Fire it Up! 1969 Oldsmobile 442

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

This car is apparently so nice, the current owner has owned it twice! The seller claims he is the second and fourth owner of this 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442. It can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $5950. It hasn’t been driven since 2002 but looks like a decent project. Located outside Colorado Springs, 442’s have always been cool cars and continue to be highly collectible. Thanks to local_sheriff for the tip on this car. Check it out!

The engine is a Pontiac 400, but it is not the original engine. Unfortunately, there was a “minor electrical fire” under the hood. The seller doesn’t say much other than it will need a wiring harness. I’m guessing a full kit from a company like Painless would be easier than cutting and splicing what’s left with fresh wires? The factory Muncie M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed was rebuilt in 1997 and the car also features disc brakes and power steering.

The interior has certainly seen better days. There isn’t any information in the ad regarding any specifics about the interior, but the Hurst T-handle shifter is unmistakable.

The seller says they have new rear quarter panels for it and some other sheet metal pieces. Overall, this car may be better as a parts car than the subject of a restoration. What do you think? With the original engine missing and the wiring fried, would you take on this project?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Rex Kahrs Rex KahrsMember

    Maybe you could buy this car from the guy, wait 5 years and sell it back to him yet again for a profit! That would make him the 246 owner of a 442. You do the math.

    Like 16
  2. Superdessucke

    Eeek! More like it was so unlucky that he worked it over twice. This thing is a Frankenstein disaster.

    Like 8
  3. George Louis

    Rex Kahrs Thank you Dr Einstein for your mathematical lesson for the day!!!!!

    Like 3
  4. 433jeff

    Doesnt the M22 mean it was a special car?

    Like 2
    • Dustin Lisner

      yes, its very rare to find a 4 speed 442 not to mention the fact that this one has the rock crusher

      Like 3
      • Superdessucke

        With the condition this one’s in, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were actual rocks in there.

        Like 10
      • Ronn

        Back in 69 and 70s here in New Jersey there were plenty of 442 4 Speeds.

        Like 0
    • Joe Padavano

      Yeah, it’s so special it’s a one-of-none car. The first time an M22 was factory available in a Olds was the 1972 model year. And no, manual transmissions were NOT “special order” in a 442. The base equipment was the Dearborn (don’t call it a “Ford”) toploader three speed.

      Of course, the bigger problem is that this car is a Faux-Four-Two, not a 442. The Cutlass Supreme trim gives it away. This thing has been around the web many times in the last few months. The fact that it is still for sale should tell you something.

      Like 12
      • Dustin Lisner

        I am pretty sure Olds had the m22 before 72´ but I 100% agree with you that it is just a cutlass after looking at it again.

        Like 1
      • Joe Padavano

        I am more than “pretty” sure, I am 100% sure that 1972 was the first year for the M22 at Olds, as I have the Salesman’s SPECS booklets for each year that specifically list the available options on each model. M20 and M21 were options in prior years. M22 was not.

        Like 1
  5. Dennis

    Looks pretty solid yet, I would be happy to have it.

    Like 4
  6. OIL SLICK

    Pontiac 400? Wtf

    Like 4
    • Thomas Parker

      Not many years later, the Trans Ams, 442s were either 403 Olds or 305 Chevys. This one is too far gone for me. How bout fire it out

      Like 1
      • Superdessucke

        Karma!

        Like 0
  7. Dan B

    I want the Pontiac 400!! Owner can keep the rest thank you

    Like 4
  8. Holy Help it needs

    Its not a real 442, its a 1969 olds Cutlass S Holiday coupe with some of the 442 package, so at best with his fresh metal maybe 2500 with the dolly…The 4 speed is worth more than the car at this point……

    Like 2
    • Joe Padavano

      It’s not a Cutlass S, it is a Cutlass Supreme. This car has been discussed in detail on several Olds forums for the past month or so. The VIN will tell you exactly what it is.

      Like 0
      • ccrvtt

        It’s a Cutlass S. I owned a ’69. The trim around the wheel wells is missing, but there are no signs of the Supreme rocker treatments which were much more elaborate and stretched from bumper to bumper. Not a 442 and never was a 442.

        The bigger question is who puts a Pontiac engine in an Oldsmobile? Is it revenge for GM putting the 403 in the Trans Am? A whole lot of misrepresentation going on.

        Rust is an issue. The interior is an issue. The decklid trim is an issue. The price is an issue.

        Like 2
  9. JOHNMember

    Seems to me these days there are more “M-22” equipped cars than the total number of M-22 transmissions ever produced…

    Like 2
  10. Rex Kahrs Rex KahrsMember

    John, the same is true of ’57 Chevys…there seem to be more of them out there now than there were in 1957.

    Like 3
    • Joe Padavano

      Yeah, but today you can buy a brand new 57 Chevy body.

      Like 1
  11. Bmac

    I had one of these in 2001
    All original
    Triple Black
    400,Th400 & 3.23’s
    Console ,Am/FM w/underdash Oldsmobile 8 track that still worked
    Beautiful fast car that I lucked into for $3500. I rebuilt the front end and suspension ,added discs, new body mounts and factory hi perf manifolds.
    few yrs later had to sell for $8000
    Miss that car

    Like 2
  12. James Martin

    First off the guy is a nice guy, I talked to him a couple times. But he doesn’t know anything about the car. It is a basic cutlass. No 442 option in 69. It was its own model. And no m22 available in 69, so his whole story is bogus. They put the 400 Pontiac ,because the olds motor has to be drilled for the pilot bushing. Can’t just pop another olds motor in it. My best guess any ways. rust in the floors trunk and quarters. Big project. But cool factory 4 speed car. But for 5600 no thanks.

    Like 2
  13. Robert Taylor

    Sounds like it is planted with a special Pontiac engine bolted to its original m22 .
    The dream continues .

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds