I’m always a bit hesitant to look at an older car and declare it to be rust-free, but the 1979 Oldsmobile 442 shows a lot of promise in that regard. The owner provides a huge catalog of very clear, high-resolution photos, and it looks really promising. It also appears to be original and unmodified, a real survivor. If you have always had a hankering for a 442, then you will find this particular car located in Tucson, Arizona, and listed for sale here on eBay.
As I said at the beginning, rust in the 442 is conspicuous by its absence. Having said that, it is going to take some work to return the car to its former glory. For the 1979 model year, the 442 was only available in paint combinations of either black and gold or white and gold. I have a preference for the black/gold, but I have to admit that the white/gold combination makes a refreshing change. There are a few minor trim pieces missing, and the paint has been pretty well baked by the Arizona sun, but the solid base is definitely there for restoration.
This is a numbers-matching car, so the original 350ci Rocket V8 engine is still in situ under the hood. It is backed by a THM-350 transmission and the original rear end. The car has been sitting idle since the early 1990s, but a bit of tinkering by the owner has the car up and running. It is said to run well, with no strange noises or smoke. The owner has driven it around the block a few times and says that everything works as it should, although it will require some remedial work (flush the gas tank, etc.) before it is fit to hit the road. For your money, you also get power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning.
With an older car, unless they have been stored in a climate-controlled environment with little exposure to UV, there is always going to be a price to pay, and this Oldsmobile is no exception to that rule. The Arizona sun has been kind to the body but has exacted its toll on the interior trim. Some of the vinyl is in reasonable condition, but the majority of the plastic and cloth trim will need to go on the “replace” list. The original dual gate Hurst shifter is still present, and while the interior is crisp, it is completely original. The car has also been optioned with power windows, power locks, and cruise control.
While it may need a full restoration, it appears that anyone taking on this 442 will have a solid base from which to work. The car has some nice extras fitted, and it is a numbers-matching car. The car is being sold with a low reserve, and while bidding has only reached $1,026, the reserve hasn’t been met. There is certainly some promise in this car.
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