As the calendar changed over from 1970 to 1971, clouds started to appear on the muscle car horizon. Within another two years, the clouds would turn to sunset but there was still action to be had in ’71 and ’72. Case in point, Oldsmobile, known for big cars like their 88, 98 and Toronado, still had a hand in the muscle car war with their 442. And for further review, here’s a 1971 example of Lansing’s finest, a 1971 442 located in Winter Garden, Florida, and available here on eBay for a current bid of $10,400, reserve not yet met.

Still maintaining its separate model status in ’71, the 442 shouldered on as it had in 1970 with two primary exceptions, one being the discontinuation of the “sports coupe” (the pillared two-door coupe) and the renaming of the Holiday Coupe, like this example, to a “Hardtop Coupe”. The other big change was a  lower horsepower rating as the result of an emission control sponsored engine compression ratio reduction. Beyond these items and the now horizontally oriented taillights, there wasn’t any real difference.

This 442 has a reported 110K miles but shows quite nicely with its white over white presentation. The seller states that the finish is a repaint but it has been applied well and complements the nice, straight body. It’s a bit stripe happy and the side strip doesn’t look quite correct for this year 442, perhaps it’s a made-up variation? The rear spoiler does nothing for the lines of this great looking car but it’s simply a matter of taste. Of note, the seller says they he is going to swap the white stripe tires and chrome wheels for the correct 14″ Oldsmobile equipment. Seems to me that it would be more helpful to have done that first and then listed the car so that the offering is authentic as to what’s being sold. The only other notable thing from this profile shot is the low hanging tailpipe, it’s not terribly wrong but it’s not right either; probably a hanger issue. Any way you cut it, this is an exceptionally clean 442 and it is encouraging that the seller isn’t trying claim only 10K miles of use on this Oldsmobile’s five-digit odometer.

Under the hood is the standard 340 gross HP, 455 CI V8 that powered most ’71 442s. The W30 option, not featured here, got the buyer another 10 HP. The seller claims, “Car runs, drives and shifts excellent! ” Upgrades include an Edelbrock carburetor, headers, new lower control arms, new ball joints, new master cylinder, new brake booster and battery. The seller doesn’t mention the intake manifold but it looks like an aftermarket upgrade too. As is frequently the case with this vintage 442, a three-speed, TurboHydramatic 400 automatic transmission is in place instead of a four-speed manual unit. The 442 nomenclature was somewhat was lost by ’71. Depending on how you define it, this car could be a 432 or a 4.542 or any one of several other combinations of the 442’s defining digits. Nevertheless, 442 still meant solid Oldsmobile performance and that’s defining enough.

The interior of this Olds is fantastic Not only is if fighting age, but it’s also fighting white! Some will say they don’t like white because it looks dirty. It’s no dirtier than black, blue, green, etc., they all get the same amount of dreck on them but yes, you can see it more easily with white. Beyond that, white sometimes “yellows” with age but that’s not the case here.  While being a less popular bench seat/column shift version, the upholstery fabric, carpet, dash/instrument panel and door cards show as practically new. The seller makes no reference to the interior but it wouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that it is not original. Of note, while this is an A/C equipped car, it would appear that there is no A/C compressor so I guess that means it’s a half A/C equipped car and it’s missing the part that makes it work. – worth an additional inquiry methinks. Check out that trunk! It’s as nice as the interior.

The VIN checks out, this Oldsmobile is what it is purported to be. It is being sold by a Winter Garden, Florida (southwest of Orlando)  dealer and he’s pretty active. I come across his listings frequently and his eBay rating is 100% favorable. This 442 is trending in a reasonable territory for now but there’s no telling what the reserve is though the list price via, the seller’s website, is $29,900 – that gives you a bit of an idea. There is a YouTube video here of a walk- around while the car idles, it’s worth viewing. This dealer’s stock-in-trade is Chevelle SS models but they trade at a considerably higher value than the asking price for this Olds, a car that is very similar to a Chevelle and as many will tell you, a notch or two above a Chevy. It could be a pretty good deal for someone interested in GM “A” body performance when they were at the top of their game don’t you think?