By the time that 1977 rolled around, there are many people who would say that the Oldsmobile 442 had become a shadow of the earlier versions, but it was still a solid and competent car, although it was now far more focused on luxury than outright performance. This 1977 model is a pretty sad looking sight, but maybe someone out there will be willing to return it to its former glory. Located in Elizabeth, West Virginia, it is listed for sale here on eBay.
The owner of the 442 is none too forthcoming with information, but we can see that there are some rust issues that will need to be addressed. It seems to be impacting many of the lower extremities of the body such as the bottoms of the doors, and the lower edges of the fenders. It is a bit hard to see the state of the rockers or lower quarters, but there is also rust in the trunk floor. The paint is peeling in a number of areas, and there is also some corrosion visible on the bumpers.
Under the hood is the 350ci Rocket V8 engine, which is backed by the Turbo Hydramatic transmission. The car is also fitted with power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. The appearance of the engine bay is about what you would expect from a car of this age. The owner doesn’t give any indication of the state of the drive-train, so we are in the dark there. What I do notice is the fact that the rust that we’ve been discussing does appear to be impacting the metal on the passenger side just above the heater box, which makes me wonder just how extensive the rust issues are.
The interior of the Oldsmobile is certainly the car’s highlight, as it doesn’t look too bad. There is some stretching of the vinyl on the rear seat, but the upholstery is intact, if a little faded in some spots. Apart from the aftermarket wheel, the interior looks to be original and pretty decent, although we can’t see the condition of the dash pad under that mat. This was the last year that you could get the “Colonnade” body style which was introduced in ’73.
There’s no hiding the fact that this 442 is going to require some major restoration work, and the viability of this as a project is going to be determined by just how extensive the rust issues are. The owner doesn’t do his cause any good with the lack of information, and to me, the expression “what you see is what you get” simply doesn’t cut the mustard if they are truly serious about selling the car. Still, there are some people who are interested and have seen enough potential to bid on the car. Six people have chosen to submit bids, although the bidding has only pushed the price to $1,691. At that price, the reserve hasn’t been met. Would you bid on it, and what do you think that it will finally sell for?
The Old “Let’s take the pictures when the car is wet trick” to make it look better than the POS it really is!
Look at the dash pad from the drivers side photo, looks like it is toast. I think a close inspection would reveal that this car is in a lot worse shape than the pictures reveal.
These bumpers here in Connecticut, always seem to come off from rust, seen many wired and no bumper cars .
This car is a prime example of how low “performance cars” had sunk by 1977. I looked at buying a 442 like this but decided to buy a F150 4×4 after the Olds dealer told me that only a 260 V8 was available with a 5 speed stick and a 403 automatic. Either the dealer was blowing smoke or that 350 comes from parts unknown.
The dealer was blowing smoke, the 350 was available.
The Rocket 350 was an option. Find that dealer and punch him in the nose….
Overall the car looks pretty stock and accident free.Any Cutlass this old is going to need work but if it runs ok and is not bad on deep rust problems then it is worth fixing up and driving.These cars are easy to work on and add 70+ horsepower for more fun.This year you could get the 260,350 or the only year small block 403.They were overlooked back then and now many do you see around anymore?What a great car to put a built up 455 into and race people with.
If you remember 1977, you weren’t there
Nice description, people need to take the time if they are going to sell a car. How does it run? Milage? History? Little details that help. Nice car. Needs slot of work but last of an era. Wish it was 403 5 speed. But 350 is better than a 260.
No such thing as a 403 5 Speed in the Colannade Cutlass.
If you wanted to “Row the Boat” with a stick all you could get with a stick (five speed in this situation) was the 260 engine.
My father has the 260 with the “three on the tree” in his 77′. He says he’s never seen another one like it.
Correction, it was the Buick 231 v6.
I’m sure someone on the east coast would spend the time to repair all the rust but how much will it be worth when finished? The bad thing here in Ca. after all the work then it would have to pass a smog test…
I like this era of GM ‘mid size” cars. Of course they were strangled with pollution equipment. Now one can install a proper engine and give this baby some go power.
Neet cruiser, like the body style compared to other GM siblings, but the rust kills it. I’m sure it’s rotted pretty bad. Better off buying one in good shape.
Just wanted you guys to know that I bought this car and fully restored it. It runs great and actually appears to of had a fairly recent rebuild. It turned out to be a great deal and the look on my dad’s face when I gave it to him… PRICELESS!
View the car restored here: https://www.facebook.com/completeautobodyandrepair/photos/3241890902491977