Muscle cars are, by their very nature, bold and aggressive beasts. However, they can become intimidating if an owner selects an appropriate paint and trim combination. Such is the case with this 1969 Oldsmobile 442. It isn’t an original survivor, but this Triple-Black beauty will undoubtedly draw crowds from miles away. The seller refuses to class this classic as perfect, but it is worth looking closely to see if you can criticize anything about its presentation. If not, then you may find submitting a bid irresistible.
Oldsmobile launched its Second Generation 442 in 1968, and for the first time since the badge appeared in 1964, the company granted it standalone model status. The glorious moment would be shortlived, with the 442 reverting to an options package in 1972. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1969, and the first thing to note is the seller’s claim that this isn’t an original numbers-matching survivor. Circumstances resulted in changes below the surface, so they threw caution to the wind by transforming this Olds into the muscle car of their dreams. It is unclear what paint shade originally graced its exterior, but the current combination of Ebony Black with a matching vinyl top makes a bold statement. The seller refuses to describe the car as perfect, but finding anything worth criticizing is almost impossible. The paint’s depth of color and shine is incredible, reflecting its surroundings like a mirror. It cloaks laser-straight panels while the vinyl looks flawless. The seller indicates the Olds retains its original steel throughout, and with no existing or previous rust issues, there is nothing that would raise concerns for potential buyers. The trim and glass are exceptional for their age, and the Super Stock II wheels add a further edge to an inherently aggressive car.
The interior provides the final piece of the puzzle that cements this car’s aggressive nature. Its original paint and trim combo is unknown, but the interior received a retrim to create a Triple-Black treat. Once again, there is little to criticize and much to appreciate. The upholstered surfaces are flawless, and there is no carpet wear. The dash and pad are excellent, as is the console. The Hurst shifter and under-dash gauges are visible changes, but a more subtle one is the retro-style stereo. It is hard to distinguish it from the factory unit, giving the interior a feel of authenticity.
The seller includes only one engine bay shot, but it tells us more about this classic than some might think. The seller confirms that the car’s original 400ci V8 had deteriorated beyond the point of salvation. They sourced a period-correct 455 to bolt in, and with the vehicle no longer numbers-matching, that change was the catalyst for the other modifications we have seen so far. The engine’s specifications are unclear, but it sends its power to the rear wheels via the original three-speed manual transmission. My research suggests that if this is a period correct 442 powerplant, the driver may have around 365hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque under their right foot. That is enough to launch this classic through the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds on the way to 134mph. We receive no information on how this classic runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.
Some classics possess a “wow” factor that is impossible to define, but there are no such challenges with this 1969 Oldsmobile 442. From its glistening paint to its spotless interior, it is easy to understand why it has attracted thirty-two bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Lapeer, Michigan. That intense action has pushed the price to $17,400, which is below the reserve. Are you tempted to throw your hat into the ring? I won’t blame you if you do.
Never saw one,,black, that is. Fact is, I don’t remember many muscle cars that were all black. Just looking at this car is odd, it should be some dazzling color from the fun 60s,,,not depressing blaaaaaack. Just check Google images for ’69 442s,, all the colors of the rainbow. I’m partial to the blue ones. This car was for happy, colorful times, and I remember quite a few. Maybe not all 442s, but colors seemed to just make it look nicer, black was for hearses. I think, however, the 4 speed is expected in a car like this, originally one of the dang numbers, and will be valuable for generations.
Good friend of mine had the1969 Black 442 in the early70s! What a car!
Paint Code # 10 Ebony Black, how ever, the 455 cubic inch wasn’t factory in 442’s until 1970, 1969 had the 400 cubic inch, in 1968 the Hurst/Olds came Factory with the 455 Cubic inch. Only 515 were Produced
My next door neighbor bought the first muscle car I ever saw back in the day; brand spanking new 1964 GTO HT triple black with redlines, 389 3 deuces and a 4 speed. I was hooked for life and still LOVE black!
Back in high school, my buddy’s girlfriend had a triple black Cutlass S. Looked exactly like a 442, but without the GRRR. That is, it looked great! In my little late 60’s early 70’s neighborhood, there were plenty of muscle cars and hot-rods, and black was a common color there. 442’s – GTO’s – GTX’s – 57 Bel Aires – black made every one of them look like they were going 50 MPH just sitting there. The Chevelles were mostly blue though.
Original or not this is one fine machine. I like it.
This is really nice! The only thing I would change is the tee handle shift knob. I would prefer a round one.
Agreed. I never liked T-handles. I had a 1970 Torino with a factory 4spd Hurst shifter I could position it so it was comfortable. Even though it was the factory T-handle with the big H with the shift pattern inside, I replaced it with white shift knob. The car has been gone for 40 years, but I still have the T-handle in my tool box.
Steve R
This is one nice 442. And I agree with everyone above, I dont care if its numbers matching. If that 455 was built right its bullet proof. And if its a THM400, thats bullet proof too. The triple black I have to admit I dont ever remember seing. My Mom had a 68 Cutlass S 2 door hardtop in burgundy and a black vinyl top, and that was just a nice looking car ( to a young kid then, and grown adult now). This will hopefully go to a good home and taken care of and appreciated.
This is a 4-speed car…
3 speed apparently, according to the ad. Fairly rare to have the base trans, I suspect.
As discussed awhile back my factory orig ’67 442 had a FoMoCo 3 speed with a hurst shifter. A bullet-proof trans, I discovered the FoMoCo in raised cast letters while changing out my clutch assy something about labor strikes at that period in time but there it was.
GM called the HD 3-speed the Dearborn transmission.
I apologize, read 3 speed and was just thinking automatic. 3 speed manuals ( from Dearborn) were very rare in these cars. I’m hlad they kept the 3 speed. Its unique.
The ad clearly states that it’s a manual transmission. Read much?
We all make errors and even comment on them.
Do you need a hug?
Another iconic Muscle Car that should be for sale in legit auction. 442s of this era are all over the place in the vintage car sales market. 20-25k would be a steal. I love how 80s Olds Cutless Wheels were utilized keeping the brand. That 455ci is rock solid if maintained. These were mid market cars in the day and definitely not being marketed to first time drivers. For Olds comfort, you could do much better with the Olds Delta 88 Royal top of the line for only a could of thousand more. But for muscle the 442 was it. Nice ride… jv smashpalace
I looked up the dealers website, the car is listed and says, “email for price”. It won’t be cheap. The car presents really well, hopefully the build quality matches.
Steve R
I love how these people comment on the round shifter ball,back then the cars came with a round ball and almost every body put on hurst tee handles! Remember the coverings on them?
Very nice, although we much prefer the look of a Holiday Coupe, in it’s original or period-correct color.
The 2 door post style I believe is the rarest of the 3 body styles offered in 1969. I have personally only seen 1, back when they were new.
Love everything about this car. Color, equipment, that awesome dash design. I could go on. A real winner.
Olds owners are meeting in Lansing Michigan today. Saw several beauties on my short drive to work this morning.
Stunner of an Olds . The “eyeball” trumps originality , and this car will drive much better than most muscle cars ,and outdraw almost anything at a local car show .Excellent feature
This is the same car that won at The Barn show in 2023. It was on all of this year’s posters, T-shirts etc. Very cool and clean car!!
interesting car, Sport Coupe with window trims and front vents, Holiday coupes without were more common. Plus a 3 speed. Like the triple black, as long as I don’t have to keep it clean. Bet it didn’t have AC either, hot!
Going to take my 69 Cutlass S out today before this weeks high temps.
Sharp car. I get upgrading to the 455.
3 speed in a 442 is just wrong. 😖
My 1st 442 was a 68 Hardtop. Yellow with the black side fender stripes. Chrome Super Stock I wheels. Factory stock and a BEAST! I traded that one in on a 69 442 Conv. Gold. The only thing I didn’t like was the Super Stock II wheels that were chrome and silver. Changed them to Crager SS all chrome wheels. Loved both of these cars. Both beasts. Currently, as an older guy, I drive a C5 Corvette all Black with Chrome wheels, 345 HP, but alas an automatic!
Interior is not original. The seat covers are of a generic ’70 pattern. A pic of the cowl tag will tell you the original colors.
Beautiful car. Owned a ‘69. That rear bumper does not seem to be for a 442. It should have “cutouts” molded into it for the correct flared exhaust tips. Very nice, not many manual cars out there.
A friend of mine bought one brand new when we were in high school. He promptly added headers, a race cam, and a 411 rear end. I seem to recall him doing the quarter mile in about 11.5 seconds. More or less. I also recall being truly scared for my life one winter’s night in Chicago riding in the back while he was running through the gears on a snowy road. I’m happy to still be alive now at 71, but my young life flashed before my eyes that night and I will never forget that incident.
It’s hard for me to even look at this car for reasons I don’t revisit anymore. Looking at this car reminds me of how awesome looking the 3rd gen Cutlass was. In my opinion the 3rd gen Cutlass was the best sports car Oldsmobile ever produced and the manual makes it even more special. I hope it finds the right buyer.
..
This car needs a stripe either red, gold, silver or white