- Seller: Thomas M (Contact)
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Mileage: 73,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 3G87M2R162162
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 350ci V8
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
There’s something undeniably attractive about purchasing a classic with a fascinating backstory. This 1972 Oldsmobile 442 ticks that box, only recently emerging after a quarter-century hibernation. The engine bay now houses a 455ci V8, but the car’s numbers-matching engine block is included if the buyer decides to return the car to its factory form. The seller feels that it deserves a new home with someone who will appreciate this American icon, listing the 442 with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $28,900.
This article’s first photo reveals where this Olds has spent the past twenty-five years. The gentleman standing beside it, Mr. Walker, is the car’s first owner. He purchased the vehicle from Roger Holler Oldsmobile in Orlando, Florida, in 1971. Originally Saturn Gold, Mr. Walker’s brother convinced him to perform a color change to its current Ebony Black. The lack of deterioration confirms that the work was performed to a high standard. Mr. Walker continued to use the car regularly until he parked it in 2000, and the favorable storage environment has preserved this classic exceptionally well.
A close inspection of this Olds reveals a typical array of minor chips and marks, but the shine retained by the Ebony Black paint is extremely impressive. The underside shots confirm that the vehicle is essentially as solid as the day it left the lot, with the floors and trunk pan looking excellent. There are a couple of small rust spots visible in the lower front fenders. However, they are prime candidates for patches. There is also rust present in the trunk lid, but the owner includes the perfect answer to that minor problem. Mr. Walker purchased an OEM trunk lid from the selling dealer, planning to fit this at some point. It remains sealed in its original box and is included in the sale. Similarly, the buyer receives new weatherstripping and other trim items that would allow them to perform a high-end restoration or refresh. The Olds rolls on a set of 14″ Super Stock II wheels that sport sparkling factory trim rings.
The VIN and included paperwork confirm that this 442 left the factory powered by a 350ci V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. Mr. Walker was obviously no stranger to high-performance, removing the 350 and dropping in a 455. Its specifications are unclear, but it sends its prodigious power to the rear end via a Turbo 400 automatic. The current owner revived this classic after its hibernation, and the included video in this article confirms that the car is no lightweight. Any muscle car that can light the rear tires at 45mph definitely deserves respect. Those preferring authenticity will welcome the news that the numbers-matching 350 engine block is included, along with a raft of paperwork comprising the original Window Sticker, Owner’s Manual, Title, and Protect-O-Plate. The odometer shows 73,000 miles, with Mr. Walker confirming that the figure is genuine. The owner recommends replacing the tires due to their age, but that is about all that is needed before this 442 roams the streets once again.
The combination of a Saturn Gold exterior and White interior vinyl upholstery would have been striking in 1972, and this car’s trim has survived remarkably well considering the pale color. There are no rips or tears in the seats, and the contrasting Black carpet looks nice. The pad is crack-free, while the bucket seats, console, factory sports wheel, and air conditioning add to the luxurious feel. Mr. Walker added a custom rear parcel tray that could be easily removed, while the A/C compressor has been removed, but is included. The buyer could leave the interior essentially untouched as a survivor-grade vehicle, although replacing a few small parts would lift the presentation without costing a fortune.
This 1972 Oldsmobile 442 has a wonderful history, and its survival in such good condition stands as a testament to an owner who is a genuine and passionate enthusiast. Returning it to its factory form wouldn’t be complicated, and that may be the path that some potential buyers might consider. However, addressing its minor cosmetic shortcomings and enjoying all that it offers in its current form would be extremely tempting. The beauty is that this is a decision that could be taken at the buyer’s leisure as they hit the road behind the wheel of an iconic American muscle car. That’s why this Olds deserves more than a passing glance.
I’d love to see some pics of a young Mr. Walker standing next to his new Olds. It would add value as well. For me, I like keeping that kind of history with the car.
Sweet car, very reasonable price. Had a 69 Cutlass Supreme, back in 85′, dark green, white landau top, with a white stripe, dark green interior, bucket seats, and a automatic floor shifter. Last time I saw the car my mother borrowed it to go shopping… Totaled it…
I would take this over the $52K Bel Aire listed earlier. And thank goodness the owner held onto the original numbers matching setup. The asking price along with putting it back to original color and drivetrain wouldn’t place you upside down, and you’d have a real gem on your hands!
Mr. Walker must have been quite the audiophile back in the day. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an aftermarket stereo console like the one in this car.
As it currently sits you can justify the asking price, but if the plans are to repaint it gold and reinstall the original 350 you’ll be far underwater. A 1972 350 powered 442 won’t pull $40,000+ after the paint and body needed for the color change and 350 rebuild on the market, but a 72 with a performance 455, even NOM, that has had some patches and paint blending will likely be at market value or slightly above.
The idea that every car needs to be restored to 100% stock may resonate in some circles, but only really holds up in the real world, where money is exchanged, for a select few, mostly pristine survivors and those cars factory ordered with optional higher performance drivetrains, such as a W-30 or possibly 455 in this cars case, not the base 350.
The best course of action is probably a sympathetic “restoration”, but keep it as close to it currently sits as possible, use whatever parts are supplied and watch your budget.
Steve R
That’s a lot of money for an Olds with a Datsun 280zx stereo under the dash.
That guys expression on his face pretty much sums up how we must feel about the current hobby. Mr. Walker is reluctantly throwing in the towel. The real kicker here, is nobody in the family wants this gorgeous car? Things are certainly changing, and Walker wants out before we really hit the skids.
The ad itself is a bit misleading. It says “350 V8 4 speed,” when it’s a 455 and automatic. It’s okay, Mr. W, we had a heck of a run at it, and couldn’t be duplicated by todays folks if they tried. Replace tires due to age? Nice try, this setup was unusually difficult on back tires,,,getting rid of it gotta hurt.