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Cheap 1976 Oldsmobile 442 Project

It may not have the power of a sixties muscle car, but cheap projects like this 442 are starting to look appealing. That’s probably because many of us have been priced out of the really desirable stuff. The engines may have been choked, but there was still a lot to like about this Olds. This one needs some work, but is listed here on craigslist for only $1,500.

Emission regulations had all but killed the muscle car off by the time this car was built, but that doesn’t mean that the manufacturers didn’t keep trying. You could still get a 455 cubic inch engine in one of these! This one has the Rocket 350 which slotted right in the middle of the power options.

The 442 was basically a Cutlass with an appearance and handling package. This one has the optional swiveling bucket seats. The seller included a photo of the build sheet, but it’s pretty deteriorated so it’s hard to tell what other options are here. The seller mentions that the interior has been pulled and the floors and fenders all need some rust repair.

The GM A-body platform used here was a body on frame design and you can still find a lot of parts and support. So, this 442 may never be as lust worthy as its ancestors, but for someone who wants an affordable classic that they can work on themselves, it could be perfect!

Comments

  1. Avatar BMW4RunninTundra

    If this vehicle was “from Georgia”, it wouldn’t have all that rust. That being said, if you have time, the $$$$$, and lack of emissions requirements (inspections) this could be a beautiful, sufficiently powered, comfortable ride. I like this body style!!! If I didn’t have a garage full, and then some, I would be discussing it with the “Financial Department”! I hope whomever ends up with it, does right by it. NOT like the poor VW Ext cab truck from earlier.
    (just my 1/2¢ worth)

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    • Avatar Jesse Staff

      I’m sort of wishing I hadn’t listed this one because the more I look at it, the more I want it! Just need to find one a little closer…

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      • Avatar Lord Humungous

        Is this a 4speed?

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    • Avatar Snowman

      I agree. If it was from Georgia, it was parked at the Beach. At high tide. I really like old iron. I just choose not to deal with chasing rust.

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  2. Avatar art moore

    I think that rather go the whole restoration route,and tearing everything apart in your garage,and drive yourself CRAZY,by trying to to accumulate ,all the correct parts… “I would”,just repair,or replace anything,that would get me ‘safely’,on the road.Then,I would drive it as a daily driver,to find out what I needed to upgrade,and personalize it to my own style.. All the while collecting thumbs up,honks,smiles from interested people as I drove.a car not commonly seen these days.People sweat too much,about NOT having a perfect example of a car,….and THAT is why there are so many ‘unfinished projects’,that abide in EVERY city…Expectations,vs life’s reality.This would be a great candidate for a car enthusiast,who gets a Musclecar (in name only),that he can finish up ,as his budget allows…..all the time ,driving it.

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  3. Avatar Tom

    Part of the problem with restoring these 4th gen A-body’s, is finding decent parts. Yes, millions were built, and they served their duty well, then they were mostly discarded. Few people had the foresight to collect nos parts for a future rebuilder crowd, which only recently is beginning to show up to the game. If this car is your desire, you may do better finding a low mileage survivor…otherwise you might live on ebay waiting for that uncracked dash in your color, and expect to pay 4 digits…nice swivel buckets are another story. Other interior items are just as hard to find, but if you are patient and quick on the button, it can be done

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    • Avatar Snowman

      Others may tackle rust. But I just despise a rust bucket (just needs floors and fenders / quarter panels, etc… Not to mention frame to bumper mounts, etc…)
      I’d rather spend my hard earned money up front and find a clean body. I still see old cars in Middle TN that don’t have any rust issues…
      A few years ago (late 80’s) I bought a clean, low mileage, garage kept ’69 442 Convertible. The car was all original except for a new replacement white top. Unfortunately, the factory silver paint had faded to an almost ‘Primer’ color. A new coat of paint solved that problem, along with PDB conversion, wheel & tire, and suspension upgrades.

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      • Avatar Snowman

        1969 442 Convertible, 400 ci, TH400, console shift, pwr windows, door locks, AM/FM Stereo with “Oldsmobile” on the door) 8- track tape player, PS, Pwr Drum Brakes (a $12. option), pwr adjust antenna. It did not have Air Conditioning. Only 300+ 442 Convertibles were equipped with A/C in ’69.

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      • Avatar Tom

        Nice 442! ’69 is my favorite year.

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  4. Avatar Dana Friedman

    I am looking for a 76 or 77 442 for my son. Back in the day thanks to my dad I was the proud owner of a brand new 77 442 from Crystal Oldsmobile in Brooklyn New York. I wanted to hand that car down to my son when I had one however the car never made it. Now I am looking for a replacement. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

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    • Avatar MIKE SULLIVAN

      still looking for that 442?

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  5. Avatar Melvin Burwell

    That would be a great deal If you had the money to pour into it. From what I see you’d be pulling the hair out of your head just to get it street legal. Especially here in Calif. No thanks.

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  6. Avatar Willie

    Yeah…. Mid Tennessee here too. Thats not far enough away to see this much rust. Unless of course Savannah or somewhere close. We don’t see that much rust in the belt except for special cases. Clean the leaves outta the fender wells and make sure the windshield rubber is ok your good to go.

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  7. Avatar Maria S Varnalis

    I wish I still had my 76 Cutlass S coupe all white, 455 ci …. I am searching on line for mine, hoping it is still around, it was green inside with white swivel bucket seats! Has anyone seen it?

    Like 0

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