This front-on shot demonstrates that this 1965 Oldsmobile 442 isn’t totally original. The LED headlights are only the first of a wide range of upgrades the seller performed during a meticulous refurbishment. The result is a classic that not only presents superbly but also offers a more “complete” driving experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Olds listed here on eBay in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,211, with plenty of time for interested parties to get their financial ducks in a row if they are considering making a play for this classic.
Following its 1964 launch, Oldsmobile consolidated the 442’s place in the muscle car market by selling 25,003 vehicles in 1965. Our featured Olds is one of those cars, and its presentation is mighty impressive. The seller indicates it received a nut-and-bolt restoration, although I view it as refurbished. They stripped the entire car to bare metal, massaged the panels, ensured the body was rust-free, and applied a fresh coat of the vehicle’s original Saffron Yellow. The results justified the effort because nothing in the presentation warrants criticism. The paint shines deeply, the panels are laser-straight, and the trim and glass look excellent. The American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels are a recent addition, as are the LED lights mentioned earlier.
The most significant change Oldsmobile made to the 442 for 1965 was a dramatic increase in engine capacity. Originally launched with a 330ci V8 under the hood in 1964, the new model year brought the 400ci powerplant. This car’s first owner teamed the 400 with a two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. We’ve reached the point where things become slightly vague with this classic, although the seller states that it is numbers-matching. They indicate that they handed the motor to Machine Works in Tucson, Arizona. The company wove its magic on the V8, performing a rebuild, balancing the motor, and installing a Holley Sniper 2 fuel-injection system and electronic ignition. That should be a recipe for a dramatic increase in power and torque, although the 345hp and 440 ft/lbs quoted by the seller perfectly match the numbers found in that year’s Sales Brochure. Go figure! A new four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission handles shifting duties, but the seller includes the original Jetaway for those who prefer authenticity. Rounding out the package is a new Yukon 3.73 Posi rear end that should effectively feed the ponies to Planet Earth. The build included further minor upgrades and a general refresh, making the 442 a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
There’s no point performing a build of this type if the interior is substandard. Therefore, it won’t shock many readers to discover that this Olds is retrimmed in the correct Black vinyl. It features bucket seats, a console, a tilt wheel, and air conditioning. Aftermarket additions comprise a Dakota Digital gauge cluster, a retro-style stereo, and a B&M shifter for the upgraded transmission. The presentation is exactly what you might expect, with no cosmetic issues. One thing that I would probably “lose” if I became the new owner is the sports wheel. It isn’t super ugly, and it is probably quite comfortable, but it simply doesn’t match the rest of the interior. I am unsure what to replace it with, but I’d take my time to ensure I made the best choice. That is a personal opinion, and I respect it if you disagree.
I’m sure that whoever the new owner is, they will hope that this is the view the opposition gets of their 1965 Oldsmobile 442 as it heads towards the horizon. I am equally sure that this classic will divide reader opinions. Some will applaud the car’s condition and presentation, and will approve of the seller’s upgrades. Others will contend that a car of this caliber deserved a faithful restoration and that the upgrades will reduce its desirability. Regardless of your school of thought, you must admit that the Olds perfectly combines stunning looks with impressive performance. It has only attracted six bids, but are you tempted to add to that tally?
Leave A Comment