After a rewarding first four years as an options package for the Oldsmobile F-85 and Cutlass, the 4-4-2 earned a place in the brand’s lineup as its own separate model in 1968, a position it held until 1971 when the fanfare was dying among consumers for performance-oriented offerings. The car was somewhat of a sales success in ’68, with more than 33,000 units sold during that one year alone, so while this 1968 Oldsmobile 442 here on Craigslist isn’t particularly rare, it is a solid example and sports a cool convertible top. This one’s located in the beautiful Bay Area of California, in the city of Hayward, and comes at an asking price of $34,500. Our thanks go to Barn Finds reader T.J., who spotted this Olds and sent us the tip!
Probably the best news outside is the completeness and overall condition of the body, which is claimed to consist of all original sheet metal and is said to remain rust-free. It’s a bit hard to tell from the driver’s side view if the hood needs a slight adjustment or if the fender is drooping a bit, and the back bumper looks like it may have gotten a minor tap at some point. The seller tells us that the Oldsmobile received a sub-par repaint sometime back in the ’80s, so it’s time for another, and hopefully, there won’t be a whole lot of body attention required before the outside is ready for the next respray.
The owner doesn’t go into very many specific details regarding the drivetrain, but he does indicate that both the 400 engine and close ratio 4-speed manual are the original numbers-matching components. The car’s mileage is listed at 120,000, and while there’s no mention if the motor has ever had an overhaul, the 442 is stated to run and drive like a dream! Things in the bay appear to be in good order, so perhaps it’s just been well-maintained over the years.
No information at all is provided about the interior, and although some of the photos aren’t of the greatest quality, the inside area also seems complete and in fairly decent shape. A couple of under-dash gauges plus an aftermarket tach have been added, but that Hurst shifter is a factory item. The seller seems motivated, as he also mentions that the best offer will be considered, so it sounds like cost negotiation is a possibility. As it sits, how much would you be willing to spend on this 1968 Oldsmobile 442 convertible?
Did the price just drop as I was typing this? I thought I saw.$47,000 but on second glance it’s 34500. I do like this car and its probably worth it in today’s market. I would jump over any number of GTOs and Chevelles to own this.
Economic reality has set in. The days of crazy speculation is quickly fading, at least by middle class Boomers. (You know, the ones who have seen retirement fun money disappear into the quagmire of corruption) I am sorry to say that my generation has ruined this hobby with no concern to its future viability, or the future of further generations for that matter. Maybe, many of us have what is coming to us. Many of us have forgotten the spirit of our youth, is there time to get it back and fight for what is right and just?
Both ends have suffered a substantial hit. The left front fender was never properly mounted and the right front is flaking above the wheel arch. I’d bet the front fender doglegs have a few pounds of Bondo in them as well. Whoever chose the color for the respray needs to visit the eye doctor.
I’m a kid from Lansing so I love me some Oldsmobiles, especially ’68-’69 Cutlasses and 442s, but there ain’t no way this is worth the ask.
There were only around 1,500 convertibles with a 4 speed built in 1968
Nice car I always liked Oldsmobiles I never understood why GM dropped the brand.
I love this car especially with the 4spd.
But with the miles that are on it $15,000 would be a better price.
At that price it would have sold within a couple hours. There is a lot of money floating around the Bay Area waiting for deals to pop up, due to the supply of rust free cars some stay local, others go back east or overseas.
Steve R
This is the color of the stuff I scrape off the sides of my aquarium.
Dr Olds had a saying… Don’t fear the gear ⚙️. 3.91 std. Options from 3.42 to 4.66 👍 😎
Had a 68 442 back in the day and it was a manual 3 speed. Bought a Muncie 4 speed to put in it and found the original trans was a Ford, FOMOCO transmission. Quite the surprise that GM used them for a few years on the 3 speeds. Muncie bolted right in with no changes though. Funny, car felt faster but quarter mile was not changed.
I don’t know all the details but I believe there was a fire at the GM transmission factory and ford agreed to supply transmissions- but they stuck them with mostly (or all?) 3 speeds.
Lots of late 60s firebirds with 3 speed manuals also..
This car has been tweaked multiple times. There appears to be paint cracking and lifting over the bondo in the left front fender. And for $34K, could you at least get the horn button on right side up? (hint: this usually means that the steering shaft is clocked 180 deg out of position, so the turn signal cancel may not work right either).
$34,500 for 120k mileage and a puke green color? Good Luck. The only thing it has going for it is being a convertible.
Piss poor color choice… The original color of the 442 is Jade Gold which is a beautiful color.
I had a Jade Gold 68 442 with the stripe going down the fenders.
It’s hard for me to even look at this car for reasons l find hard to bare after all these years. So as good as it looks regardless of the mileage I’d probably pay a premium price for it. I’m sure I could get use to that green color ifl I could use to the butternut color of mine..IF the buyer feels like I do about this car it’ll enjoy another 50yrs of happy ownership. Best of luck to the buyer and seller.