After a four-year absence in the Oldsmobile lineup, the 442 name was revived in 1985, following the recent demise of the Hurst/Olds. It was based on the Cutlass Calais in 1985 and 1986, but switched to the Cutlass Supreme for ’87, which cut costs a bit, as this was a slightly less-expensive model. Although performance was nowhere near the standards of the early 4-4-2 cars, the fifth-generation examples excelled in appearance, offering additional graphics on the already beautiful G-Body. This 1987 Oldsmobile 442 here on eBay is such a pristine survivor that it has won several awards, but the owner has decided the time has arrived to let someone else become its caretaker. This sporty Olds is in Toms River, New Jersey, with the current bid of $10,000 understandably short of the reserve.
It’s never a bad idea to consider purchasing a vehicle from someone who loves the brand, and this 442 is said to belong to an owner who happens to collect Oldsmobiles, and is reported to have some 30 Olds autos in their fleet, This one is said to remain all original, and it’s received several awards, including First Place and Best Of Class from the National Antique Oldsmobile Club and the Oldsmobile Club of America. The seller describes it as totally stunning, and I’m certainly not spotting anything outside that would lead me to think otherwise.
Looking inside, things appear equally as fresh, with all of the components looking as they would have when this one was born nearly four decades ago. The mileage is listed at 29,483, and from the condition in here, I’m pretty sure that’s actual. This one also features some desirable accessories, such as power windows, seats, and door locks, with all of the options stated to be working. It’s great to see that the factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo system is still in the dash, as many of these were later replaced with aftermarket units.
The only engine available here was a 307, but it’s a bit heftier than the one found in the regular Cutlass Supreme. While it only received a factory horsepower rating of 180, the V8 felt more powerful at lower speeds thanks to the heavy-duty 8.5-inch limited-slip rear end, which included 3.73:1 gears. With its low mileage, this 1987 Oldsmobile 442 likely still has a lot of good life remaining for the next owner to enjoy, and I’m speculating that the price will keep climbing over the next few days. Is this later 4-4-2 offering one you’d be interested in competing for?
These are nice cruisers!! Needs a little more go power though!!
There’s a sweet looking one on Hemmings now with a built 1969 350-4bbl in it. Looks to be a nice build and its not a lot of $$.
Great looking car, last year for RWD. Agree, it definitely needs more power. But as nice and original as it is, i think i would just live with the 307.
I would absolutely love to own this one. Especially with this dark blue. You don’t see too many in this color. Just love it. Wish it were mine.
Just like the one I had for a week. I bought in 1991 with 45k miles on it. I took the wheels off and polished the rims in my lap, and had new Firestone Firehawks put on it during the week, then it was stolen late Saturday night. Never saw it again. Some 4 or 5 years later, it was found, but by then it belonged to the insurance company. The only thing I’d change about it is the pitifully weak engine. They had fuel injection by 1987, even though they had a lot of bugs to work out of that, it would’ve helped it get up and go. They put those weak engines in even bigger, heavier cars, too. Makes no sense.
I hate reserve sales… Just say what your minimum is and start the bidding there.
Could someone please tell me the reason for keeping the reserve secret?
Mark
I always thought GM should have put the GN engine in the 442
i know this owner and all his cars are nice. this was on eBay last year and was a no sale. not sure what it is but his reserve is pretty high that’s why it was a no sale. 86/87 were the best years but they really needed a 403 in them with the 373 they really jump for sure. this is 1 of the best colors. not sure the awards help the sale really all they are, are dust collectors.
Nice call on the 403 hairy, i always wondered couldn’t the good Dr Olds have sourced a rocket 350 from his laboratory ?
These were beautiful cars that have stood the test of time. Not powerhouses but cars that people wanted to own and be seen in. I agree that dark blue looks good on this one.
Beautiful Olds! When it comes to 80’s G bodys, most notably the Hurst Olds/ 442 and the Monte Carlo SS they were excellent running and driving cars. Great for cruising and the end of an era for full frame, rear wheel drive cars. With 373 rear gears and 4 speed over drive transmissions, they got the most out of very little…horsepower wise. Every time one of these cars is featured on this site, all the comments come out about the anemic power plants. This was the 80’s! Not the 60’s! For the comments about fuel injection? Yes, they had started FI on small block chevys but never on an Oldsmobile 307. Bottom line, if you want a true performance car, buy one from the 60’s or 70’s. Enjoy these for what they are! I worked on them new and have owned them too.