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?