Sometimes, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary in the classic world can only be separated by a single tick on an Order Form. Such is the case with this 1987 Oldsmobile 442. It is an undeniably tidy classic with no apparent pressing needs or issues. However, the original owner selected a single option that helped it stand out from the crowd. It is destined to head to a new home, with the seller listing the Olds here on eBay in Wooster, Ohio. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $10,200.

Oldsmobile revived the 442 badge in 1985 after a five-year slumber as a Fifth Generation model, but the 1987 model year marked a significant milestone in the badge’s history. The company based the performance icon on its Cutlass Supreme range, and it was the last year that the 442 was a rear-wheel drive vehicle. This classic presents well, and while the seller describes the exterior paint shade as “Grey,” it looks like the more prevalent combination of Black and Silver in the supplied photos. The paint shines nicely for an unrestored car of this vintage, and any imperfections in it or the steel are insignificant. The plastic and glass are in good order, with the Olds rolling on its original and distinctive chrome wheels with Gold highlights. However, the original owner’s decision to order it with the Astroroof option makes this car stand out from its siblings. The company sold 4,208 examples of the 442 in 1987, but the seller claims that only 201 rolled off the line with this option. My research supports that figure, adding to this car’s desirability.

The original owner didn’t stop wielding their pen on the Order Form after selecting the Astroroof because its interior received similar attention. The winning bidder gets a car equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, remote exterior mirrors, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. These features remain intact, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The overall presentation is tidy and above average for a car from the 1980s, with no signs of crumbling plastic or significant wear that often plagues vehicles of this age. There is slight wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, and the carpet is marked, but neither issue is severe enough to warrant replacement. The dash and pad are in good order, and there’s no evidence of headliner sagging. If potential bidders are searching for a tidy survivor, this 442 is a hot contender.

The last rear-wheel-drive examples of the 442 weren’t as potent as the cars that defined the badge, but the specifications and performance offered by this car are consistent with what buyers expected in the mid-1980s. The engine bay houses a 307ci V8 producing 170hp and 250 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed THM 200-4R automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes as standard equipment. The journey down the ¼-mile took 16.7 seconds, with the engine running out of breath at 119mph. Those figures aren’t outstanding, but the fact the ponies feed to the road via the rear wheels will attract many enthusiasts. The seller indicates this classic’s odometer shows 45,00 miles, but they don’t state whether they believe that figure is genuine. However, the Olds runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.

A production total of 4,208 cars doesn’t make the 1987 Oldsmobile 442 particularly rare, but the fact it is the last model produced in rear-wheel-drive form means it will appeal to many fans of 1980s classics. However, the Astroroof helps this car stand out, and the option’s relative rarity increases this car’s desirability. If you have been searching for a vehicle from this era, would that option tempt you to pursue this Olds further? I wish you luck if you do.