The 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W30 was a potent vehicle that provided its owner with neck-snapping performance. This particular car presents well and can be driven and enjoyed immediately. However, some light cosmetic restoration work would take this already stunning classic to the next level. If that sounds like a winning combination to you, then you will find the 442 located in Roswell, Georgia, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $26,940, but the reserve hasn’t been met. There is a BIN option, which has been set at $33,850. It is also worth considering the fact that the owner might even be willing to entertain the idea of both offers and trades.
The 1971 442 possessed muscular good looks, and this car shows them to good effect in its original Sienna Brown. The panels appear to be straight, with no signs of any apparent prior damage. The paint wears its share of small marks and checking, but the owner does say that it presents well from 10-feet away. Rust is said to be minimal, with only one little spot near one of the rear wheel wells. Beyond that, the vehicle does appear to be sound. The trim and chrome seem to be in good condition, while there are no apparent signs of issues with the glass. On face value, I think that this is the type of classic that could be driven and enjoyed immediately. There is no doubt that some light cosmetic restoration work would take it to the next level. That sounds like it would make it a great Winter project.
Hiding under the hood of the Olds is a 455ci V8, which is backed by a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission. This is a potent combination, with the V8 pumping out a healthy 350hp. That makes it a classic that is capable of pushing through the ¼ mile in 14.4 seconds. This is where things get a little bit confusing because the wording of the listing is slightly vague. The transmission, carburetor, intake, and rear-end are original, but I’m not 100% sure whether the engine is. However, the owner does say that the car starts easily and that the engine pulls well. Included in the sale is the original Build Card, and this verifies the fact that this is a genuine 442 W30.
The interior of the 442 continues the vehicle’s trend of providing tidy and generally impressive presentation. There is some minor wear and discoloring of the vinyl of the front seat. I can also spot a couple of marks on the carpet. However, if the Olds is to be viewed as an original survivor, then the condition of the interior trim would be considered to be acceptable. There are a couple of aftermarket gauges hanging under the dash, and some speakers have been fitted into the rear parcel tray. Beyond that, the interior appears to be original and unmolested. Replacing the tray is a straightforward task, and at less than $60, it is also a cheap exercise.
Even as it currently stands, this 1971 Oldsmobile 442 W30 offers potential buyers plenty of the “wow” factor. It is a classic that possesses levels of performance that will back up its aggressive good looks and promises to be an entertaining car to drive on the open road. It appears that its needs are quite minor, and the BIN price looks to be quite reasonable for a vehicle in this condition. It is possible to find some excellent older restorations for around the $40,000 mark, but spotless examples will easily push towards $70,000. I think that this makes this a car that could be worth a serious look.
This is a nice car and I can’t remember ever seeing a bench seat even in an automatic car!! The price is reflecting the fact it’s a w-30 with the light weight front end parts!! It would be nice to be sure the motor was numbers matching but for me it’s not the end of the world but it does increase the value!!!
I would assume the engine has been changed if the seller doesn’t say it’s numbers matching. It also has at least one Ka head on it, which are supposedly marine engine heads that are similar to the original pricey F heads. Either way it appears to be a real W-30 in decent condition for the price.
A decent car if original engine. If ones not sure list and show the block, carb set up and intake and heads. The readers here most likely would validate it
Not to be mean but this sounds like selective memory.
Good luck with sale
Nice. Drive it. enjoy it.
I sold those bad boys new and I never ordered any with bench seats. Everybody wanted buckets and console. Nice piece!
Must have had a bell-bottomed, head-banded honey who wanted to snuggle up next to him when they rode together.
I agree. I would want buckets in the baby.
Should that car have red inner front wheel wells?
It does, look at the engine shot.
Yes, that was a 442 thing. Would be suspect if it didn’t. All 442’s I think 69-72 had red inner fenders. It’s definitely correct for a 71.
It was a W-30 thing. Standard 442s have black inner fenders.
I thought the same thing but I am no expert.
The “2” in 442 originally stood for 2 bucket seats, just sayin’, Later models like this could have been ordered with bench I suppose.
If memory serves it stood for 4 barrel, 4 speed, 2 exhaust!!
The 1971 442 W-30 had ‘H’ heads. The red inner fender wheels ended in 1971. The rear spoiler option also ended in 1971.