I must take my hat off to the current owner of this 1970 Oldsmobile 442. They acknowledge that the photos in their listing are poor, but show a willingness to forward better shots to interested parties. It is an invitation I would accept if I were in the market because what can be seen of this Triple-Black beauty shows enormous promise. However, it isn’t merely its presentation that will draw some like a magnet, because the first owner loaded this amazing classic with a host of desirable factory options. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting an iconic muscle car that has much to offer its next owner.
If ever a classic possessed the “wow” factor, this Olds ticks that box. It rolled off the line midway through the Second Generation production run, and the first owner’s decision to order it with a Triple-Black paint and trim combination guarantees it will turn more heads today than when the first owner took delivery. The Ebony Black paint shines like glass, but it is challenging to spot any potential issues with it or the matching vinyl top in the supplied photos. The seller indicates that it is rust-free and retains all of its original steel. They don’t mention any restoration work, suggesting that this might be a genuine survivor. The White hood and side stripes add a welcome contrast, with the same true of the spotless bright trim. The exterior reveals the first factory option, with this Olds featuring a fiberglass hood with a functioning air induction system. The Cragar wheels aren’t original, although they do suit this classic’s character.
The seller emphasizes that this is a genuine 442, not a copy, clone, or tribute vehicle. Its engine bay houses the original 455ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, a 3.23 Posi rear end, and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. As befits a muscle car, the V8 produces 365hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. This classic would have delivered a 14.5-second ¼-mile ET off the showroom floor, but the additional grip provided by modern tires may allow it to better that figure. The originality of this Olds extends to its engine bay presentation. The only cosmetic enhancement is the chrome alternator. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory, and is spotlessly clean. The seller confirms that this gem runs and drives perfectly, ready to hit the road for adventure with a new owner behind the wheel.
Air conditioning, power windows, a power driver’s seat, Rally gauges with a Tick-Tock-Tach, a rear defogger, console, AM/FM stereo radio with a rear speaker, and a factory 8-track player. That is a healthy list of options that the first owner chose to provide this muscle car with a luxurious feel. These items are intact and functional, with the speakers in the kick panels suggesting there might be an aftermarket stereo hiding somewhere. The Black vinyl trim is in good order, with the same appearing true for the carpet, dash, and woodgrain. There might be slight stretching on the front seatcovers, but the poor image quality makes it hard to be sure. The impression is positive, but this is one area of this classic where additional photos will paint a much clearer picture.
If the new owner makes their way to Long Island, New York, they could drive home in this stunning 1970 Oldsmobile 442. The seller listed it here on Craigslist with an asking price of $45,455. The listing images are poor, making it hard to perform an accurate assessment of its overall condition. However, with the seller willing to supply better photos, many may find the idea of pursuing it further impossible to resist. Do you fall into that category?
How is it possible to take pictures that bad in today’s technology!!
The GOOD pictures are private reserve. I know these pictures are bad, and I do have good ones, but I’d rather post the bad ones to the ad. Look honey, I listed the car like you said to.
To think seeing a plain ol’ 442 with a steel hood and thin body side pinstripes would be rare. Well, they kinda are. Seems like ninety percent of the 442s and faux faux twos still prowling the streets have been either W30-orrized or have a W25 hood and or spoiler. Not a knock against this car per se, just a useless observation of mine. As to this car, the pics suck, so really hard to judge condition but it does appear the front seats are a bit stretchy looking. Probably replaced the covers and not the foam.
Hahaha, never heard it termed “faux faux two”!
Years ago like in the 80s-90s it was rumored that a local Boston Olds dealer (won’t mention the name) made more 442s than factory 442s in their inventory. Dunno if this was ever proven back then.
Either way, this is a nice car!
Wow! That’s all I can say about this beauty.
New York cars, or anything back east makes me nervous. It’s possible that it spent many many years south where they did not use salt but the seller should have included pictures of the underside and better quality photos.
Fair call Greg.
The good Dr Olds sure whipped up some real beauties in his laboratory.
I could be wrong but I always thought 442 meant 4 bbl 4 speed and dual exhaust.
Only in 1964, its first year of production.
Steve R
If this is a real W30 shouldn’t it have red inner fender liners? Also, it does look like an aftermarket stereo under the dash. I had a 70 442 and don’t remember there being anything there. (My handle on here is the plate number of that 442,)
this car has been on and off craigslist for about the last 8 months. not too sure why it never sold. maybe there are some hidden issues.
Pictures are blurry. W-30 = red injection molded plastic fender liners? Yes, but unless the side stripe indicates W-30 seller makes no claim this is a W-30, just a well optioned, real 442. The list of options provided by seller does not include W30. U-57 specifies factory under dash 8 track tape.
I assume somewhere along the ownership chain someone drilled the W-30 emblems onto the front fenders- My recently purchased 70 442 has the same issue -not a W-30 and no attempt to make it appear that way it other than those emblems. Unfortunately you can’t take them off without having to repair the drilled holes in the fender
I was looking for the red liners, too. Looks like a GM tape deck on the dash. Must have been a year or two before the integrated 8-track player.
I do find the seller’s statement “Not a Clone,,Not a Tribute,,Not a Recreation,,,” amusing, but yet it is clearly masquerading as a W30! I don’t have an issue with a W25 hood and induction setup, especially if it is an OEM hood or a Thornton reproduction. Most of the repro’s are junk. I have bigger issues with the W30 emblems and side stripes. Thankfully he didn’t install the rear spoiler that he is including. Install the W26 Dual Gate, reinstall the Super Stock wheels and cruise. This “appears” to be a nice car, but like most these days, should require an in-person look or appraisal.
The Oldsmobile 455 is practically indestructible.
My bro-in-law was a paramedic and would work part time at the Gainesville drag strip when the drag racing school was in session. (Skip Barber, I think).
The rails they used were powered by Olds 455’s and did they ever beat the living crap out of them but no matter how much abuse they took they always came back for more.