28k Original Miles: 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
Occasionally a car will appear on our desks here at Barn Finds, and we’re left wondering what the story is behind it. Such is the case with this 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442. The owner indicates that it has fresh paint, which is not unusual. The odometer reading of 28,000 miles is far lower than might be expected for a vehicle of this type and age, but it is the claim that it had been sitting for twenty-four years that adds to the intrigue. It appears that it has been returned to active duty, and the owner feels that it needs to find a new home. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, you will find the 442 listed for sale here on eBay. The car has attracted a single bid of $13,000 in what appears to be a No Reserve auction.
It isn’t clear why, but this Oldsmobile has recently emerged after sitting for twenty-four years. The owner treated it to a repaint in its original combination of Black and Silver, making it no surprise that it presents perfectly. He says that the car has no history of accident damage or prior repairs, and the laser straight panels seem to support this claim. He doesn’t mention any problems with rust, and the lack of visible corrosion across various aspects of the vehicle raises the possibility that it may be rust-free. The plastic trim shows no evidence of the type of deterioration that can develop as time passes, while the stripes and decals are as crisp as you might expect in this case. The glass looks flawless, and the original chrome and gold steel wheels appear perfect.
As with so many contemporaries, the 1987 Olds 442 was no longer the fire-breathing beast that it had been when it first appeared on showroom floors. Buyers were restricted to a single drivetrain configuration, including the 307ci V8, a four-speed THM 200-4R automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The V8 produced 170hp, which could propel the Olds through the ¼ mile in 16.7 seconds. The owner claims that the vehicle has 28,425 genuine miles on the clock but doesn’t indicate whether he holds verifying evidence. He says that the car has remained undriven for twenty-four years but that it runs and drives now. It isn’t clear whether it is roadworthy, but since he appears approachable, he may be willing to answer questions on that subject.
The owner supplies some interior shots of this 442, but they’re pretty limited. They reveal an interior trimmed in Gray velour cloth and vinyl, and what we can see shows no evidence of significant wear, physical damage, or any nasty surprises. The dash and pad appear in excellent order, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. By current standards, it isn’t loaded with optional extras. However, air conditioning, cruise control, a sports gauge cluster, remote exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player would have been considered respectable in 1987.
There’s no arguing that this 1987 Oldsmobile 442 presents nicely, and its interior also appears excellent. The odometer reading is well below average, but I wish the owner had indicated whether he holds evidence to verify the claim. He does appear approachable, so he may be willing to answer questions on that subject. The single bid places it in about the correct territory for an ’87 442, but it could represent a reasonable buy if the action doesn’t heat up.
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Comments
The vehicle history report indicates vehicle mileage of 126487 In 1998.
I agree. I see a garage kept car, but higher miles. What’s with the stickers under that hood? Only an older person would put away a car at 28000 miles, and someone like that wouldn’t put stickers on the engine. I smell a scam as well. If I am wrong Mr. Seller, forgive me, but too many crappy people out there. Maybe seller needs better documentation.
I agree. I see a garage kept car, but higher miles. What’s with the stickers under that hood? Only an older person would put away a car at 28000 miles, and someone like that wouldn’t put stickers on the engine. I smell a scam as well. If I am wrong Mr. Seller, forgive me, but too many crappy people out there. Maybe seller needs better documentation.
It is funny, in 1/98 mileage shown is 126K while in 6/99 it lists 26K. Both can’t be right. Steering wheel and pedal (what you can see) don’t appear to indicate over 100K but that can be faked. Thing is I had an 84 with the sport instrument cluster and can’t remember if it had a 5 or 6 digit odometer and I can’t tell from this one. Either way, I’d be very suspicious of this one before I’d think about handing over any $$.
My 2 cents.
Great looking coupes. Front end a masterpiece ✨️
Agreed on the front end, always liked the 87s, and in fact owned one for a couple of years though not a 442. I bought it used, so I really shouldn’t complain, but by 50k miles the 307 was going through a quart of oil every couple of hundred miles. The silver paint faded quickly and I came up with a custom silver that used two and a half times the metallic the recipe called for, and it looked pretty stunning going down the road and the color was close enough that I didn’t have to repaint the door jambs or under the trunk. Then the torque converter started to fail, and in 1993 I took a thousand dollar trade-in allowance on a new 1993 Mustang. One of the Ford dealer’s mechanics then bought it, and every time I saw it after that something new had been wrecked, sad to watch all that work I put into making it look good get ruined.
Mentioned twice that it hasn’t been driven in 24 years but also says its drivable. No underside pictures. I see orange peel on the truck lid and the trunk lip near the hinges looks suspicious to me. Without a in person inspection, I’d pass on this one.
The condition of the engine bay and trunk belie the mileage claim. I go with 126,000 miles.
Strange no power windows or locks, as most I’ve seen have had them, I own 3!
Also has rarely seen passenger remote mirror!
Vin indicates a 9 which is the HO motor
Only year to get the 120 Speedo and 5.5 tach!
If you could see RPO sticker clearly may have a G80(posi) all came with 3:73’s
Great for burn outs
I’d go with 128k
Engine bay is tired!
No sign of damage or repair? Laser-straight panels? The hood doesn’t close flat. I wouldn’t ask the author of this piece to purchase a car for me.
307 Olds boat anchor. I had one in 1993. Burned more oil than my home heater. 2 quarts a week. Luckily, engine was replaced under warranty with a new GM long block. Still a POS car and the writing was on the wall Olds would die. From the glory years of say 1966 to 1976, the company fell apart after that.
Why in the world would anyone repaint a car with 23,000 original miles??
Also, engine looks like 123,000 not 23,000. Also, with no appropriate verification it must be the former.. Buyer beware indeed.
Check out the three-segment headlight switch/button (standard 1980s GM part). It’s been pushed on and off so many times the markings have rubbed off. From personal experience, I’d say that doesn’t happen to a vehicle only driven 28K miles (but will happen over the course of 128K miles).
Checking the Oldsmobile history, the 80’s generation Hurst / Olds were produced in 1983-84 and 1988. These cars were not produced in 1987. The
Nice looking Olds but little things here and there under the hood indicate a salvage yard engine or there has been some upper end work (mainly the pulled connector wiring). 128,000 miles for sure but the interior and body condition is in great shape. Would make a good fixer-upper if the price was about half of where it is now.
Sold for $13,600 after 5 bids! Holy smokes!
This generation of Cutlass looks sinister in black. Always liked the H/O and 442. It was all show and no go. They got the same pedestrian 307 with 200-4R drivetrain that you could get in other vehicles.