This 1974 Oldsmobile 442 was found in a New Hampshire barn. While it isn’t clear how long it spent there, it really looks like that time in the barn has not been kind to the car. It will be interesting to see what our readers think of this one and whether any of you would be willing to take it on. Barn Finder Dan V referred the Olds to us, so thank you for that Dan. The 442 is located in Brentwood, New Hampshire, and is listed for sale here on craigslist. The asking price for the car has been set at $6,500, and apart from the overall condition of the car, the other bad news is the fact that the title has been listed as missing.
It’s really hard to know where to start with this car, because the photos are inconclusive, and the owner appears to be a man of few words. The owner doesn’t provide any information about the state of the frames or floors, so we can only go on what we can actually see. Some of the rust looks like it is only surface corrosion, but areas like the hood do have some significant rust problems. This is one of those cars that would require a personal inspection to gain an understanding of just how extensive these problems are. On the plus side, the car does appear to be complete, and the glass looks to be in good condition.
The interior of the 442 was nicely optioned when new but has deteriorated quite markedly in places. The car features swivel bucket seats, and while the driver’s seat will need a new cover, the passenger seat looks like it’s okay. The carpet is also looking tired, while it also looks like a fair amount of the wood trim has pulled away from the dash and optional floor console. The rest of the dash, the pad, and the wheel do look like they are in pretty reasonable condition. We also don’t get any photos of the engine, but we do know that it is the Rocket 350, which produced 180hp. This is backed by the standard 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, and power steering would also be fitted, as this was a standard feature. The owner states that the 442 has only covered a genuine 83,000 miles, but doesn’t mention whether he has any evidence to back this. He also gives us no information about the mechanical condition of the car.
I’d love to see this Oldsmobile 442 restored because there is no denying that it is a nice car. It’s unclear how long it has been sitting for, but the years haven’t been that kind to it. Now it will be interesting to see what our readers think. On the information that you have, is this a project car that you would be interested in pursuing further?
$6500? No title? No way..
Looks like the blue tarp blew off the barn. Maybe if they included the red truck and, maybe the- Never mind, I’ll pass.
Looks like the tires are aired up.. why no under hood shots its obviously open..sooo what’s this guy hiding
He’s not hiding anything, it’s just a typical Craig’s List seller that forgets to post pertinent information and pictures.
Mike, you are an optimist. I vote for lazy and maybe a bit shady.
442 Colonnades are not worth this kind of money for a serious project.
Maybe maybe a Hurst would be $5-6k rough, maybe. Drunk clicking late nite on weekend, maybe.
Having restored my ‘77 .. don’t ask me how I know.
83,000 original miles? He didn’t even bother to show a picture of the speedometer as proof.
$6,500 for a $500 parts car without a title would be hard to swallow for potential buyers.
Steve R
It looks like there are holes in the 1/4 panel and maybe on the front of the hood, hard to tell from the pic. Seems to me you could throw 20K at this thing then have a 10K car
My 74 Supreme had a solid body, but the hood rusted out on the lip where the header panel meets it. I’m guessing the water collected there and had no drainage ; this one looks like it has a lot more sill rot there . The car isn’t worth what he’s asking ; but its not too far gone to bring back .
What a POS. There was a time you could find a car like this and it would be worth your time and a few dollars to make it a fun cruiser but when folks want thousands, it just ain’t worth it. Might as well find a cleaner car.
Wow, $6500! After digging into my project car I was upset at spending $3500 for it and mine looks mint compared to this hunk of junk.
My 78 Firebird Esprit surface rusted the same way. White car, purchased from an old bachelor that never washed it or kept it covered. By the time I’d gotten to it, the top of the hood had rusted clean off the inner latticework which made it tough to open and latch the panel. Notice the 2×4 on this Cutlass. The rust out was where water collected from the car sitting. It was low mileage, with a red cloth interior, but everything had faded away along with the shiny finish. Of course, I loved that Firebird because it was purchased for $900 back ten years ago.
I think it’s too far gone for a restoration. 20 years from now? Maybe. It’s good for a parts car and that’s about it. I won’t even mention the price.