This 1970 Oldsmobile 442 offers its new owner a perfect blend of performance and comfort. Its 455ci V8 provides plenty of power, while the interior options ensure that every journey feels special. The seller’s listing indicates that they are fielding one active offer, meaning that potential buyers may have a fight on their hands to take this Olds home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the 442 listed here on eBay in McLean, Virginia. The seller set their BIN at $47,999, and, as stated, there has already been some genuine interest in this classic.
The 442 badge joined the Oldsmobile range in 1964 as the company sought to challenge Pontiac in the muscle car market. However, it wouldn’t achieve standalone model status until Olds launched the Second Generation for the 1968 model year. It would remain a constant of the company’s range until 1980, with Oldsmobile performing two subsequent revivals. This 442 left the factory in 1970, ordered by its first owner in Grenadier Red. The seller indicates that, apart from a repaint and the addition of Cragar wheels, it is a genuine survivor. The listing photos aren’t the best that I’ve seen, but they reveal no evidence of significant cosmetic shortcomings. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm that spending most of its life in Texas has left the Olds rust-free. The trim looks excellent, and the windows appear to have aftermarket tint.
The original 442 was a “rush job,” but Oldsmobile had its act together by the time this car rolled off the line. Its engine bay houses a 455ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The V8 was a monster motor, delivering 365hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque for impressive performance. The seller indicates that the car is numbers-matching, but it has received engine upgrades to liberate additional power. These include a matching Edelbrock intake and carburetor, headers, a mild camshaft, and an electric fan for improved cooling. The seller states that there are no fluid leaks and that the car runs and drives perfectly. It appears that if you were to become its new owner, flying in and driving home could be an excellent way of becoming acquainted with your new toy.
I mentioned creature comforts, and this Olds has a few of the more desirable ones. They include air conditioning, power windows, a tilt wheel, bucket seats, and a console. The seller states that apart from replacement carpet, the interior features its original Black trim. Assessing its condition is impossible due to the poor image quality, but the seller’s impression is that it is in good order. The A/C recently received an R134a upgrade, and blows ice-cold. As with the rest of the car, this aspect of the vehicle has no significant needs or shortcomings.
I am not surprised that this 1970 Oldsmobile 442 has already generated interest, because there is much to like about this classic. Its presentation is extremely nice, and its engine will provide enough power to satisfy all but the most hardened performance enthusiast. We can only speculate about the active offer and the seller’s flexibility. Is this an iconic muscle car that you might consider pursuing further?
Dr Olds big block delivered the torque🏁
’70 is my favorite year 442. Last year for the high compression 455. Its almost like the auto manufacturers all knew what was coming with emissions regulations, etc as the 70’s were starting, and they went out with an all out bang. The Chevelle LS6 454, Buick Stage 1 455 Olds 442 Pontiac GTO, and thats just GM. Ford, Chrysler, and AMC too. The Crager SS rims are a period correct addition, but maybe I’d go back with a nice set of Olds Super Stock rims. Great looking color combination on this Olds too.
Might get the suspension adjusted to get the car somewhere closer to the ground. Would handle much better. Nice car.
That’s an easy fix, there is a Moog spring that will drop the rear end by 2 inches, they are listed online for around $100 depending on the vendor. I’ve used them several times on my own cars, they really clean up the look of a 67-72 A-body that sat I bit too high.
Steve R
These cars never sat that high so I’m guessing air shocks which were very common back then and definitely has that perfect rake with the bigger rear tires.
I nowadays prefer muscle cars the way they rolled off the assembly line. I also appreciate the Cragars, raising the back end, headers, these modifications were the first things we did when we got our hands on muscle cars back in the 70s.
It would need a little work. I’d want to know exactly what’s changed and with what. Yes, it needs to be lowered. Yes, the wheels could be changed to the stock configuration. I wonder what cam they put in it. The transmission drain plug leaks, and there’s no torque converter shield. The exhaust looks like a hodgepodge. It must be loud, though, with those small flowmasters. It looks like there is some oil seepage from the middle intake bolts. He had to trim the air cleaner seal as the Edelbrock intake sits higher. Carb isn’t stock either.
And no red wheel well liners. Lots of questions. Why no picture of the build plate?
The car isn’t a W30
It is not listed nor is it a W-30 which is the only way red fender liners were included.
It also is missing the gauge package and clock/tach options.
Nice looking though.
This car is far from a “survivor”. Incorrect 1971-72 ten bolt rear axle, ridiculous mufflers, headers, aluminum radiator with aftermarket electric fans (the core support indicates that this was a factory four row radiator car), aluminum intake, multiple paint colors on the engine indicates that it’s been apart, aftermarket trans pan and missing dust cover indicate that trans work has been done, replacement driveshaft for some reason. Of course it has the incorrect W30 side stripes, hood, and wing just like every 1970 does today. Any bets on the wing and hood being repro?
It’s not listed as and is not a W-30 which is the only way red fender liners were included.
Also missing the clock/tach option as well as the gauge option.
Does look nice though.
True, but then he should say so. Again, where’s the Protect-O-Plate? I have a lot of questions, or I would if I were interested. It could be just a hero car done up as a 442 W-30. Would you pay 48K for that? I wouldn’t.
But the seller never states it’s a W30 car, or a W30 Tribute, So it’s most certainly correct with No Red inner wheel wells !
no mater what if it is or not looks like its all there fix change what you want ,still like to have it in my garage looks like a lot fun they dont make them any more 1 of gm’s best, built with pride, all american car
Too bad people have a obsession with W30 stripes on a non W30 car, ruins the look of a non W car… Same with the spoiler!!
If it did not come with those things, leave them off.
The a/c compressor is not a GM A10 so that was changed, perhaps for the best.
This is a nice car and they would run.
I had a 65 442 back in the day and I outrun a 70 442. A few weeks later he came back and smoked me. Years later he told me it was a different car just same color.
The first was a 400 and the second was a 455. Yeah he got me.
A6 Compressor
“Old School”
Not to pick nits but 1970 Olds offered only 2 reds, rallye which was more of an orange red and matador red which this looks like.
not a real W30 if it was the money would be more. too many aftermarket mods for my taste. i would want to see the vin pads on the motor and the trans