This 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible ticks most of the boxes enthusiasts seek from a classic car. Its presentation is first-rate, and its 400ci V8 is freshly rebuilt. Teaming that motor with a four-speed manual transmission maximizes this classic’s performance credentials, guaranteeing a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Olds listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The seller set their auction to open at $25,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.

Oldsmobile launched the Second Generation 442 range in 1968, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1969. The first owner selected the Convertible version, cloaking its exterior in Aztec Gold Metallic. The seller confirms that this classic isn’t original, having undergone restoration at some point. The results justified the effort and expense, with the car’s presentation seemingly impossible to criticize or ignore. The paint shines impressively, and with no visible panel imperfections, it certainly easily qualifies as a high-end driver that could hold its own in any show. The new power top, in Black to complement the interior trim, is free of rips or other problems, and while it exhibits a few wrinkles, I suspect a few hours in the sun would soon eliminate them. The seller’s excellent high-definition image gallery confirms this classic’s rust-free status. The trim and glass are in good condition, with the exterior rounded out by a sparkling set of Super Stock wheels.

This Oldsmobile cements its muscle car status, courtesy of the 400ci V8 under the hood. Had the first owner teamed this engine with an automatic transmission, the entry-level version would have delivered 325hp. However, this car’s four-speed transmission lifts the figure to 350hp. The power feeds to a 12-bolt limited-slip rear end, with power-assisted steering and brakes rounding out the mechanical package. The seller confirms that, while the engine isn’t numbers-matching, it has only clocked around 5,000 miles since its rebuild. The restoration also involved other mechanical work, including fitting a new master cylinder. It appears the spotless engine bay presentation doesn’t flatter to deceive, as the listing impression is that this Olds is a turnkey proposition.

The seller’s interior images seemingly confirm that this Olds has no genuine weaknesses. Trimmed in Black vinyl, there is no evidence of wear or other problems. The underdash gauge cluster and Hurst shifter appear to be the only additions, while the sports wheel and factory AM radio should make life on the road pretty pleasant. The dashpad is crack-free, the faux woodgrain is excellent, and the overall impression is that this 442 hasn’t seen much action since the restoration ended.

It is probably fair to say that, for purists, the only failing of this 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible is its lack of a numbers-matching status. Otherwise, there is little about this classic deserving criticism. I am surprised that, given the interest the listing seems to have generated, it hasn’t translated into a single bid. However, I expect that the situation may change as the auction heads into its final hours. Have you ever owned a 442? Did you enjoy the experience enough to pursue this one further?