The late 1960s were peak years for Detroit muscle, and Oldsmobile’s 442 was a standout thanks to its blend of performance and refinement. This 1969 Oldsmobile 442, listed here on eBay by a private seller, is described as a true 442 and remains in remarkably clean condition. Located in California, the car reportedly has no rust issues, solid floors, and a strong presentation following one repaint several years ago.
Finished in its striking Topaz paint, the car shows only minor cosmetic flaws, including a small hood wear mark from a car cover and a chip on the decklid. Otherwise, the seller notes the exterior presents very well, with bright chrome, clean stainless trim, and Ralleye wheels wearing fresh tires with less than 100 miles on them.
Under the hood, the seller states the car is equipped with a 1969-correct 455 cubic-inch V8, paired with an automatic transmission and floor shifter. Factory options include air conditioning, power steering, and power disc brakes, making this a well-equipped muscle car for its time. The seller emphasizes that all gauges, lights, horn, wipers, and even the clock are in working order, with the original AM/FM 8-track player still functional.
Inside, the tan interior is described as beautiful, with the only flaw being a headliner that will need replacement due to mouse damage sustained while the car was in storage. Bucket seats, factory gauges, and correct trim details reinforce its authenticity as a true 442.
The odometer shows 27,000 miles, though the seller makes clear this is believed to have been reset during a past restoration, so actual mileage is unknown. A new battery has been installed, ensuring reliability for the next caretaker.
Overall, this 442 offers the blend of originality, performance, and curb appeal that has kept these cars in strong demand. With its rust-free California body, well-maintained drivetrain, and excellent presentation, it represents an opportunity to own one of the most respected muscle cars of the era.
Would you restore the headliner and keep this Oldsmobile 442 as-is, or would you take it further with a full concours-level restoration?
Great year for Dr Olds and the 442 model. 👍 🏁
Okay, what’s with all the ’68/’69 icons of our( my) youth? US automobilewise, it was an age that can never be matched, that’s why. Oh, you can try and relive it, with overpriced cars we took for granted, but you’ll never do it. What have we seen here lately? Chevelles, Mach 1s, Camaros, then there was the 442. It seemed to stand alone in the sea of musclecars, for a more dignified driver. For that driver, it was a tough choice between this and the Buick GS. I read the 455 was not offered( except in a Hurst version) and the standard 400( the 1st 4 in 442) was no slouch. I read, with a 400, it would do 0-60 in 7.4sec, and mid 15s in the 1/4. Good enough for that secretary or librarian these appealed to. AND, a bigger plus, you could pick up your new wife-to-be, and impress the father, “well, at least it’s an Oldsmobile”. What a nice car, $35 grand nice? Apparently, the rule today is just add a zero to the MSRP. So easy,,,
Wow. This is a nicely optioned one for sure. My eye caught the factory 8 Track under that dash. Another thing that caught my ey3 is it has a ’70 Steering wheel. It looks like its always been there, right color etc. ’69 and ’70 is the same wheel except ’69 its upside down with no Oldsmobile insignia in the center, only Oldsmobile lettering. I w
Always thought it looked strange ( probably because our ’70 Ninety Eight had the same wheel). This was a classy car. And got you there very rapidly too. Nothing like the sound of a Big Block Olds!!!
I saw that 8 track too, Dave. You know what’s funny, when I hear classic songs,( yeah, makes you feel real good listening to “classic” radio) I still remember where the tracks changed, with a big CLUNK!
Howard!!! I know exactly what you mean!!! I’m sure there’s got to be at least 58 other people who read what you said and are just like me….. Totally forgot about that!!!
-Dave
Cruising in comfort–if gas was about $1 a gallon
The Olds is in Wisconsin, not California, but it looks like a pretty clean 69. The bidding had been up over 30k but it appears somebody decided to buy it outright as the listing is now ended. Not that there’s a lot wrong with the car, but given the missing original engine and what restored 69s that are numbers matching typically sell for, I would be kinda surprised in this market if the owner got what they were asking. But, as always, it only takes one to fall in love and pay up. Hope it found a good home.
The 455 was not standard in a 1969 442, only the Hurst Olds. GM didn’t lift the 400 CI restriction until 1970. As a customizer, Hurst got around the manadate. Also, the 69 400s were redesigned for future emissions and not as potent than the earlier ones.
Just beautiful… too bad the original 400 is gone.
no 455s in 442s in 69 unless they are a H/O. somebody put it in there. shame the 400 is gone. this looks to be a nice original car except for the motor that we know of
“This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Aug 29 at 2:42 PM because the item is no longer available.”