Some enthusiasts prefer originality, placing that attribute above all else when searching for a classic to park in their garage. Others will compromise if the vehicle in question is rock-solid and presents well. This 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible falls into the second category, with no rust issues or significant cosmetic needs. There is one question mark hanging over this vehicle, and it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback. The seller has been its custodian since 2001, enjoying the Olds on warm, sunny summer days. However, all good things must come to an end, and the time has come for this classic drop-top to find a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Oldsmobile listed here on eBay in Concord, New Hampshire. The seller set their price at $32,995 OBO.
Oldsmobile produced its Second Generation 442 range from 1968 to 1972. The company had cemented the badge’s place in the market when this Convertible rolled off the line in 1969. It presents nicely in Trophy Blue with a contrasting Parchment power top. The seller emphasizes the interior’s and the top’s originality, suggesting that this beauty has undergone some form of paint or panel restoration. The top has one small, repairable rip, but functions as it should. The panels are straight, the paint retains a consistent shine, and piecing together the underside shots confirms that this Olds is rust-free. The only cosmetic shortcoming identified beyond the top tear is one slightly damaged area on the front bumper. However, as a driver-grade classic, this 442 looks pretty promising.
Things become slightly confused when we lift this classic’s hood. The listing vaguely indicates that the engine bay houses a 350ci “Rocket” V8. The seller states that the car isn’t numbers-matching but is date-correct. However, that’s where the fun starts, because the ’69 Olds 442 didn’t receive that engine. There are a couple of visual clues suggesting that this motor is a 400, which should produce at least a factory-quoted 325hp. A three-speed Hydramatic transmission handles shifting duties, while this Olds also features power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller states that this gem recently received new tires, a new carburetor, shocks, exhaust manifolds, and a tune-up. It is a turnkey proposition with no identified mechanical issues.
While this Convertible’s interior won’t win many show trophies, it looks remarkably good for its age. The Parchment vinyl trim has remained intact with no rips or yellowing, and the dash and pad are in good condition. There is minor wheel wear in the supplied photos, and the seller admits that the carpet has seen better days. However, if serviceability is a key consideration, this Olds ticks that box. Those seeking a comfortable motoring experience will welcome the air conditioning, power windows, bucket seats, console, and retro-style stereo.
This 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible presents nicely, and the buyer could enjoy it in its current form for many years without spending a dime beyond the purchase price. However, it isn’t perfect, leaving scope for cosmetic improvements that wouldn’t cost a fortune if the new owner is hands-on. The seller’s BIN figure isn’t pocket change, and the question mark hanging over the V8 under the hood needs clarifying to determine whether it is justified. If a 442 has been on your Wish List, could this ’69 Convertible be a contender?
Car looks pretty straight, getting a lot of car for that price. Someone had fun blowing up the original motor…..
Nicely optioned, very clean convertible with factory air, and very clean underneath, what’s not to love?
Seems like a really fair price. The 400CI engines were Bronze while the 350 engines were gold. This looks to be a 400 based on the width of the intake manifold which was much wider than a 350. No rust especially in the dash area under the windshield, in the lower front fenders and rear quarter panels is a plus although we cant really see the floors under the drivers side. Still, if the AC works, the windows go up and down, its a pretty good deal. I love my 68 Olds 442 convertible which looks similar but I did not care about the numbers matching and swapped in a 455 from a 69 Olds 98 and installed a 3.23:1 limited slip with a 200-4R overdrive. Runs and cruises great. So many GTO’s and Chevelles around. Many people like to see and talk about the Olds. Young kids at the GYM asked me ” What’s an Oldsmobile?” lol
This is a “50 foot” car. It looks really great from 50 feet away. No doubt that it’d make a great cruise-in car.
Its got an oddball engine swap and it needs a lot of expensive, nearly impossible-to-find detailing parts, and the top looks ripped.
You’re very unlikely you’ll find the next person who is willing to pay $32k, especially in the market going forward, which is soon to be overwhelmed with all manner of “50 foot” cars, as boomers clear out the garage.
What are you saying? All the “Boomers” are clearing out their garages and all their cars are just “50-footers”??? Clearing out the garages because they are about to die? All their cars are minimal quality? Really? I beg to differ.
15000 dollar car! Dreaming at 32000!
Is it a 442 or a Cloned Cutlass S? So many questions here. I have owned both. For 2K less you can buy the Gold 442 listed with it which is a match to the 69 I owned back then, and it is 99% from the photos.
Easy to verify via vin in 1969. Look at the picture
nice 442 convert in a good color combo. not showing the casting letter on the heads or the block # but looking at the intake, it appears to be a 73 or newer manifold which leads me to believe it is a 73 or newer 350 motor. it is what it is a 442 convert. i see not obvious rust anywhere but new top and carpet is around 3k or a bit more. the lack of a 400 motor does hurt the cause. a motor could be found but won’t be cheap. a serious buyer needs to do in person inspection before dropping any cash.
Lotta shine to the finish, but the photos have a lot of glare that obscures details. Looks clean and the underside shots, especially for a NH car, are very good. Power windows and the top down, but the rear quarter windows are up. Is that a problem to be sorted? The rear window is nice and clear, but the top has clearly shrunk over the right door and that’s a pretty long cut on the right side as well. I’ve never seen a repair on that kind of rip, other than duct tape which is real attractive…and my preferred driver’s/captain’s seat repair method :-). The trunk’s seams look to be off a bit…perhaps just the photo angle, but there’s a crookedness to the back by the bumper that would suggest misalignment. All minor stuff except for a top replacement, and if you’re not taking it out in ugly weather (none of my convertibles go out in anything other than sunny days), you could forego doing anything about the top. I do like the color, but not the asking price.
Rule #1 of basic photography is never shoot anything in direct sunlight, especially a large, shiny metal object that you are trying to sell.
This car needs a top to start , To be a daily driver . As is Werth about $12000 to $16000. My neighbor just picked one up for $12000. that looks better and has the correct drivetrain in it .
agreed.to me a 442 olds without the 442 engine is just another olds.the 442 is what makes it a 442.$20,000 tops