Muscle cars were reaching the peak of their power in 1969. Rising insurance premiums and tighter emission regulations would eventually reduce many of these potent classics to shadows of their former selves. However, manufacturers still offered potential buyers numerous opportunities to tailor their new purchases to suit their specific needs. This 1969 Oldsmobile 442 is a perfect example of that approach, ordered by its first owner with the W-32 options pack. It has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration, returning it to close to showroom condition. It is a turnkey classic with a triple-black paint and trim combination that will undoubtedly draw crowds like moths to a flame. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this iconic classic listed here on eBay in Contoocook, New Hampshire. The seller set their auction to open at $53,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
Oldsmobile’s Second Generation 442 debuted on showroom floors in 1968, offering potential buyers three body styles. Sales during the first year were strong, with 36,642 buyers splashing the cash to drive away in a 442. Things weren’t as rosy in 1969, with the tally dropping to 29,567. The decline would continue throughout the Second Generation production run, with 1971’s total of 7,589 vehicles as the low point. This 1969 example is a beauty that underwent a nut-and-bolt restoration in 2022. The process included eliminating any potential rust, massaging the steel, and applying a layer of the car’s original Ebony Black paint. A matching vinyl top and a set of Super Stock II wheels rounded out a package that is simply stunning. Its presentation appears perfect, with no cosmetic imperfections, dull spots, or other issues. The trim looks fresh, the glass is clear, and the wheels are spotless.
Powering this Olds is the company’s 400ci V8 engine, and it is here that things become interesting and rare. New for 1969 was the W-32 option. This package combined the W-30 Ram Air hood with the camshaft found in the entry-level engine. The company quoted power and torque figures of 350hp and 440 ft/lbs, feeding the power to the pavement via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Unsurprisingly, this car also features power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller confirms that, apart from a period-correct Carter carburetor, this Olds is numbers-matching. The engine underwent a professional rebuild during the restoration, which included a slight overbore and the installation of new pistons. It was faithful to the original specifications, meaning that the output should match the factory’s claims. There is no information supplied regarding how this classic runs or drives, but the asking price suggests that it shouldn’t hide any nasty surprises.
When a classic presents as beautifully as this Oldsmobile, it is tempting to scour the seller’s images, searching for a flaw or imperfection. This shot surprised me, because it reveals two wheel cracks. I initially wondered why the seller hadn’t sourced a replacement to address that shortcoming, and then an idea dawned on me. Finding NOS wheels is extremely difficult, but reproductions are readily available. I was wondering whether the seller’s focus on originality made the idea of a repro wheel unpalatable. If so, it emphasizes their attention to detail. That is the only visible imperfection, because the rest of the interior looks factory-fresh. There is no wear, physical damage, or signs of abuse. The woodgrain is in good order, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings.
With the auction opening at $53,000, this 1969 Oldsmobile 442 W-32 is not a cheap classic. However, apart from the solitary wheel crack, its presentation is hard to fault. The rarity of the W-32 adds to its appeal, with several reputable sources seemingly confirming the seller’s claim that Oldsmobile only produced 247 of these classics in Holiday Coupe form. Interestingly, I discovered a prior listing for this classic from October 2024. The bidding reached $47,553 on that occasion, falling short of the reserve. Do you think that the seller will taste success this time, or will they need to compromise?
Interior looks like it could use a bit of work. I just sold a trailer queen 69 442 red on red with all matching numbers for $48,000 , not a w32 but I think this one will have a hard time breaking $50,000. Just my thoughts.
Beautiful looking car, I’d never seen information about the W-32 prior. The hood appears to be a generic, just like with the W-30 and W-31 in 1969, the cold air was picked up under the front bumper, it wasn’t until 1970 that functional scoops were added to hood to provide cold air. The one exception would be the 1969 Hurst Oldsmobile, but those were a special one off’s finished by Hurst off site and weren’t W series cars.
Steve R
There was a W32 on BAT several months back, more detailed as far as factory correctness is concerned, and it sold for around 40k (my mistake, 37k). This one is missing the outline stripping on the trunk, and though the trunk pans (and quarters) were replaced, no one bothered to spray the spatter paint and just left the floors and inside quarters black. Hard to tell from the pics, but that driver’s side outer wheel house looks butchered. I can’t see the pass side fully, but with all the replacement metal, and from what I see in the pics, I’d definitely want to look over this car in person, top and bottom.
Damn, that 37k W32 sold back in April 2024 on BAT. Good Lord, time flies when you’re having fun…or maybe it’s just getting older. I don’t even know where 2025 went…
…and since I can’t edit my initial post – striping, not stripping. SSII wheels should be argent not body color in ’69. I’m just being a crotchety nitpicker at this point since I can’t sleep tonite and my wife is steadily snoring away next to me…
I know Olds enthusiasts, and since they know details like the ones you mention, when something is wrong it bothers them, too. If a car is presented as correct and it isn’t, it has to be pointed out, especially at the prices people are asking.
You are not alone Mike. My wife sleeps on her stomach and lifts one leg at the knee and lets it slam down on the bed over and over shaking the bed. I will be moving into my own room soon i can hardly wait.
It’s the same car!
Nice car, best A body dash ever. Not perfect enough for that price, still a bargain compared to and better than a 69 Chevelle SS.
Bid to USD $47,553 on 10/7/24 on BAT
This 442 certainly has a lot going for it. Black is a tough color to hide imperfections, and I certainly don’t see any. I’m surprised at the cracked steering wheel, but at least its all there, and they are restorable. Beautiful Olds. Eye watering price.
This same car was on BaT over a year ago. Same photos, same license plate. Buyer should approach with caution. I’m not saying it’s not perfectly legit but there are scammers out there known to pirate photographs from classic car ads and then solicit deposits and such.
If it is legit, it bid to $47,553. And the muscle car market is a bit softer now than it was a year ago.
I agree, every time I see photos that were on BAT, I assume the worst. In this case, one key detail is missing. Scammers almost always cut the price in half in order to catch more people with the “what a great deal, gotta jump on this one quickly before it gets away” attitude.
But, definitely still a buyer beware situation here.
The price seems high for a scammer, so it may be legit. A scammer would probably have it at 15-20k so they could collect a significant number of deposits and then disappear.
But at least take some new photos, sheesh.
I think this is a dream price given that muscle cars really seem to be taking a hit lately. If he didn’t break 50 grand a year ago he’s certainly not going to do it now.
Here I go again. If a reproduction steering wheel looks exactly the same, who care of it’s not NOS? How would you even know? More like the seller thought if I can make bank selling this car with a cracked steering wheel, why not?
Surprised it doesn’t have the Rally Pac instrument cluster…
In 1969 almost nobody made an ugly car. This looks nice in the pictures but starts to become average upon closer inspection. Rarity is great but condition means more.
I still prefer the horizontal taillights on the ‘68’s…
this is a nice 442. not too impressed with the quality of the frame off job. looks like the 1/4 panels were halved not full complete 1/4s as stated in the listing. engine color is wrong as is the alternator.53k is a stiff number and it should be spot on, and factory correct due to the low production #s. somebody may or may not pay the price bit with the way things are in the market buyers are being choosey and want 100% quality
Still looking like a pieced together auction car but if someone is willing to take it down to the frame and start over it would be a stunner. Might be some surprises along the way but that’s the chance you take. Hairy olds says 442 is nice but only as a 20 footer.
It didn’t bring over 47K a year ago, and it won’t bring it now. I don’ believe that the seller knows how to “read the room”. The market for this quality of car has softened over the last couple of years, not gone up.
The faux wood steering wheel was a 1968 only option. The cam was from the manual trans 442’s, hence the 350hp, and not the auto equipped 325 hp 442.
The inner fenders should be red, not black.
Sorry, my mistake, the red inner fenders were on the W30.
Same car as Cobra said!!
SOLD for 53K.
2 bids.
Color me amazed.