Our intrepid Barn Finds reader Michael has been on the lookout again and has located a real survivor for me to write about, so a big thanks to Michael for that. This 1965 Oldsmobile 442 is offered for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in San Diego, California, and comes with a clean title. This big block survivor is a two-owner vehicle and can be yours to drive and enjoy today for an asking price of $25,000.
When I look at cars I always ask myself whether I class them as honest cars. I look at this 442 and I think that it’s pretty honest. The seller has made no effort to disguise any potential problems. Taking a close look at the photos doesn’t seem to reveal any appreciable rust or rot, but it does reveal this weird staining down the rear quarter panel. This may be something quite innocuous, but it may also be a trail left on the paint by water that has picked up color from oxidization or rust. This would bare some careful investigation as rust or rot around this area is not going to be cheap to rectify.
Likewise the interior is fairly honest. The dash and pad look to be in good condition with no obvious cracks. The door cards look okay, but I’ve noticed some sun-fading on the tops of both. The carpet also looks faded and the front seat upholstery is cracked from age and wear. They could be used as they are, but at some stage it would probably be a wise investment to buy new covers before the padding also gets damaged. The console and tachometer also look like they would respond well to a good clean. The seller also has the original Protect-O-Plate verifying all of the options fitted to this 442.
Under the hood is the 400ci big block which pumped out 345hp when new. This one is backed by the Jetaway automatic transmission. The thing that stands out to me here is the heater hose that is tied to the alternator bracket. I think that it is fairly safe to assume that at some stage in the past the seller has experienced hose failure due to the hose chafing on the bracket, so his solution is “ingenious”. Personally I think that I would be looking at finding a better solution, because it does look a bit ordinary.
The seller is including a number of additional items that may make this car a bit more attractive to potential buyers. These include two additional sets of stainless steel wheel covers, two extra sets of 442 wheels (both sets fitted with new or near-new TA Radials), a spare 1967 442 Quadrajet carburetor plus numerous other parts.
As I said in the beginning, this is an honest car. Nothing is hidden and it is presented “warts and all”. It is claimed to be a solid and reliable daily driver. I’ve grown quite fond of the 442, and of the era in American automotive history that it represents. With this particular car the solution to the heater hose issue under the hood really plays on my mind, and makes me worry about the integrity of any other work performed. I honestly don’t know if it’s worth the asking price, but the obvious defects may be bargaining chips for a prospective buyer to attempt to negotiate.
I love classic Olds and this 65 442 is special and beautiful. I have very rare 79 Hurst/Olds W30 approx 3K only made 2 tone white Gold color ALL original 7K miles with all documentation and manuals Its Not as powerful as earlier 442s but For me its more piece of Auto history ! I paid 23K for it i
n 2016 ! Not for sale just sharing love for classic hobby
This is too expensive – that stain from the drip rail strip and the barely lifted hood is enough for me. Anything old is now worth money, but real money has got to be backed up if not buying a headliner or star car
I have a 65 442 and I don’t see anything that doesn’t look correct. However, $25k? Seems awfully pricey to me, even if its a 442. Plus, white is not my favorite color.
Will you please stop with the trendy and inaccurate references to things like door cards and patina. With over 55 years experience in collecting and repairing classic and collectible cars, I feel like my thoughts should be considered. More is not always better and lately as the number of “Barn Finds” has increased, the quality and substance of the writing has faltered… trendy nomenclature and excessive personal experiences add little to the content. Reading the comments, it’s clear that the readers often have much more knowledge than the writers. “Knowing that, you would think that the contributors would spend a little more time on research and less on trying to get the maximum number of entries… just sayin!
I appreciate your comments Losinfaith. With terms such as patina I do try to avoid them because I know that they get used quite a bit. I’m also happy to stop using door cards because I prefer the term door trims myself. As for personal experiences, I try to throw a slightly different perspective into my writing because of my experience growing up in Australia. I really hope that the readers understand the impact that American cars had in other countries, and was just trying to convey that from a first-hand perspective. Thank you for your feedback though, and I’m happy to take it on board.
I don’t see a problem with the way the post is written. I enjoy Adam’s views, ESPECIALLY because he’s from Australia, a car culture hidden from us Yanks. That’s what makes BF’s, BF’s. It’s not just an ad, go to CL for that. The writers are suppose to add anything they can, and they aren’t getting rich doing so, they truly enjoy what they do, and if you can add anything constructive, that what the comment section is for, not to rip on the writers. If you are so disappointed, maybe you should try your hand at writing. I guarantee you, with a handle like “losinfaith”, I doubt you’ll be very popular, and that goes for the people that agree with your rant.
I concur, Howard. Many thanks for your honesty.
Thanks once again Howard. I could not have said better myself.
Adam, you ALWAYS handle criticism, constructive or otherwise, with the upmost proffesionality!!!!!!!!!!! There is no way I could have responded with nearly as much class as you alway do!!!!!!!!
Howard, while I do not always agree with some of your posts, this one you nailed dead on !
“losinfaith”, if you don’t like what you read, move on! Nobody is forcing you.
As for the car, beautiful Machine! Kind of “out there” pice. Hope he gets it, for any others that are out there trying to sell theirs.
I wonder where the car is from originally.
Sold in San Jose California. Has the correct black n yellow plates.
On another subject……that of the writing on BF………….
I have no problem with the writeups unlike Losinfaith above. I believe the writer of this piece is from Australia and I appreciate his point of view. Having been at the old car hobby for only 48 years I can say that I too consider it “my” hobby, no else is allowed ot have an opinion I dont agree with or not know as much as I might know or think I know.
In fact the best thing about BF is not the writeups but the constant back and forth of commenters getting the facts of a particular car straight. It’s like arguing about how many angels can fit on the head of a pin.
The bottom line is we all like old cars and while we can’t see each other ( and may not want to) :) , I for one am more than happy to read anyones writing or rant about cars. Just dont spell brakes…breaks.
I love the car but not 25 large love. Hell its a slushbox and unless you’re going to race a rice rocket at two in the morning on National City Boulevard it’s just going going to get you to and from at 10 mpg. But its got a beautiful rear end.
No that plate was issued late ’68 or early ’69. There was 3 or 4 years before it got that plate that it had another plate first. If it was sold new in California, I wonder why the plate was changed in ’68 or ’69.
My 65 442 was bought new by my grandparents at Murphy Oldsmobile in Los Angeles. The first 3 letters are NRJ
Grey. That sounds about right.
My 1963 Fury was FTX and my 1968 Ford was WAB.
The plate on this 442 is a little after the 1968 Ford.
I bought a 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix one time and the plate was ZRJ. I asked the man where he was from and he said New Jersey. , where the car was sold new. He was a little surprised by the question, but I explained the plate on the car was from 1969, hence the question.
National City Blvd! The Mile of Cars! Man that brings back memories. I used to work at National City Motorcycle right on the Blvd across from Colonial Ford.
@ Miguel I have to agree with you on the plates, my ’65 Buick Skylark black plate car from Santa Rosa starts with MLH. This Olds has a later issue plate as you mention ’68 or ’69 vintage. Good eye! Also this is a nice year model for the 442 but in it’s current condition and IMO, it is a bit overpriced. I am thinking $20k on a good day and if the seller is smart take the money and run….
I thought the first 4 of 4-4-2 stood for four speed. Why does this one have an automatic tranny?
Four barrels Four speeds Two exhaust
4-4-2=4 barrel, 4 speed and dual exhaust
This things a automatic
BOOOOOOOOO!!!!! 😜😜😜
in 1964, 442 stood for 4-speed, 4-barrel, dual exhaust.
in 1965 and beyond, 442 stood for 400ci, 4-barrel, dual exhaust.
A lot of 1965 Olds 442s were automatic.
Could get a 3 speed manual, 2 speed auto or the 4 speed manual starting in ’65. :-) Terry J
Jury rigged heater hose, underneath the hood filthy on a car u are asking 25 large for??? Easy way out. Nice car but you would think he’d make it look purty…
Good luck to the new owner.
I had a friend that had this car, only green. I remember, it only had 5 “442” badges on the car, one on each side and one on the dash. Other than that, it was just a Cutlass with a console. His was an automatic too. ’65 they changed it to 400 cubes, 4 barrel, 2 exhaust.
442 by standards stands for 4barrel carb, 4 speed, duel exhaust. So I wonder if it is a true 442?
Hmmmm, I guess I’m ok with how things are described…I’ve been in the collector car business for over 40 years…..lots of experts and lots of opinions….everyone is entitled to that
I have owned in excess of 150 442s/Cutlasses…still have 6….
I enjoy this site
We for get, that automatic was a realitive new thing offered. So it was an option for luxury
Geeeez Losin Faith. I think the writers are all volunteer amateurs that are mostly just car guys and gals. I’d rather read Smokey Yunick or Tom McCahill myself, but I got rid of all my 50’s/60’s Mechanix Illustrateds decades ago ( wonder what happened to Mimi ?) . I’ve thought about contributing stuff from time to time, but doing hours of research just so I can avoid getting my head bit off is not how I’d choose to spend my time. 55 years of owning cars means I know a lot of stuff, but not everything, plus sometimes the things I saw &
learned doesn’t match somebody else experiences. My opinion: Keep up the good work contributors. If you get something wrong, don’t worry about it. There will be a reader somewhere that will add some knowledge to the group collective. It’s all for our enjoyment anyhow. :-) Terry J
Thanks for that Terry J. I’ve only been contributing to Barn Finds for a couple of months now and it can be hard to curb my enthusiasm. One of the joys and privileges of doing this is to have the opportunity to write about some amazing cars. Sometimes it is a battle to try to keep the articles short, sweet and to the point as there can be so much to potentially include. I also try to make the articles a bit entertaining as sometimes too many facts can cause an article to become bogged down and bland. What I do like to do if the opportunity presents itself is to throw some unusual or obscure fact into the articles where possible, but sometimes it gets hard to sort fact from fiction because there are so many different resources on-line, and many of them contradict one another.
Having said that, I am by no means perfect, and if I get something factually wrong I am quite happy to be corrected. If there is criticism of facts or my writing style I will always take that on board as it’s the only way that I will continue to grow and improve as a writer. I will always be happy to accept criticism because I will always be happy to become a better writer.
Mr. Clarke I have been watching your articles and the writing and personal point of view that you have put into them and would like to take this opportunity to tell you that in my opinion you are doing an excellent job. Well done sir!
One thing we all have to keep in mind. First off, this is supposed to be fun. its a place where we are all guests. Some benevolent gearheads go to the expense and work to make this work. We need to keep it light, enjoyable and Friendly. Don’t forget- this great site could go away like an inflated balloon- one prick and its all over. Not only do I look forward to reading this every day, I have learned a tremendous amout from this. To Terry j and the rest of the BF folks..thanks for doing what you do and please keep up the good work!
Mimi! That brings back 13 year old male of the species memories 😁
First page I turned to when MI came in the mail. A lot of you did too, don’t lie now.
A real nice car beautiful, But,,,,, 23k is on the High side for year and milage. That said Keep Loving these Oldsmobiles!!!
The staining on the rear quarters is rust. A common problem on A-bodies.
Step 1: When left out in the rain, water sits in the rain gutters. GM used crappy sealant and after a few years it cracks. The sitting water seeps in and rusts the gutter, with the rusty water running down to the rear.
Step 2: the water eats through the gutters and runs into the trunk around the rear parcel shelf. Look at the pic that shows the spare and look at the seam between the floor pan and wheelhouse,
Steps 1&2 also apply to the windshield and rear window. They used the same crap to seal in the glass and sitting water seeps in, sits on the bottom seam, and drips in the car, down the cowl and under the carpets in the front, down the rear wheelhouses and into the floor seams in the trunk.
This one doesn’t look too bad yet, probably because when it got wet, the CA climate allowed it to dry quickly.
Take a close look at the taped-up heater hose, does the portion not covered in tape look like a plastic garden hose?
Had 2 significant experiences with the ’64/’65 442. The first memory was Saturday night at the Pendleton Round up circa 1964. I was riding shotgun in Denny Macs mom’s old Chevy and we pulled up to a stoplight next to a 442 full of very drunk cowboys. The light turned green and that Olds burned rubber for half a block blowing our doors off. Oh,did I mention that it was pulling a horse trailer?
My friend Kurt had a very nice ’57 Bel Air. One day in 1967 he traded it for a 4 speed ’65 442. Remember, this car was Oldsmobile’s answer to the SS 396 Chevelle, Ford 390 Fairlane GT(A) and the GTO. Kurt’s 442 was a very HOT car. Gold on gold, it was a nice ride. :-) Terry J
Maybe I ended up with your friend Kurt’s car. Originally a Mojave Mist 4spd Sports Coupe (post) w/ Fawn interior (now black). Probably not, but you never know. Most Mojave Mist cars had Fawn interior, IIRC.
Yup. My Dad had years of these mags. At 13 I could turn to up any section I wanted to. :-) Terry