There is nothing like purchasing a classic from an enthusiast who exclusively focuses on originality. Such is the case with this 1987 Oldsmobile 442. It is a stunning, unmolested survivor with no aftermarket additions or modifications. It is well-documented, meaning that the seller may hold evidence verifying that the odometer reading of 29,000 is genuine. The only thing this Olds appears to need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zen for spotting this 442 listed here on eBay in Toms River, New Jersey. The seller set their auction to open at $29,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
The 1987 model year marked the end of the line for Oldsmobile’s Fifth Generation 442. It returned in 1985 after a four-year absence, although the sales tally of 3,000 cars during the first year probably disappointed company management. The volume grew in the following two years, with 4,208 buyers taking one home in 1987. This Olds is said to be an original survivor that was ordered by its first owner in Dark Teal Metallic. It has never undergone any form of repair or restoration, making its lustrous paint all the more impressive. The panels are laser straight, and rust doesn’t appear to be an issue. The trim and glass look immaculate, and this Olds rolls on its factory chrome Super Stock wheels with correct-size tires.
Although considered a muscle car, the fact that this classic’s 307ci V8 produces 170hp and 255 ft/lbs of torque means that its performance will be pretty modest by modern standards. Oldsmobile introduced an upgraded version of the four-speed THM200-4R automatic transmission for the 1986 and 1987 model years, while every 442 received power-assisted steering and brakes as standard equipment. However, the most significant fact for driving enthusiasts to consider is that this was the last model year in which the 442 was rear-wheel drive. The final generation of the 442, introduced in 1990, would transfer power from its four-cylinder engine to the front wheels. The seller confirms that this Olds is in excellent mechanical health. They recently performed an oil and filter change, fitted BF Goodrich tires, and installed an AC Delco battery. The fresh exhaust is a NOS item fitted by a GM specialist. They don’t mention evidence verifying the odometer reading, but it appears that they include documentation dating back to Day One. This beauty runs and drives well, potentially allowing the winning bidder to fly in and drive it home.
Its interior best demonstrates Oldsmobile’s focus on comfort when developing the 442. This one features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, cruise control, a Rallye gauge cluster, and a premium AM/FM radio and cassette player. The overall condition is exceptional, with no visible wear or signs of UV damage. Plastic from this era is prone to deterioration and breaking, but the buyer doesn’t face such problems with this classic. An in-person inspection may reveal minor flaws due to age, although none are visible in the supplied images.
This 1987 Oldsmobile 442 presents superbly, and the fact that it has remained unmolested for twenty-eight years is a minor victory, considering many of these cars have been modified. That raises the question of the auction’s opening figure and whether it is justified. It is heading towards the top end of the market, although there have been recent sales of cars with a similar odometer reading, with prices up to 10% higher. The listing statistics suggest that it has grabbed a reasonable amount of attention, but the big question is whether that will translate into any bids. What do you think?
A 442 your grandma would love.
A friend of mine bought a 70 442 from a guy who’s grandmother was the original owner. That car was quite a lot faster than the 87s, though.
Beautiful Olds ,but i thought they come with the lightning rods shifter? Or was that a different year. I been in these GM cars a lot. My brother had one Chevy, forgotten the year it was a Monte Carlo Turbo with factory T-Tops. And a 86 Gran Prix V8. I love this body styles back in the 80s. This is super clean. I am going to say. $29,000.00 is wee bit high. Not much because this Oldsmobile was well taken care of and the mileage is fantastic. I would be taken this to plenty of shows and it would be fun. ☺️ I wish the seller and the next owner good luck.🐻🇺🇸
The Lightning Rod shifter came only in the 83-84 Hurst Olds Cutlass. 442’s from 85-87 used a standard console shifter. All 442’s from 85-87 are very similar but have lots of minor differences from year to year such as color options, and trim differences on the door panels, grills, etc. The 87’s had composite headlamps and were based on the Cutlass Supreme whereas the 83-84 H/O’s and 85-86 442’s were based on the Cutlass Salon.
1987 was 38 years ago, if my math is correct.
Yes time flies by. I was thinking about my new 1988 Olds Cutlass Supreme (front wheel drive) while reading the writeup. While the 442 sales numbers were modest the final few years of rear drive Cutlass were everywhere.
You’re welcome. I had one exactly like it for one week in 1991. It was stolen, and broke my heart, since a cool car is very important to a 20 year old who didn’t have much else. Mine had 45k miles on it, and I’d just polished the rims and put new Firestone Firehawks on it with the white letters. I still have some of the new floor mats that the dealer ordered for me, that came in after my car was stolen. Oh well. It’s nice to see a low mileage original so well preserved. It is a shame they didn’t offer a bigger engine, the 307 was weak, and in bigger cars, even worse. They had fuel injection by 87, it could’ve been an improvement to the carbureted engine, too.
Love these 442. The co!or on this car is very nice. The only thing missing is T-Tops. $29k may be a little strong in this market right now but you never know.
You could also get a moonroof, which is what I would prefer. The T-Tops were more popular, but I’ve seen a few of these and Cutlasses with the moonroof. The one I had was a hardtop like this one.
I saw one with a power sunroof at the annual GM show at the fairgrounds this year. Get this, 8,000 actual miles. Pretty sure it was a 442.
There’s also a ’87 or ’88 Supreme Classic Brougham in Mo. or Kansas on Facebook with a “Last Edition ” or “Last One” emblem on the trunk. This one also has a power sunroof and loaded up. I emailed the Olds Museum to see if the emblem was legit but never heard anything back. I’m not a fan of either sunroofs or t-tops. Power sunroofs are a rare option though.
I was the service director for a GM dealership back then and drove many company cars like that one and owned a few. I often wish I would have bought one of them with a late rear-drive Calais, Brougham or 442 being prime choices.
I love all the 80’s GM G-body cars. I had a Black 86 442 and loved it. No real power with its V8 but it had all the creature features that made driving it very enjoyable. I do think the price of 29K even with the low mileage might be a bit of a stretch for a starting point for the bidding. But it is a very nice-looking car, and I hope the seller gets what he wants out of it.
i know of this sell. he is an olds person from way back and is a car show hound. loves the trophies. all his cars are as nice as is this 1. this is a good color combo. miles are right. the price is in the neighborhood, but we are going into winter and markets are soft. 29k is more of an auction house price to me. really need to lose that decal on the front windshield it really hurts the look of the car especially 1 this nice