There’s no doubt that this 1972 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible has seen better days, but the question is whether a new owner can return it to its former glory. It seems that there are plenty of people who feel that they are up to the challenge because there have been 21 bids submitted since the Olds was listed for sale here on eBay. The action has pushed the price along to $8,100, and since it has sailed past the reserve, someone is going to get their chance to weave their magic on this project.

The Oldsmobile sends mixed messages when you examine the photos. There is rust visible in some of the lower body extremities, but some look remarkably clean. There is plenty of evidence to suggest long-term exposure to a damp environment, with heavily corroded trim rings on the wheels, a rusty trunk lid, and a rotten rear bumper, all painting a worrying picture. The owner doesn’t provide any information on the state of the floors or frame, but the trunk pan looks like it has rusted beyond repair. The soft-top is shredded and would offer no protection at all. If the car has been sitting in an exposed area, moisture can soak the carpets and accelerate any rust development. Lifting the hood also reveals that the radiator support has been eaten away, which doesn’t add many good vibes to this classic. The blue paint isn’t original because the trim tag indicates a color code of 48. That means that the 442 rolled off the production line wearing Sequoia Green paint. The owner advises potential bidders to organize an in-person inspection, and I believe that this would be a smart move. If the frame is sound, replacing rusty floors is possible. Parts are available, and aren’t particularly expensive.

It isn’t clear whether the Convertible is numbers-matching, but if it is, the drivetrain will consist of a 350ci V8, a 3-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. By 1972, the 442 was not a fire-breathing monster, with 160hp at the driver’s disposal. The journey down the ¼ mile would feel like a leisurely stroll at 17.6 seconds, and the car would eventually find its way to 106mph. The owner admits that the Olds hasn’t run for many years, but he does say that the engine turns freely. That’s one shred of good news in a story that has mainly seemed negative to this point. If the successful bidder plans on restoring the car, there’s no doubt that they will pull the motor so that the engine bay can be brought up to scratch. That would be the perfect opportunity to thoroughly inspect the engine and transmission so that any remedial work can be performed before it’s all bolted back together.

The 442 is missing its factory radio, but otherwise, the interior appears to be essentially complete. The warped door trims and some of the staining on the upholstery suggest that my fears about moisture ingress could be well-founded. The first thing that the buyer would need to do would be to clean everything. Some of the vinyl looks promising, and a good clean could provide a miraculous transformation. I think that there could be a long shopping list for this interior, but the story might be different after a bit of good old elbow grease. As well as a console and tilt wheel, it appears that the original owner ordered the 442 with air conditioning. Some of the components from the engine bay are missing, but that should not be a massive obstacle for the buyer to tackle.

You can’t deny that this 1972 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible has seen better days, but that poses the question of whether the worst is now behind it. This looks like it will be a significant undertaking, but the bidding action suggests that some people can see potential here. So, what do you think? Project, or parts car?