There is something undeniably attractive about purchasing a restoration project with no urgent needs. It allows the owner to enjoy the car immediately while formulating their plan for its restoration. That is the opportunity provided by this 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible. It runs and drives well, with the seller providing a few key parts to get the project rolling. They have listed the Olds here on eBay in Washington, Utah. Three bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $17,600, meaning it is days away from finding a new home.
The 1968 model year was a significant one for the 442. Not only did it mark the release of the Second Generation version, but the badge graduated from an options pack to a standalone model. This first-year example is the relatively rare Convertible variant that its original owner ordered in Ebony Black. It presents quite well for a survivor-grade vehicle, but with rust requiring attention, many will view restoration as the most appropriate path for this classic to follow. The problems aren’t severe, and while the frame sports surface corrosion, the underside is rock-solid and free from steel penetration. The exterior problems are isolated to the lower extremities which might respond positively to well-crafted patches. The power top operates as it should, although the top itself is beyond salvation. However, fear not, as the seller includes a replacement top, window, and pads for the buyer to install. The trim generally looks good for its age, and there are no visible glass problems.
This Olds proves how easy it is to order a paint and trim combination that possesses the “wow” factor. The first owner chose White vinyl for the interior, providing a striking contrast that will turn heads. The overall condition is pretty impressive, with no evidence of significant wear, stains, deterioration, or abuse. The armrests and rear trims have begun to develop a yellow tinge, although there are now excellent cleaning products designed to address those problems without the need for an owner to source replacement pieces. The carpet is in good order, and there are no cracks on the dash or pad. It isn’t loaded with options like air conditioning or power windows, but the factory AM radio will relieve boredom on long journeys.
Lifting the hood demonstrates why this 442 can be considered a genuine muscle car. Its engine bay houses a 400ci V8 that sends 325hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. The vehicle’s luxury leanings are reinforced by power steering and power brakes. This drop-top will tip the scales at 3,783 lbs, but will still dispatch the ¼-mile in 15 seconds. The first piece of positive news for purists is that this classic is numbers-matching, which will maximize its potential future investment potential. It sits on new tires and drives perfectly. The seller describes the engine as strong, with no smoke or odd noises. That makes it a turnkey proposition that will provide the winning bidder with immediate motoring fun.
Rarity doesn’t always equate to a potentially high value, but with only 5,142 examples of the Oldsmobile 442 Convertible rolling off the line in 1968, these cars are typically keenly sought by enthusiasts. Therefore, the lack of action on this car is quite surprising. The absence of significant rust makes it a prime candidate for restoration. Doing so should be worth the cost and effort if the bidding stays close to its current level. A high-end result could yield a value above $40,000, while perfection could push that figure significantly higher. Of course, the financial viability will depend on the price when the hammer falls, but if one of these classics is on your Wish List, monitoring this auction could be worthwhile.
Please do tell which of the new cleaning products remove the yellow tinge from a white Olds interior. I have literally tried everything, nothing removes it.
I sprayed the leather seats and door panels on my 71 Cougar with white Rust-Oleum almost twenty years ago. It still looks great.
You can try vinyl cleaning products like those from 303. A mixed solution of 303 vinyl cleaner and baking soda using a toothbrush or any brush with firm bristles can help. Only if the interior is not too far “yellowed.” If the white has gotten to a point where it has a deep creamy yellow tinge, it can be difficult if not impossible to return to white. You can lessen the effect, but it is tough to overcome years of the sun aging it. If the interior is to this point, I’d use a dye type product, like from SEM’s Color Coat line, which is made specifically for vinyl and plastic parts. If you go this route, just make sure to clean and degrease surfaces thoroughly and you may want to use an adhesion promoting product (can buy from SEM as well) to insure the color stays and does not lift. Color Coat is super easy to spray and it provides nice results. Best of luck, Norma.
Drive and fix up maybe, but as a hobbyist I’ve never been able to pull off a comprehensive restoration without taking a car off the road for at least a year or two.
Very nice but, column shifter and bench seat? Crank windows and no AC. Yeah I know it’s a convertible but… And it’s got some rust. I’d say it’s topped out at 17600. Just my opinion
I, too, prefer console/buckets, but in a convertible, the bench seat allows you to carry a third person “out of the wind.” Putting the grand kids in the back in their car seat limits your speed to about 35mph before they complain :-)
Wow, nice car with great potential. If the final price comes in below 20k, you’ve got an affordable and realistic project that could be completed in a short time.
Gramma’s 442, with white bench seats and column shift- and there’s no reason to be wasting money on all that high-falutin’ power stuff-and A/C? Fugitaboudit! We can put the top down. We don’t need no stinking’ A/C!
This Cutlass looks just like the car I had except mine had bucket seats and a console and it was an S model. It was originally yellow with black interior but I painted it black. my first car.l to say this car brings back wonderful and sad memories. I loved that car. This is a good looking drop top and the ask seem reasonable for a 442 . I’d buy it. I’m hurting right now just looking at it. Hope it finds a good home.
Dr Olds had all the recipes in his laboratory. 📒
Leave it alone!!!!!!
More preferable than an SS, and about half the price!
💯 pra
Sold 11/11/2024 for a high bid of $24,100.
Steve R