Rarity claims with classic cars can be a minefield, and there’s nothing like documentary evidence to verify these claims. It appears that the owner of this 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible holds the documentation to confirm that this car is a W30 that wears a rare paint and trim combination. Once all of these factors are brought together, that makes this car 1-of-96 with this overall combination. It seems that he provides a compelling argument because the bidding has been pretty spirited since the 442 was listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Mansfield, Ohio, and while the price has raced to $60,101, this figure remains short of the reserve.
This 442 is finished in Gold, but I haven’t been able to determine which of the four shades that Oldsmobile offered in 1970 it is. It changes dramatically under different light conditions, but its overall condition appears to be extremely nice. The original owner treated the vehicle to a repaint in 1973 after some charming individual “keyed” it while parked outside a bar. Replacement stripes were applied at this time, but these have been mounted slightly higher than usual, as the included report states. The original panels are as straight as you are ever likely to find in a classic of this vintage, and there’s no rust that could cause a buyer sleepless nights. Adding to this car’s appeal is the original owner’s decision to order the car with a Gold soft-top. Its condition is excellent for a survivor-grade car. The trim and chrome are spotless, and I can’t see any flaws in the glass.
There’s something quite special about a triple-gold car, which we find with this 442. Once again, this is an unrestored area of this Olds, making its condition pretty impressive. There are no signs of any wear or other flaws with the seats, and no stains or other problems on the carpet. The dash and pad are flawless, while the same seems true of the console, headliner, and the remaining upholstered surfaces. Nobody has molested this interior by fitting aftermarket components. It isn’t an interior that is weighed down with optional extras, but apart from the pushbutton radio, a Tic-Toc-Tach, and power windows, I believe that the car might be equipped with air conditioning.
I have to admit that I’m disappointed that the owner supplies no engine photos because the V8 under the hood is the defining element of the 442. This car features the 455ci V8, which is bolted to a 4-speed manual transmission. The W30 version of the 442, which this car is claimed to be, would’ve provided the driver with 370hp to play with. However, the design characteristics of this V8 mean that the 500 ft/lbs of torque that it provides makes it more suited to rapid overtaking than producing a blistering ¼ mile ET. Still, a figure of 14-seconds is nothing o be ashamed of. This Olds is a numbers-matching classic and features the distinctive date-coded W27 aluminum rear end. The odometer shows a reading of 55,568, and with a known ownership history, this number should be able to be verified. The owner doesn’t provide any insight into how well the Olds runs or drives. He does appear to be very approachable, so he could potentially fill in the blanks on that score.
The owner of this 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible claims that its trim and paint combination, when combined with its drivetrain configuration, makes it a genuine 1-of-96 vehicle. It seems that he holds a collection of original documentation, so potential buyers should be able to confirm this. If everything adds up, there’s a good chance that the bidding will head into six-figure territory before the auction is over. This one could be worth watching…unless you intend to submit a bid.
One of my favorite cars ever and this one looks to be a very nice survivor with desirable options like AC, PW and dual sport mirrors. If I had the cash, I’d first ask the seller for lots more pics. Then if everything looked good, I’d be on my way to check it out as it’s only about 80 miles away.
This might be a 1 of 1 just off of options alone. I don’t know if the W27 rear is factory or not, but I’ve only seen one other W30 convertible with the manual transmission and the W27 rear back in Hemmings Muscle Machines years ago, and this is the only W30 convertible I’ve ever seen with the four speed manual, W27 rear and air conditioning. This right here might be the holy grail of 1970 GM muscle cars, and maybe even 1970 American Muscle Cars overall. GLWTS and man do I wish I could afford it
This might be a 1 of 1 just off of options alone. If the W27 rear is factory, this is the only other W30 W27 rear four speed 442 convertible I’ve ever seen (the other one being a Nugget Gold 442 featured in Hemmings Muscle Machines years ago). Factor in the air conditioning and all the other options you might be looking at the holy grail of Oldsmobile muscle cars, 1970 GM muscle cars, and 1970 muscle cars overall perhaps. GLWTS and man do I wish I could afford it
Last comment, He wants lots more pics! And the car is only 80 miles away!- JUST GO LOOK!! I sell quite often and get that,more pics thing .If your close and really interested. Ok done ranting. The 442 is a nice one. The color is very rare,never saw that in person. I had a very clean 71 in H/S and one of the nicest cars i ever owned. It only had a 350,but moved well. I would love this one,but to rich for me, and my 71 fc7 340 duster would have to pay for 1/2. Not happening. Goodluck to the next owner, show it off!!!!!!
I don’t think it has A/C…no controls on the dash…
Adam why do you say ” I believe that the car might be equipped with air conditioning.” the blurry picture of the heater control panel doesnt have it
Am I the only one that is befuddled by the fact that the guy loads up a couple dozen pictures and not one with the hood open?
Air conditioning was not available in combination with the 4-speed on W30 442s. As for the W27 axle, most of the time it’s just the cover. The complete W27 axle assembly is extremely rare. Hard to tell, since the seller didn’t bother to include a photo of what could be this car’s stand-out feature.
Looks like Burnished Gold to me – code 58 believe. My first car was a ’70 Supreme hardtop that was triple gold.
Steering wheel looks out of place – on a 442.
The kick panels have the 2 pull astroventilation knobs – no a/c for sure.
No peek under the hood?
I agree the 4-spoke wheels do look nice, but the spokes and thicker rim blocks a lot more of the gauge pack and tach than the standard wheel does.
Why no underwood pics? 1970 W/30 4speed not available with A/C. F heads? I’ve seen many E heads easily altered. Too many red flags to get the real money it could be worth.
It seems to be the latest thing, not showing engine photos. Before that, it was showing the left front tire, as your lead picture.
Correct concerning the A/C; NA on W30 4speed because of the cam. The steering wheel is the standard wheel on all Cutlass/442 models. the owner did not opt for the N34 Custom Sport steering wheel, which we see quite often on pre-1970 442s. That was the first year the 4 spoke wheel was available.
I remember that steering wheel very well. My dad’s 1970 Cutlass convertible had it, and I remember looking at it and gripping it tight when I took his car to 100 mph on the freeway leading into Detroit — a few months after getting my license no less!
Documents? Where is the proof in the puddin?
Buyer Beware on this one. Scary how some of these ads are put on eBay
Owner says he has the original title and broadcast card. Both would prove that this is a real W-30. Why then didn’t he post pictures of those? No pictures under the hood. Stripes are wrong. Non-refundable deposit and full payment within 24 hours. Sorry. Too many red flags here.