We’ve recently featured some exceptional low-mile classics at Barn Finds, and this 1986 Oldsmobile 442 continues that trend. It presents in as-new condition, which is unsurprising given that it shows a genuine 12,000 miles on its odometer. If you missed out on buying a 442 when new, this is your chance to right that wrong with the next best thing. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Olds listed here on eBay in Statesville, North Carolina. Cars of this caliber are rarely cheap; the seller set the BIN at $57,995, with the option to make an offer.
Oldsmobile revived the 442 badge in 1985 after a four-year hiatus. Based on the Cutlass, it was the final generation to use the badge’s traditional front-engine/rear-drive design philosophy. This 442 rolled off the line in 1986, looking stunning in a color combination of Dark Teal Blue Metallic and Silver. Its presentation is seemingly faultless and is consistent with the claimed odometer reading. The paint shines impressively, there are no visible cosmetic issues, and no evidence of rust. The plastic has survived without yielding to UV rays, the Gold stripes look crisp and clean, and the glass is clear. The original Super Stock wheels look perfect and are the ideal finishing touch to an exterior that is close to showroom-fresh.
If you thought this classic’s exterior was stunning, it must play second fiddle to the interior. Trimmed in Blue cloth, it looks, in some photos, like there might be some extremely light wear on the driver’s seat outer edge. I’m unwilling to commit to that because the wear seems to disappear from various angles. Otherwise, there is none of the typical deterioration found in many 1980s classics. It doesn’t merely present well because it has no aftermarket additions and is loaded with creature comforts. The car includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player with an oh-so-1980s graphic equalizer.
Oldsmobile marketed the 1986 442 as a muscle car, though that term was relative in the era. Manufacturers struggled to extract power from engines hamstrung by emissions regulations, though Oldsmobile did a pretty fair job of improving the lives of potential buyers. The company’s 307ci V8 produced 140hp when installed in a Cutlass, but upgrades boosted that figure to 170hp when the motor occupied the 442’s engine bay. Oldsmobile didn’t offer a manual transmission, with buyers receiving the four-speed THM 200-4R. Power steering and power brakes were standard, meaning the driver didn’t need the physique of a bodybuilder to maneuver these cars. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the mileage claim, but the car’s overall condition and the inclusion of the original tires in the deal make the figure plausible. Otherwise, the Olds is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
Economic rationalism can be cruel, and no aspect of business is beyond its reach. Oldsmobile fell victim as the new Millennium dawned, with General Motors announcing that it would retire the marque in 2004. Pontiac and Mercury later joined it as corporations focused on profits and market share. It was a sad end for a manufacturer that produced cars like this 1986 Oldsmobile 442. It is fair to say that the 442 is more popular today than when this car rolled off the line, raising the question of whether the seller’s price is justified. It is well above Hagerty’s quoted price for a pristine example, and I can’t find any recent successful sales at a similar figure. Therefore, I instinctively believe that the seller is optimistic. Having said that, some enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium to own the car of their dreams. Do you think that will happen?
Yeowza. That’s a very optimistic price for an admittedly clean-presenting 442. Maybe for an older W30 with more miles, but not here?
That was my sentiment too.
Dealer has 40+ cars for sale on ebay.
Thanks Adam.
The same old conundrum with these low mileage cars: you either enjoy driving it around (and put on more miles in the process) or you mostly just keep it in the garage where you go with a beer in your hand and stand there looking at it and saying to yourself, “Yeah, that’s a nice looking car alright.”
Wow!!! What a Creampuff!!! Its really a beautiful one, love the blue too. Its an eye watering price though. I agree with what Todd J. Said above. With the low miles, you’d hate to rack up miles and ruin it, but what do you do? Sit on a lawn chair in your garage with a beer in your hand and just admire it. ( personally I’d love to do both, admire it and drive it lol) These take me right back to my high school days. This is certainly beautiful… but 5 bucks shy of 58 Grand????
How about disconnecting the speedo cable and plugging a GPS in the cigarette lighter? Cruise wouldn’t work, but what else?
I guess if you’re unethical enough to do something like that, it would be between you and God.
I’m with you on the beer!
It is a wonderful vehicle that doesn’t have a prayer of selling at that price. There are just far too many other actually valuable cars available at the price point for anyone of sound mind to even consider paying for that. And if I’m going to daily drive it, there are just countless new cars at that price point and a far smarter purchase.
There is probably in excess of $30,000 worth of desire to “relive the good old days” in that price that don’t belong there.
One of the good Dr Olds last rwd offerings..
I saw that picture. Then I thought it is gorgeous. I said to myself that could be a $20,000. car.
Then I saw the price. Beautiful car. Horribly over priced.
I don’t know why people are focusing on the asking price, it’s merely a pie-in-the-sky price with the hope that there is somebody out there who just has to buy this car because they had one like it or their parents did or whatever. If the dealer wants to move it, the price will drop considerably.
I bought a Packard years ago from MotoExotica in St. Louis. The had it on their website with asking price of $26K. They put it on eBay auction & I was high bidder at $10,500…didn’t make reserve. They called me and asked if I’d give $11,000 for it, which I did. So these dealers often have a LOT of wiggle room, especially if it’s a slow part of the year.
Exactly , that one guy with more couldn’t care less money.
These 442s have always brought in a pretty little penny, though I never saw the appeal. Even for their time, they were slower than their GM competition – Monte Carlo SS, Regal GN – and even the four cylinder turbo Thunderbird Turbo Coupes were a little bit quicker.
Today, this would feel very slow compared to modern performance cars, and it’s too nice to modify at this price point and with these miles, though I agree with everyone here in that they are not going to get this amount.
Beautiful car. I couldn’t afford back then and still unable to afford it now.
The seller includes the original tires…Why? Who is going to put 40 year old tires back on the car? The life of a tire is what…10 years?
7 years for a tire. Is the accepted/industry standard for tire life.
Probably kept them to help reinforce the low mileage claim.
Someone may want them on the car for display at national meets. That’s kind of important to some guys. My first new car I thought I’d own forever (until it got totaled 4 yrs later). I still have the original oil filter, carefully drained and preserved! Plus I immediately made copies of the keys so the originals stayed pristine. Peeled the label off the original battery when it went bad etc. I know… I have issues!
What a dreamer…
It’s easy to go down on the price…hard to go up!
Beautiful car. My dad had one decades ago and lost part of his heart when he sold it. GLWTS.
We test drove a new 87 442 identical to this one back then. I really liked the full gauges, 120 speedo, seating and console, and loved the look, but also test drove a new black Turbo Buick Regal at the dealer down the street. The Regal was night and day different in performance so that’s what we bought. Sad the Buick didn’t have any gauges other than a little led bar boost meter, an 85 mph speedo, and a flat console that wouldn’t support your arm at all. Did get 27 mpg at 75 on the interstate though.
Love it, but not $57,000 love it
High as a kite price, plenty of low mileage 442’s (& Hurst/Olds) out there. For 1/3 of the asking price.
As much as I like 442s. This car does nothing for me. I’m sorry but no ” real ones” since 1972. I had one of the early 70s White/Gold HOs and it was a wonderful car. (I don’t remember the year as it was a,car that I repaired and flipped. I was flipping GTOs at the time and this one came along. I drove it for a,couple of months while bringing it back to “wonderful condition ” and really wanted to keep it. But in 1974 having a wife who’s medication was $2,500 a month made the thought of keeping it in instead of flipping it an “impossible dream”.
very nice looking and in a good color as well. seller is looking for auction house price. yeah, it’s nice but not that nice for 58k. once the miles go on the value goes down. disconnect speedo and check engine light comes on and sets a vss code. good luck to all parties involved
Sure miss Olds. My grandfather had a 68′ Cutlass. Great memories growing up as a kid in that car. Really liked the look of this generation and remember them well back in the 80’s.The car does look in beautiful condition from the photos he provided, but like most dealers, seem to shoot for the moon in their first listing. If someone wanted it bad enough and had the cash whose to say?
It’s a little rich for sure. The mileage would have to be verified. These cars were/are easy to clock.
Before the buyer clicks on the Buy It Now button, they would be advised to Google “What will $57,995 buy in a classic car”. If they still buy it, then this was their dream car.
that’s the I really don’t want to sell price LOL
I am a die-hard Olds enthusiast. Worked at two Olds dealers from 1976 to 1981, drove many great ones, and have owned many. My favorite was my loaded 1976 Cutlass Salon with Hurst Hatches, but no vinyl top. Silver with super comfortable high back burgundy bucket seat interior. This dealer is certainly optimistic. Plenty of original owners put these cars away. I have seen many with 20,000 miles or less. Many interesting comments here, especially from Robert L Davis JR
She sure is Pretty, but she ain’t $57K pretty….lol