America’s muscle car sector was shrinking at the start of the 1970s, but that didn’t deter Oldsmobile. It soldiered on with its iconic 442, a car that provided performance justifying the muscle car tag. This 1971 example recently underwent a professional restoration that has left it presenting superbly. The seller feels that it is time for the Olds to find a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Port Jefferson, New York. The seller’s price of $82,500 means that it doesn’t fall within the affordable category, but the buyer will still receive something genuinely special for their cash.
It would be fair to say that Oldsmobile’s Second Generation 442 deserves legendary status. Produced between 1968 and 1972, they would be the final vehicles wearing that badge that could be considered genuine high-performance classics that weren’t completely strangled by emission regulations. The seller indicates that this 1971 example was recently professionally restored by a specialist firm that refinished its laser-straight panels in the car’s original shade of Lime Green Metallic with a contrasting White vinyl top. As you might expect considering its recent history, there is nothing about its presentation deserving criticism. The seller supplies underside shots revealing no evidence of rust that could potentially mar the ownership experience. The Olds features the optional W-25 hood that feeds copious fresh air to the brute occupying the engine bay. The exterior is rounded out by spotless trim, glass, and Super Stock III wheels.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Olds, which appears to have received a retrim during its restoration. The Green upholstered surfaces feature slight stretching on the seat bases, but that is one of the few things warranting criticism. The rest of the interior appears perfect, from the carpet to the dash, pad, and console. The faux woodgrain hasn’t faded or lifted, and although it isn’t heavily optioned by modern standards, the factory radio is a welcome touch. However, the shifter poking through the console indicates that the primary focus of this 442 is outright performance.
The first piece of positive news for potential buyers assessing the future investment potential of this Oldsmobile is that the car retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. The buyer receives the iconic 455ci V8, teamed with the heavy-duty M22 close-ratio transmission. Oldsmobile’s Dealer Specifications Sheet quotes power and torque figures of 340hp and 460 ft/lbs of torque, confirming this classic’s muscle car credentials. The seller claims that this Olds has a genuine 47,000 miles on its odometer, and it appears the figure is verified. The only identified specification change is the Gardner Exhaust System. Buyers focused on documentation will welcome the original Bill of Sale, Buyer’s Order, Protect-O-Plate, Owner’s Manual, and Consumer’s Information paperwork. The seller confirms that this is a turnkey proposition that will provide the new owner with immediate classic motoring pleasure.
This 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is a stunning classic, and its recent restoration means that the new owner won’t need to spend a dime beyond the purchase price. The low odometer reading is a bonus that will increase its desirability and future investment potential. The seller’s price sits at the upper end of the market, but it is probably justified when we assess its overall condition. Only a few hours have passed since the seller listed this Olds, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?
Wow. Dr Olds approved. 👍
Great article A.C. ✍️.
A dream powertrain. Lively 3.42 gears ⚙️ out back were standard. 🏁
’70 to ’72 442s are my favorite body style. From the pictures it definitely looks like a nice restoration job done. It’s a lot of money ask, but if someone is really interested in it, maybe it will sell. Looks like the original owner was very heavy with the pencil on the order form for sure.
If you’re going to spend all that money on a restoration, please, use the correct thin side stripes on a non-W30. Cool car, 4 speed is a bonus, but being a ’71, it is significantly overpriced. You can buy a W30 for the seller’s asking price.
Find me a numbers-matching, documented, 1971 W-30 with a 4-speed and post it here for the same (or even close) asking price that is in the same condition and restored to this level…and I will buy it right now.
I had a ’68, loved that car.
Cool car, Olds 442’s of that vintage are my favorite, but that’s a lot of scarole. I am sure he’ll get it too.
71 only for this color. Very low production year also. 6,285 were made I believe. Last year for the 455 as a standard engine in a 442. Had to be ordered after 71 to get a 455.
I had a 71 442 almost exactly like this one in color combo. Mine had a Turbo 400 and was it fun…
Very nice restoration. In my opinion, the aesthetic value of this 442 would be much improved with white body stripes to complement the vinyl top. I own a 71 442 vert in that color scheme, so I may be a bit biased. Black accents just seem to clash with the top. Price is at the high end of the market, so closer inspection is required to verify quality of restoration and authenticity.
nice car. low production color. looks well restored but i agree with other comments that it should have the correct thin stripe not the W30 stripe. at that high price your approaching real W30 money coupe or convert. why not put a set of the correct factory style floor mats instead of those el cheapos
The “correct” style of floor mats would have matched the interior and they don’t reproduce them in that color. Took me 15 years to find NOS dark gold mats for my ’70. The ones in there aren’t cheap ($239 for a set), and I’m not sure the more expensive black reproduction mats would look any better with the green.
Beautiful car. Did non a/c cars have the louvers in the dash? I think the price is realistic, but didn’t they replace the deck lid weather stripping during the restoration? If they did, they must have used very cheap stuff for it to be in the condition it’s in. How long will the rest last? I’d replace it before the sale.
I’m a Mopar guy, but I love every year of the first two generations of 442’s. I’ve always thought of these cars at the gentleman’s 396SS Chevelle.
It may not be a 100% correct restoration, but it’s obviously a great job. I agree that white stripes would fit the theme better. But this color combo with a 455 and an M22? I’ll take it! Just not at this price….
4-4-2
4= 4 barrel carb
4= 4 speed manual
2= dual exhausts
I’m old enough to know that.
Interesting comment in the seller’s description: “It has been upgraded with a Gardner exhaust system for improved airflow and sound.” Gardner exhausts are EXACT reproductions of the factory supplied systems, so shouldn’t be any improved airflow and sound. Gardner is pretty much the gold standard for OEM reproduction systems.
As an option, Gardner does offer their version of a “Turbo muffler”, so while the exhaust pipe diameter is identical to stock, the turbo muffler does produce a louder, more resonant exhaust note.
Interesting comment in the seller’s description: “It has been upgraded with a Gardner exhaust system for improved airflow and sound.” Gardner exhausts are EXACT reproductions of the factory supplied systems, so shouldn’t be any improved airflow and sound. Gardner is pretty much the gold standard for OEM reproduction systems.
Very nice 442, I like everything about it except the deck lid weather stripping. What happened to it? Is that an indication on the quality of the rest of the weather stripping. If I was the owner, I would have replaced it before putting it on the market.
I liked the 1968-72 body style. This car looks in great cosmetic condition and has plenty of equipment including bucket seats. I loved it…until I read the price and my lust was over.
Beautiful car……Priced to NOT sell!
Odd choice of stripe color, doesn’t flow at all