The Oldsmobile 442 cemented its reputation during the 1960s muscle car war as a classic that combined comfort with stunning performance. It disappeared from the company’s model range at the start of the 1980s, then reappeared for a last hurrah in rear-wheel-drive form from 1985 to 1987. This final-year 442 is a low-mileage survivor that presents extremely well. It isn’t perfect, but lifting its appearance wouldn’t be difficult or expensive. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zen for spotting the Olds listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Oxford, Connecticut, for $24,900.
Oldsmobile temporarily retired the 442 badge at the end of 1980, but staged a revival in 1985. That generation remained on sale until 1987, and the original owner ordered this final-year example in the stunning Burgundy and Silver combination. It was one of four combinations available that year, and I believe it is also the classiest. The car’s presentation is impressive, with shining paint, straight panels, and no signs of rust. It isn’t perfect, because the Silver is damaged in a couple of spots, including the lower corner of the front spoiler on the passenger side. However, there is no patchiness or evidence of matte areas. The Gold stripes and decals are crisp, and the glass is clear. This 442 rolls on its correct Super Stock wheels, which appear in as-new condition.
I find this 442’s interior interesting, not because of the Burgundy trim, but because it is slightly unusual to find one of these classics without power windows or power locks. However, since it still features air conditioning, a rear defogger, a tilt wheel, cruise control, and its original AM/FM radio/cassette player, life aboard this classic would still be pretty comfortable. The outer edge of the driver’s seat and the wheel both show slight wear, but the issues aren’t severe enough to suggest the mileage claim is inaccurate. The dash looks excellent, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. Overall, the presentation is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic of this vintage.
Although officially considered a muscle car, many enthusiasts feel that the performance delivered by the 1987 Oldsmobile 442 is quite underwhelming. The 307ci V8 produces a factory-quoted 170hp and 250 ft/lbs of torque, fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed THM 200-4R automatic transmission. Power steering and power front disc brakes were standard fare in 1987, making life easier for the person behind the wheel. The 442 badge made a final appearance in 1991 and 1992, but our featured car is one of the last with rear-wheel drive. This is the point where some readers will raise doubts about this Olds, because the seller doesn’t mention evidence supporting their claim that the 54,000 miles showing on its odometer is genuine. Therefore, we must take it at face value and assess whether the car’s overall condition makes the figure plausible. Whatever your opinion, readers considering this classic as a possible purchase will welcome the news that it is mechanically sound and runs and drives perfectly.
Many factors can determine a classic’s relative worth, including mileage, condition, rarity, and general desirability. The 1987 model year marked the end of the line for the iconic rear-wheel-drive Oldsmobile 442, and although enthusiasts ignored many cars from this era, the 442’s popularity is rising. As a result, values have climbed steadily, and recent sales suggest the seller’s price for this survivor is realistic, especially if the mileage claim is verifiable. It’s only been on the market for a day, but are you tempted to negotiate an in-person inspection as the first step toward giving this Olds a new home? I will understand if you do.
Throw in a Ram Rod 350 and call it a day:
https://over-drive-magazine.com/2024/01/05/the-1968-1970-oldsmobile-350-cid-w-31-v-8-the-little-engine-that-could/
The last real Cutlass offered RWD V8 fun!
all these era bodys i love ride real nice…
Because GM designed the Cutlass in the mid 80’s as more of a luxury car, they didn’t go as far with the 442 as they did with the Monte Carlo SS or especially the Buick Grand National/GNX. I believe because of that you rarely see a 442 from the mid 80’s. In fact Buick holds the top spot with the GNX. In fact one just sold on BaT for $427,000 last month. But I know it’s a lot rarer than the GN. But I’m still a fan of these 442’s. Even though this car doesn’t have a spoiler, I believe it was an option on them. And if this one is as nice as claimed, it’s priced just about right
Actually, as far as “performance” considerations go, these late 80’s 442s had one thing marginally better than the Monte Carlo 22 – an 8.5″ rear end. The turbo Buicks and the Olds 442 of this era (starting with the Hurst Olds in ’84) had the 8.5″, but the Monte Carlo, even the SS, got the 7.5″ rear. Not that it really mattered for the 442 or the Monte, as neither was putting out enough power to hurt the 7.5″ or need the 8.5″. Those 8.5″ rear ends have become quite desirable though as guys (like me) get G Bodies they want to spice up. My 79 Olds Cutlass Calais resto-mod has an 8.5″ out of an ’84 Hurst Olds. All of the brackets are laid out the same, so it made it easy to upgrade the rear end while still using suspension and brake upgrade packages made for the G Body. Could not have done that with a higher dollar 9″ Ford or GM 12 Bolt conversion. (PS, my wife and daughters call me the “Bank of Useless Information.”)
I had an 85 442 and one of my buddies had an 85 monty SS and they were pretty much the exact same cars with different paint and trim. But you are correct about the Buick’s of that time. I once got to ride in a full drag race GN with that V/6 in it and I will never forget the sound it made sitting inside it. I am like you and I think all the GM G body cars were one of the best body styles ever made. Have a great day.
After more research, Oldsmobile never offered the spoiler on this 442. They had a Hurst/Olds edition in ’83&’84 that had the spoiler on it. But once the 442 came out later, they didn’t include it.
The ad description gives no detailed information about this particular car, is it original paint, is there any rust, has it ever been in an accident, does the AC work, how many owners?
Steve R
And what little info they do give is not correct. It’s not a brown car with a black interior
Nice Olds 442. As stated above, early 350 Olds engine!!
last year made. lot of people like the front end. interior is faded but elsewise a good looking 442. the price is in the area of what clean low milers bring. good color too.
I was in High School when this was built. And I would have given my eye teeth for one like this. I know they weren’t very fast. This one looks great, the maroon and silver is very classy and I completely agree with Adam it’s stunning. There are some questions about it, but overall it looks great and I’d definitely love to have this in my garage.
Looked at a new 87 442 back then and although liked the exterior looks and nicer interior, one test drive in an 87 Buick Regal Turbo down the block at the adjacent Buick dealer was all it took to decide on the Buick. Night and day performance difference which was too bad since the 442 was a much better looking car.