This 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 is a complete car that is in need of restoration. It seems as though it possesses solid bones, and could be a stunning and eye-catching classic once it has been returned to its former glory. It is also one of the most affordable 442 project cars that you are likely to find on the market today. The Olds is located in Warrington, Pennsylvania, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. So, just how cheap is it? You can take this 442 home by handing the owner $2,400, although he might be willing to listen to offers. I have to take the opportunity to thank Barn Finder Mitchell G for spotting this promising project to us.
The Cutlass rolled off the production line finished in Royal Mist with a Provincial White top. It appears that most of the bolt-on panels have been replaced at some point. I suspect that this may have been the result of the 442 being involved in a fender bender. There is evidence of damage to the lower radiator and its support panel, but this doesn’t appear to be severe. A personal inspection would confirm this, but the fact that all of the panels seem to align is a positive sign. Rust appears to be confined to the rear section of the vehicle. The floors and frame are said to be sound, but the Cutlass will require a new trunk pan and rear quarter panels. There is also rust in evidence around the back window and the filler panel, so these will require attention. There are quite a few trim and chrome pieces that will need to be replaced, as will the badly cracked windshield.
The 442 is a numbers-matching car, featuring a 400ci V8. This engine would have been capable of pumping out 345hp in its prime, which found its way to the rear wheels via a 2-speed Jetaway transmission. This is a combination that would have seen the Olds romp through the ¼ mile in 15.3 seconds. This is where we get to that moment that will cast a bit of a shadow over proceedings. The owner states that the engine is locked, and given the amount of visible corrosion, I’m not that surprised. It isn’t clear why it is locked or how long it has been since it last turned freely. With something approaching luck, there is a chance that it could be freed. Maybe Miracle Oil will be the answer, although I have seen some surprising success if the cylinders are filled with good old diesel. Because this is quite thin, it has the ability to work its way into some pretty tight spots. It is also cheap, and it is easy to find. Still, this will be a case of not knowing until you try.
The door trims are missing, but it does appear that the rest of the 442’s interior trim is present. Whipping the interior into shape is not going to be achieved in 5-minutes. The dash pad appears to be heavily discolored, and an aftermarket radio has been fitted. One of the few negatives with a ’65 Cutlass 442 as a restoration project is that interior trim does tend to be slightly more expensive than with other classics from the same era. That means that an interior trim kit will generally cost approximately $2,800. That isn’t cheap, but it includes everything that would be required to have this interior shining like a new penny.
Sometimes project cars are cheap, and it is because they are suitable for little more than parts. Some are cheap because they are going to require a lot of work. This 1965 Cutlass 442 would seem to fall into the latter category. However, I find the general lack of significant rust problems to be very encouraging. If the original engine can be revived, then this is a car that has the potential to command a value of $35,000 or more if properly restored. When you consider the asking price, that leaves an awful lot of room to move on a restoration. That also makes it one very tempting prospect for anyone searching for a project car. I suspect that someone will probably snap this one up pretty quickly.
I had a friend across the alley that had a ’65 442 like this. It was a plain car, I don’t remember it being a particularly fast car, fact is, his mom’s ’59 Rambler would give it a run for it’s money. It had just 4 “442” badges, making it barely different than the regular Cutlass. The 2 speed clearly held it back. I think this is a very worthy candidate for restoration. In ’65, Pontiac stole all the thunder with the GTO, but the 442 wasn’t far behind. It put Olds on the performance map until the bitter end.
My friend Harley let me drive his 65 442/4spd up the Pig Trail to Fayetteville in 1979. What a great ride! Hopefully someone can bring this car back to life.
Needs a lot of love, but a reasonable asking price and you don’t see a lot of these. I have owned several Pontiac A bodies of this era and they are comfortable, easy to work on and there is plenty of aftermarket support. A similar Chevelle would be a bunch more dollars and you see so many at shows that I tend to walk on by. If it was closer I would see it in person and I would probably end up taking it home. Oh, and Mr.BZ, I’ve done the Pig Trail as well in the last few years and it is still a great drive.
As shabby as it looks I think it’s the wheels on it that actually make me to drive it! No front bumper, wasnt that part of the “gasser” look? Not in that mechanical condition of course. As much as I like the good looking sometimes not so shiny survivors and day 2 cars sometimes a real ratty old muscle car rumbling along makes the hairs stand up on my neck. Memories I guess.
I don’t really know if money could be made on this warn out 442 restoring it but it could be a cool old driver,,, if makin’ money was not the point. Dump the 2 speed though.
There’s major pinchweld rust around both the front and back windows. Expect to pay $15K to make this a $10K car.
My favorite year for the 442. I am too old to take it on.
The nice clean white rags look like they were just put there no top of the motor and in the power steering pump!! My question is how long were they open to the elements!! It’s a complete rebuild anyway I just hate when someone try’s to think we are all stupid!!!
This does have a seemingly nice price. That makes the deal deceptive. The 64 and 65 Cutlass is very hard to find parts for compared to the 66/67 68/72.
The bumpers are going to be pricey without a core.
Then there is the rust. One would really need to see it in person. I am afraid there is more work than meets the eye. The 400 being still in place is amazing. Being used to store water is not a plus.
On the bright those Corvette Road wheels sure look tough.
Mt first car bought it at 18 new, with alot of work got it to do 10.8 at 133 . detroit dragway 1966