Pro-Built 455: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30

GTO, Boss 429, GTX, SS 396, ZL1. To the uninitiated, that sentence is little more than an alphabet soup of letters and numbers. However, for classic car enthusiasts, it represents some of the most desirable high-performance cars to emerge in the 1960s and early 1970s. I think it is safe to add 442 and W-30 to that list, because those numbers represented the moment when Oldsmobile shook off its staid and conservative image by producing vehicles with genuine performance credentials. This 1970 Olds 442 has been with the same owner for forty-five years, but it’s time to find a new home. It doesn’t just look nice; the engine bay houses a professionally built 455ci V8. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this American icon listed here on eBay in Mundelein, Illinois. The seller set their price at $49,900 with the option to make an offer.

Oldsmobile launched the 442 in 1964 in response to the Pontiac GTO. The company sought to inject excitement into its model range, and although originally an options package, the company granted the 442 standalone model status in 1968 when it released the Second Generation. This 1970 example presents well for its age, and the seller has been its custodian for forty-five years. The first owner selected Sherwood Green to cloak the exterior with contrasting White stripes and the W25 hood, which was part of the 442 package. The seller confirms that the Olds underwent an external restoration between 1986 and 1988, and there is no evidence of significant deterioration. The paint shines nicely, the stripes are crisp, and the excellent underside shots confirm this classic’s rust-free status. The trim and glass are in good condition, and although the wheels aren’t original, they are period-correct.

Ordering a 442 in 1970 brought owners the 455ci V8 as standard equipment. The first owner wielded their pen when ordering this car, adding the W-30 upgrade, a three-speed automatic transmission, a 3.23 12-bolt Posi rear end, power steering, power brakes, and the desirable W27 aluminum axle carrier and cover. Many people believe that Oldsmobile followed a prevailing industry trend by understating this car’s performance potential. That year’s Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 370hp and 500 ft/lbs, which is almost enough to rotate the Earth on its axis. The first thing for purists to note is that this classic isn’t numbers-matching. The 455 occupying the engine bay is professionally built and should provide impressive performance. It doesn’t wear its factory air cleaner assembly, but the correct intake is included. As demonstrated in this YouTube video, the V8 sounds sweet and smooth, and is ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel.

The Green theme set by this classic’s exterior continues inside. There are some additional gauges and switches, including a tachometer mounted in the gauge cluster. Otherwise, it appears to be in the same condition as when it left the factory. The vinyl seatcovers are spotless, and as is the case with the carpet, there is no evidence of wear. The dash and faux woodgrain are excellent, as are the pad and console. If potential buyers seek a high-end driver, this interior helps this gem to fill the bill.

Will we ever have another automotive era like the one that spawned the muscle car? I doubt it, but if we do, it will almost certainly take on an entirely different form. Some electric cars can match or exceed the performance potential of classics like this 1970 Oldsmobile 442, but they do so without producing the bass rumble that moves the soul, which is a significant part of what makes these cars so special. Two of the great marques, Pontiac and Oldsmobile, are nothing but memories. Preserving this 442 would be a fitting tribute, but are you up for that challenge?