Some color combinations can’t help but draw admiring looks and comments, and almost any classic wearing Black and Gold will achieve that goal. That is especially true of this 1970 Oldsmobile 442, which has seen little beyond show duties since a meticulous refurbishment. I fall short of referring to it as restored because it has undergone some changes during the build process. It would suit an enthusiast seeking the best, and it has generated intense interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in The Villages, Florida. Bidding has sailed past the reserve to sit at $72,600.

Defining a set of parameters fully encompassing the “wow” factor is challenging because sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That is the case with this Olds. Its history before the refurbishment is unclear, but it is a solid car that seems to need nothing. Its Ebony Black paint shines like glass, and I suspect it would take an in-person inspection to identify any flaws or defects. The Gold stripes and decals are crisp and clean, making this muscle car look genuinely classy. The panels are laser straight, the gaps are consistent, and the supplied underside shots confirm this Olds is rust-free and structurally sound. There isn’t so much as a spot of surface corrosion to mar what seems to be virtual perfection. The sparkling chrome perfectly contrasts the dark paint, and the glass looks flawless, while the as-new Super Stock I wheels and Firestone tires add the ideal finishing touch.

One of the most significant changes to impact the Oldsmobile 442 in 1970 was the company’s adoption of its 455ci V8 as the standard engine. Buyers could choose from two versions, with the original owner of this classic ticking the box beside the W-30 option on their Order Form. Doing so brought a fiberglass hood with functional scoops, a low-restriction air cleaner, and an aluminum intake. This package placed 370hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque under their right foot. The ponies feed via a three-speed automatic transmission to the rare aluminum W27 rear end, with the seller claiming that only around 300 cars featured that option in 1970. Performance is all you might expect from such a potent package, with the journey down the ¼-mile taking 14.1 seconds. It is worth contemplating that ET and how it compares with a 442 powered by the “entry-level” 455. The official figures indicate the W-30 package added only five horsepower to the engine’s output, with no change to the torque figure. However, the base model takes 14.5 seconds to cover the same journey, strengthening the argument that Oldsmobile followed the prevailing industry trend of quoting conservative figures. The seller describes this classic as restored, and although they aren’t specific, it suggests this Olds is numbers-matching. It sees little active service beyond venturing onto the show circuit. The engine bay exposes some changes that prompt me to use the word “refurbished” in my assessment. The aluminum radiator isn’t original, and neither are the long-tube headers. It is unclear whether the seller retained the removed factory components, which some enthusiasts might want so the car can be returned to a showroom-fresh state. No information is supplied regarding how the vehicle runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.

This classic’s interior makes a positive first impression but also exposes further changes undermining the “restored” status. The retro-style stereo occupying the dash is the most insignificant. This car’s interior was retrimmed in Black, while the Trim Tag confirms the first owner ordered it with Gold upholstery. Swapping the stereo would be easy and inexpensive, but returning the trim to its factory state would cost thousands. However, the general presentation is hard to fault beyond the poor fit of some of the plastic dash components. The vinyl is in good order, there is no deterioration on the faux woodgrain, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The bucket seats and console with Hurst dual-gate shifter are welcome luxury touches, as is the air conditioning.

If an enthusiast seeks a spotless classic but is unconcerned about total originality, this 1970 Oldsmobile 442 could be a hot ticket. It is fair to say that the muscle car era peaked in 1970, with power figures and performance declining as the decade progressed. This Olds is stunning, making the fourteen bids submitted entirely understandable. Values have plunged significantly over the past year, but a car of this caliber could still threaten six-figures if two or more people are determined to own it. Do you think it will reach that mark or fall short?