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?
Really nice olds!! I would park it in my driveway If i had cash. Im broke as a joke But dreaming is always good.LOL!!!!!
My third car was a ’69 Cutlass S coupe in this color. I lusted for a ’69 442 convertible with a 4-speed. It’s hard to believe this hasn’t been snapped up at $25K. Just freaking beautiful!
Time to buy a lottery ticket.
The opening bid is $25,000, it was bid to $31,000+ a few weeks ago, but didn’t meet reserve. The dealer has it listed on their website for $54,900.
Steve R
Go figure its a Dealer. Could likely get it 5K cheaper if it was private or maybe less at auction
Absolutely worth it! These cars are iconic and this one is super clean. I’m building a 71 convertible 442 as we speak when it’s finished I’ll have 85k in this car, no exaggeration!
100% frame off, with an LS3, 4L80E trans, and 12 bolt rear end…
I own a 68 442 convertible with a non numbers matching 455. It delivers more smiles per mile than any thing I have owned but the young guys at the gym were asking me, awesome car but what is an Oldsmobile? Lol
Nice car, just sold my 57k 69 Cutlass S with a 350 for not much less than this starting bid price. They’re definitely deals compared to Chevelles, and better cars imhop. 4 speed makes it special.
Interesting no bids, but if the seller has a reserve why even start at $25k?
Bought a 69 442 from a friend of friend for a 200 bucks! He was a Crack head and need rock more than the car! Towed the car home but couldn’t get it to start! Tried everthing but it wouldn’t turn over! Some how pushed in the clutch and started the car! How dumb we were in our early 20s! Ended up selling it for 500 dollars desperate for cash! ( not for Crack lol!)
Great looking 442. Had a couple of 442’s over the years and loved them all. This one is set up right with the drop top and a 4 speed. Good luck with the sale.
Great looking 4 speed 442. Is the dash pad an a/c pad? The center looks like a vent for a/c.
another dealer looking for the kill. this seller is always looking for a home run.opening bid is a bit high. starting out like that tends to scare bidders away. nice car but needs some corrections. + battery cable should run along the top of L/S valve cover. all stick cars run the cable this way
I’m wondering what it has for a carburetor. Since there is a spacer OR carburetor adapter under the carb. That’s no quadrajet. It looks more like an AFB/Edelbrock on top of an adapter.
And the air cleaner is sitting higher than normal also.
It is an Edelbrock, but can’t rule out AFB. The positioning of the fuel line and the glimpse of the passenger front base plate are the giveaways.
Steve R
Beautiful car. In a great economy, dealers win. I’ll keep saving my SS
engine has a torquer intake on it and most likely a Holley which pumps up the intake. all that would need to go if you were trying for a factory style look under the hood. they tried to hide by painting it 400 bronze. unless you have a pumped-up motor that set up is not worth it imo
I had a 69 442 but it was a hardtop, navy blue. 400 ci was a beast! Loved that car, was an idiot to sell it.
Made it to $26,100 this time around.
Reserve Not Met.
4 bids.
Had a few four forty twos. None as nice as this. All automatics. Dumped 455’s in all of them. Them things screamed. Good luck with the bids.