Over the past few weeks, we have featured a number of 442s here on Barn Finds. The condition of these cars has ranged from pristine examples to some that would probably be more at home in a doghouse rather than a workshop. Our thanks go out to Barn Finds reader AMXBrian for referring this particular one to us. Located in Pittston, Maine, and for sale here on Craigslist is this 1969 Oldsmobile. The title for this one is missing, but the owner has set a price of $2,500.
This is definitely a project car. As you can see there is no engine or transmission. The owner states that this was originally a 4-speed car, but gives no indication of when or where these items went. Apparently, this car also has disc brakes and used to sport power steering. The seller believes that it still has a Posi rear. He does state that the car has a strong frame and the limited photos tend to bear this out. I think that I can detect some minor rust at the base of the windshield and possibly the presence of the dreaded Bondo at the bottom of the front fender, but otherwise things don’t look too bad. For me, the big attraction of this car is that since it isn’t a number matching car it means that you would be in a position to build the car to your own specifications without risking upsetting the 442 aficionados.
The interior is going to need some work, but once again you could choose to work with a blank canvas to build it the way that you want it. It’s hard to tell from this shot, but it’s possible that the dash pad may be crack free. It also looks like the door cards may be buried in there as well. The seller states that it comes with lots of parts, but doesn’t elaborate on what these are.
What it does come with are these wheels. They look to be in pretty fair condition, and I think that they would restore really well. If I had a choice between these and what the car is currently rolling on, I know which way that I’d go. To my way of thinking the ones on the car at the moment have more than a whiff of the 1980s about them.
To me, this is a car that just oozes possibilities. As these older classics become more and more sought after people are going to be less inclined to want to modify them, and people who do are going to regret it later. This is a blank canvas that doesn’t pose that risk. It’s a car that you could build to your own specifications without feeling the pangs of guilt that you might feel from molesting a classic. For that reason alone I find this a really attractive proposition.
I’d be all over it, but for the missing title.
Glad this is on the other side of the country, or else I might have some ‘splainin’ to do.
I said this on another post, might as well say it again. I think the time is right to convert some of these old cars to full electric power. Smooth, quiet, reliable. It would be fun to see a few examples and if they work out or not. Anyone else out there interested in this idea?
I don’t know Billy007.
“Smooth, quiet, reliable” is great for a washing machine or my shaver… but there is a lot to be said for “rough, loud, unstable” when driving an old classic, sports or muscle car… even riding a horse!
Of course your idea will be carried out as it becomes trendy and maybe even catches on. Then one day, when I least expect it, as I take a leisurely walk, a silent GM car called the Maytag will mow me down because there was no warning.
It will happen, just like builders using the late model LS engines in older cars, or years and years ago when a bunch of greasy haired hoods started dropping small block Chevy’s into old ’32 deuce coupes. Maybe they will use some kind of CD with engine sounds to “enhance” the driving experience in an electric car, there is no telling what lies in the future. Tesla has a prototype that is so quick and fast it’s absolutely frightening.
Parts car (period)
True, but I can tell ya, as I get older the more I like cool quiet comfort. We have a newer Miata, that sure isn’t loud but it rides like a lumber wagon. Lots of fun for sure, but in comparison, I just bought a 2018 Civic Turbo hatchback.yesterday. That car is powerful, smooth, quiet, plus handles pretty good, not Miata good, but damn close. I can see both sides of this argument. In the future, will petrol be available at a reasonable price? Something to consider. Plus, I think we all understand that modern electric drive trains will leave an old muscle car in the dust, as far as performance goes. Might be fun at stop lights or the drag track.
Sure it’s a blank canvas, but for me without a title it’s to risky! I like it, in fact I owned a 68, except it was a silver color with black vinyl top, and black interior! Could be a great deal for someone that can get around the title issue!
The ’69 Cutlass hardtop is one of the handsomest cars crafted during the Bill Mitchell era at GM. Not a wasted line on the whole car and those wheel wells are perfect.
Ill give $1500 with a valid title. An Ls6 would be a nice upgrade.