455 Upgrade! 1977 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
The year 1977 marked not only the last Colonade-style body for the 4-4-2 but it was also now the only remaining model in the Oldsmobile lineup that still featured that cool NASCAR-inspired sloped treatment on the front end for a bit more aerodynamic efficiency. On the downside, this was the sole 442 from entire the third generation period that didn’t offer the availability of a 455 engine, but that’s been remedied on this 1977 Oldsmobile 442 here on eBay. This one’s currently cruising the streets of Tacoma, Washington, with bidding only up to the $1,080 level so far, understandably short of reserve. We actually featured it recently but at that time, the seller was offering it just as an auction, but this time there’s also the option to Buy-It-Now for $12,600.
For the ’77 model, the top dog motor size decreased to 403 cubic inches, and even though it was rated at only 5 horsepower less than the previous year’s 455, there had to be something disappointing about raising the hood back in the seventies and telling everybody you had to go with the smaller engine because it was the largest available. No problem here, as this one’s got a transplanted 1971-dated 455 of some sort in the bay now, which the seller says starts right up, runs well, and sounds healthy.
The owner mentions that the paint job is older, so the Olds obviously got a respray at some point but it’s said to still look good for its age. The exterior does have imperfections here and there, such as a few rust bubbles on the trunk lid and some damage up front on the grille and nose, but overall the panels are stated as straight and appear dent-free for the most part. We also get to view 4 photos from the undercarriage including this one, and other than some surface rust both the frame and floor seem to be solid.
For a driver, the interior comes across as acceptable with some minor wear on the buckets and a few thin spots on the carpeting. There’s also some chipping on the dash around the speakers and I think that’s a crack that can be seen on the windshield, but this seems like a car that’s ready to have fun with as-is, although the next owner may feel differently and want to make some immediate improvements. Which route would you take with this 1977 Oldsmobile 4-4-2?
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Comments
It’s 11K buy it now, guessing owner wants it gone. Needs some TLC but could be a decent driver. No A/C box which is kind of surprising for an Olds. Engine may be a plus but don’t know the internals, but that money doesn’t buy much anymore.
If originally from the PNW, where the Olds is now, not uncommon for people to forego ordering or buying a car with A/C. I’ve seen several Olds and Buicks for sale over the years in Washington and Oregon that did not have air conditioning.
ahhh ! , theres one =)
ive been keeping an eye out for one of these, or one of the other sweet Olds(W25/30) BFs posted in this edition.
The 77 442 i will one day have. It will have power windows, and AC.
I will paint it, and either ‘pro-tour’ or race car build it.
Thanks for the eye candy Barn Finds !
85mph Speedo? the one in my 76 Malibu went to 100, also needs a Tach
Man I wish my situation were better. I remember at 13 when this car first came out. It was “IT BABY”. Anyone who lived in the town I lived in wanted it. Two white ones showed at almost the same time then in 78 we had one black and one white. I just love everything about this one. Worth every penny.
IIIIIIIIIT’S. Baaack. Face it folks this car is not worth half of the buy it now price. The car is not a low mileage unmolested original. It is an old played with survivor.
Hey easy there…I resemble that comment!
Yes so do I….
Had this same year Cutlass, but in the Salon 2dr version, basically a Supreme roofline with the 442 underpinnings. Mine had the Olds 350 4 barrel, not fast but adequate and very smooth. Great handling however, for a big and heavy GM product. 442 and Salon both had the F41/FE3 Ride & Handling pkg. with a thick stabilizer bar. I upgraded the shock to Gabriel’s and mounted GR60-15 Goodyear GT Radials on the Super Stock wheels. Those mods turned the Olds into a very nice road car. How/Why GM went on to sabotage the Cutlass brand and neuter the 442 to the awful and ugly Aeroback coupe body with the pathetic 260 V8 is beyond my comprehension.