Hidden away in this shed is one of the most desirable classics ever to grace American roads. It is a 1970 Oldsmobile 442, and as you will see, its condition is good enough to knock your sock off. It presents superbly, and its mechanical condition is a match for the rest of the vehicle. The owner has decided that the time is right to send it off to a new home, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. The Olds is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and while the bidding has rocketed to $47,143, this remains short of the reserve.

Before we delve too deeply into this 442’s overall condition, there are a few things that we need to consider. The owner lists the vehicle as a W30, but it seems that he isn’t 100% certain that it is the real deal. The VIN confirms it as a 442, and it sports all of the components that would indicate that it could be a W30, but it is something that potential buyers might need to investigate carefully. That is because this could have a significant impact on its potential value, and we’ll touch on that shortly. The first thing to note about this Fire Red 442 is that it presents incredibly well. The paint has a few minor flaws and marks, but it still holds a beautiful shine. The owner describes its condition as being a 9.2/10, and that is probably is a fair assessment. There’s nothing that would demand attention in the foreseeable future, but a fastidious buyer might want to address the few chips and marks in the pursuit of perfection. The panels are close to perfect and include the fiberglass hood with the twin scoops that was an integral part of the W30 package. There are no dings and dents, and the photos show no signs of rust issues. The white graphics and decals offer a striking contrast, and these, along with the original wheels, are in excellent condition. The chrome and trim are just as impressive as the rest of the vehicle, while I can’t spot any problems with the glass.

The 1970 Olds 442 was a muscle car before tightening emission regulations could bite deep into vehicle performance. As such, its numbers-matching 455ci V8 should be pumping out a conservative 370hp if it is a genuine W30. The seller believes that an automatic transmission initially backed the 455. That is something that potential buyers should consider if they are searching for an unmolested classic. A previous owner has installed a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, along with a heavy-duty clutch and a Dynotech driveshaft. The 442 is also equipped with power steering and power front disc brakes. With the original Hydramatic in place, this vehicle would have been able to storm the ¼ mile in 14.1 seconds before winding its way to 126mph. You would have to think that with the more efficient Tremec, a sub-14-second ET would be possible, while it should improve on the top speed figure. The owner says that all of the correct mechanical components, including the cylinder heads and intake, are present to suggest that this is a genuine W30, and he rightly points out that if it isn’t what it appears to be, someone has spent a lot of money to create a clone. The 442 runs and drives exceptionally well and is ready to be enjoyed by its next lucky owner. He includes this YouTube video that provides a comprehensive overview of the vehicle and allows us to hear the 455 running. It sounds perfect, with no evidence of rattles or other odd noises.

Just because a classic car offers stunning performance, there’s no reason why it can’t also involve some comfort. This Olds has you covered on that front because its interior looks spotless and extremely inviting. The Hurst shifter isn’t original, but otherwise, the interior has managed to remain unmolested. The upholstered surfaces look flawless, as do the headliner and the dash. There is no visible wear on the wheel, and the dash pad shows no evidence of deterioration. The luxury feel is continued with the inclusion of air conditioning, along with an AM/FM stereo radio with a rear speaker. The only faults that the owner identifies are some slight crackling with the radio, along with his belief that the A/C would benefit from a recharge. Otherwise, it’s a case of slipping behind the wheel and enjoying what should be a rapid but comfortable driving experience.

This 1970 Oldsmobile 442 is a stunning car, and I think that any enthusiast would park it in their driveway with great pride. The only question mark that hangs over it is whether it is a genuine W30. It is hard to believe that three little figures could make much of a difference to the vehicle’s potential value, but the difference that it does make is profound. If this is a regular 442, it should be worth around $60,000 any day of the week when you consider its condition and the transmission change. If it does prove to be a genuine W30, you can expect to double that figure easily. It is a stunning car, but it also teaches an important lesson to anyone considering making a classic car purchase. It graphically demonstrates the importance of doing some thorough research before committing to handing over the cash. If you do your homework and like what you find, would you be tempted to join the bidding war on this stunning 442? If you do, I could hardly blame you.