint, a hallmark of vehicles that spent their lives in a dry and harsh climate. It is hard to believe that the faded exterior used to be stunning Target Red, but various more hidden and protected surfaces carry that color. The panels are straight, but the buyer faces rust repairs before picking up their spray gun. Externally, it is visible around the back window, with some also showing on the passenger-side lower rear quarter panel. This second issue shouldn’t be problematic because the seller includes a replacement section. The trunk pan has holes, and it is debatable whether the new owner could apply patches or spend $700 on a complete replacement pan. The seller admits there is rust in the floors but insists they are solid and repairable. For those harboring doubts, they will supply additional photos for further assessment. They removed the trims around the front and rear glass, but they include these pieces and the missing hubcap in the sale. The remaining trim looks restorable, and the glass would be acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.

Considering its exterior state, this classic’s interior condition holds no surprises. It requires a complete retrim, an exercise that will leave no change from $2,000. However, that figure includes virtually everything required to achieve a showroom appearance. The original owner added a few desirable options to make life aboard this Olds a pleasant experience. It features air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, an AM radio, and retracting front seat belts. The seller indicates there are other less obvious inclusions, with that information provided courtesy of the original Dealership paperwork.

While the 442’s interior provided excellent occupant comfort, its drivetrain offered impressive performance potential, courtesy of a 400ci V8 producing 345hp. This car’s original owner added the two-speed Jetaway transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The transmission choice slightly saps this car’s potential, but it would have covered the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds in its glory days. The Olds doesn’t currently run, although the seller coaxed it into life a few years ago by pouring fuel down its carburetor. Returning it to a running state may not be difficult, but it will take more than a weekend in the workshop to return it to a mechanically roadworthy condition. Helping this classic’s cause from a desirability standpoint is the inclusion of a significant selection of service records, the Owner’s Manual, and the original Protect-O-Plate.

The Oldsmobile 442 was a more luxurious version of a muscle car, offering comfort and performance. The company sold 25,003 examples of the 442 across all variants in 1965, but only 2,262 were the Cutlass Sports Coupe featuring an automatic transmission. That makes this car relatively rare, and the included documentation increases its desirability. Restored to a high standard, the current market suggests it should command a value of $40,000. It deserves to return to its former glory, but are you willing to step up to the plate and accept that challenge?