By 1980, the term “muscle car” had become relative. Manufacturers continued offering iconic models with a V8 under the hood, but buyers knew compliance with government legislative requirements had taken the edge off outright performance. This 1980 Oldsmobile 442 W30 is a spotless classic with a rebuilt engine. It won’t recapture the badge’s glory days, but the work may have unlocked a few welcome additional ponies. It is a highly optioned classic with no apparent needs beyond a new home. The seller has listed the Olds here on eBay in Huntington Station, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $7,100 off the back of some spirited action.
Oldsmobile introduced its Fourth Generation 442 in 1978, with the car remaining on sale until 1980. Our feature car is from that final production year and is 1-of-886 to roll off the line. Buyers could choose between a White and Gold or Black and Gold paint combination, with the latter selected by 540 new owners. It is unclear whether this Olds has undergone any form of repairs or restoration, but its presentation is impressive if it is a genuine survivor. The paint shines nicely, and the decals look crisp and free from checking or fading. The paint and panels showing no signs of deterioration or significant damage beyond the typical minor chips expected on any car of this vintage. The seller confirms it has been garage-kept its entire life. The lack of long-term exposure to UV rays, snow, or rain will have contributed to its preservation. There is no rust to cause the winning bidder sleepless nights, and the glass is spotless. The wheels and new tires are a recent addition, but the originals are included for those preferring a more “stock” appearance.
The biggest news for potential 442 buyers in 1980 hid under the hood. The previous model year saw maximum engine capacity restricted to 305ci, but the new year brought a “one size fits all” approach from the company. The sole powerplant was the 350ci V8, producing 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. The downside was the company’s decision to offer the three-speed automatic as the only transmission. It sapped some outright performance but delivered a sub-17-second ¼-mile ET to buyers for the first time since 1974. The seller indicates the numbers-matching 350 occupying this engine bay has clocked 2,500 miles since receiving a professional rebuild. It is unclear whether that process included any internal upgrades, but better breathing via a new Holley carburetor and matching air cleaner may have unlocked performance improvements. The seller supplies no information on how this Olds runs or drives, but they furnish this YouTube video. It provides a walkaround and allows us to hear the engine running. It sounds crisp and sweet, with no apparent problems or issues.
With the drivetrain restrictions imposed by Oldsmobile on 1980 442 buyers, this car’s original owner chose to personalize it by adding a selection of welcome and desirable factory options. The only aftermarket addition is a Sony CD player. The winning bidder receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. The A/C was recently upgraded and blows ice-cold. The Black vinyl trim is in good order, with only minor stretching on the outer edge of the driver’s seat. The carpet exhibits slight fading, but the dash, pad, console, and plastic components are in excellent condition for their age.
This 1980 Oldsmobile 442 W30 isn’t perfect, but its presentation is easily acceptable if considered a survivor. It has no apparent needs, and the lack of rust is welcome news. The rebuilt V8 should provide years of reliable motoring, and the twenty-four bids submitted confirm people like what they see. Have you ever owned one of these classics? Was the experience enjoyable enough to justify a repeat performance if you did?
I like it! Make a nice Blvd & Hwy cruiser ! I always liked the looks just put off by weak as a kitten V8 (305) but a 350 on life support at 170 hp is begging for a LS swap! My wouldn’t 400 hp liven up the 442?
Not a bad looker and better than my uncle’s ‘78 4-4-2 with v6/5 speed. These were they bland years before the Lightning Rods shifted ‘83-85 4-4-2s. A long shot from the 1970 455 W-30!
Thev lightning rods were in the 83-84 Hurst Olds not the 442.
I have never seen a LS swapped into something, how original.
Wouldn’t a 455 Olds or an earlier 350 or even a 403 be a little less nauseatingly cliche?
Had the 1980 in white and Gold. Bought it from the insurance company after it had been hit in the right front nose. Straightened the frame,new nose and paint. Wife was driving to work with my sixth month old daughter when this woman blew the stop sign and broadsided her. Everyone was ok. Car was totaled. Bent the frame, buckled the cowl, door,fender,etc..Pulled the motor and trans,and swapped it into 1982 that had a blown diesel. Drove that car for two years before selling it. Needed a bigger car for the growing family.
I remember those later model 442.
Had a 1967 with ram air,466 rear gears, and a lot of hot rod stuff on it.
Use to drive around town and pick on the later models.
Beautiful car. Always liked Cutlasses.
The ’79 442 Olds was not limited to a 305 engine. It came standard with the 350, just like the 1980 model shown here.
No. The 1978-1979 442 was essentially nothing but badges and stripes on a Cutlass Salon that could come with a 231, 260, or 305. The only Cutlass that got a 350 in 1979 was the Hurst/Olds, which was a performance and trim package on a Cutlass Calais, basically identical to this 1980 442, aside from the model year differences and of course the Hurst/Olds having a Hurst Dual/Gate shifter .
Why did my first response here get deleted? The 1979 Hurst/Olds came standard with a 350 like this 1980 442. The 1978-1979 442 was nothing but stripes and badges on a Cutlass Salon and came with the same 231, 260, or 305 that was available in any Cutlass.
There wasn’t a 79 442. That is a Hurts/Olds you are referring to, and yes those had the 350. Same paint scheme, but different. I had both in the 80’s and I still have my 84 H/Obi bought new back then.
I think the Author is referring to the 78 4 door 442 Olds Cutlass aeroback. https://autopolis.wordpress.com/2020/09/06/1978-1979-oldsmobile-cutlass-442-the-odd-one-out/
From the rust belt.. Wonder what the undercarriage looks like.
In1966 I had a 1955 Packard 400 coupe, 11 years no rust.
In 1968 I had a new 1967 442 ,kept car for 5 years, my only transportation, Went to a car wash and sprayed the car,and undercarrige every time the salted roads had been wet.
Within a few days rains will clear the salt off roads,its not like we drive around on a pile of salt.
I rustproofed all the new cars at an Olds dealer from 79 til 1981. Filthy job. I drove a 79 Hurst Olds new. Was a 350 Olds engine. These are OK. I prefer the 75 models. More comfort.
I’m from the rust belt too and getting rusty but if you take care of your ride it will look this good! Nice write up Adam,these were part of the plastic muscle-car era.I grew up in a ‘68 Vista Cruiser it was my favorite classic my Dad had,he had many and great memories! I own some old Ford trucks in great condition in the “rust-belt” always do complete inspections upon purchasing I’ve found original under-carriage 4x4s in the “rust-belt”.
I am a second owner to a 79 w30 black and gold. Original owner had it garage kept its whole time I got lucky. Has Original 59k. I’ve gotten several offers for it but not for sale. It meant alot to the previous owner. Took her a few years to decide to sell it. Alot of people had went to see the car but she was not comfortable selling it to them. I was the lucky one. I’m glad she sold it to me it’s also garage kept. I’ve owned it now about 1yr. Just replaced headliner material and driver seat was ripped. My upholstery lady did her thing and found the same pattern material to replace it. I really love this car ride so smooth. I hope who own one enjoys it.
I could be mis taken but didn’t this car come with a Hurst Dual Gate shifter? After all it can’t be a Hurst without a Hurst shifter?