There are many factors to consider when assessing the relative worth of a classic requiring restoration. Apart from its overall physical condition and originality, documentation can become a factor in any determination. That is one of the strong points of this 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Sports Coupe. It requires many hours of work, but it is an unmolested vehicle that will head to its new owner with a significant collection of paperwork. They date back to Day One, allowing the buyer to confirm its authenticity and specifications. If a 442 project has been on your radar, you’ll find this one listed here on eBay in Cypress, Texas. Bidding sits at $4,300, although that figure falls short of the reserve. Eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. spotted this promising classic, so thank you for that, T.J.
This 442 exhibits baked paint, a hallmark of vehicles that spent their lives in a dry and harsh climate. It is hard to believe that the faded exterior used to be stunning Target Red, but various more hidden and protected surfaces carry that color. The panels are straight, but the buyer faces rust repairs before picking up their spray gun. Externally, it is visible around the back window, with some also showing on the passenger-side lower rear quarter panel. This second issue shouldn’t be problematic because the seller includes a replacement section. The trunk pan has holes, and it is debatable whether the new owner could apply patches or spend $700 on a complete replacement pan. The seller admits there is rust in the floors but insists they are solid and repairable. For those harboring doubts, they will supply additional photos for further assessment. They removed the trims around the front and rear glass, but they include these pieces and the missing hubcap in the sale. The remaining trim looks restorable, and the glass would be acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.
Considering its exterior state, this classic’s interior condition holds no surprises. It requires a complete retrim, an exercise that will leave no change from $2,000. However, that figure includes virtually everything required to achieve a showroom appearance. The original owner added a few desirable options to make life aboard this Olds a pleasant experience. It features air conditioning, bucket seats, a console, an AM radio, and retracting front seat belts. The seller indicates there are other less obvious inclusions, with that information provided courtesy of the original Dealership paperwork.
While the 442’s interior provided excellent occupant comfort, its drivetrain offered impressive performance potential, courtesy of a 400ci V8 producing 345hp. This car’s original owner added the two-speed Jetaway transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The transmission choice slightly saps this car’s potential, but it would have covered the ¼-mile in 15.8 seconds in its glory days. The Olds doesn’t currently run, although the seller coaxed it into life a few years ago by pouring fuel down its carburetor. Returning it to a running state may not be difficult, but it will take more than a weekend in the workshop to return it to a mechanically roadworthy condition. Helping this classic’s cause from a desirability standpoint is the inclusion of a significant selection of service records, the Owner’s Manual, and the original Protect-O-Plate.
The Oldsmobile 442 was a more luxurious version of a muscle car, offering comfort and performance. The company sold 25,003 examples of the 442 across all variants in 1965, but only 2,262 were the Cutlass Sports Coupe featuring an automatic transmission. That makes this car relatively rare, and the included documentation increases its desirability. Restored to a high standard, the current market suggests it should command a value of $40,000. It deserves to return to its former glory, but are you willing to step up to the plate and accept that challenge?
I happen to own a 64 Cutlass with factory 4 gear and air. When I first got to FL had it to a couple of shops try to get the AC to cool like it should and the 134 just won’t cool like the R12 did in the system. Best guess is the condenser and evaporator design. By the way it’s going for an upgrade as the 330 went a long time ago and the 350 Rocket is tired. Hate me, LS and 5 speed ( fits the transmission tunnel) modern suspension, big brakes and 9″ rear. Going to drive it some more!
Vintage air?
Looks like factory air to me.
You should consider a parallel flow condenser if you upgrade to 134. Their design is more efficient and makes up for the loss of efficiency from the old R12.
Let me tell you what I know and have done a lot of research on the early cars. 442 was the police pursuit package in 1964. The 442 was the last minute label the division applied to the package to sell to the public as a performance car. GTO was already on the market, Olds had the police package and even sold 4 door cars with the option in the A body. The books say 2999 built and that’s it, rare yes. I agree 4 speed, 4bbl and dual exhaust is what Olds sold the first year. The game changer was GM had a 400 CI limit and the 330 wasn’t enough. It was a really was a decent little motor that would wind but valve train was at a steep angle and was corrected late 64. 65 the car became 440CI to keep pace. 442 sounds good so the name stayed. The car I own doesn’t have these little emblems the 64 carried but also part of the package was a dual pulley alternator which my car does possess, didn’t want a broken fan belt to stop a persuit! So they have two to keep the fan alive. Mine may have been a pre option car, don’t see a way to prove that. Enough ramble, anyway a little history of the Oldsmobile muscle car.
Hey Cadmanls, the steering column is already slammed!
I had a ’65 Cutlass convertible with bucket seats, the 400 and a four speed. It wasn’t a 442, but in name only. That car was a blast but it ate starters. I was told the first year for the 400 had a bad exhaust design that cooked them. I sold it in 1977 for $225.
Unless it’s a special order car with an automatic the “442” came stock with 4bbl carb 4speed tranny and 2 bucket seats hence the “442” designation
The 442 option, when introduced in 1964, was named for the 4 barrel, 4 speed, dual exhaust. The bench seat was standard, bucket seats were an option through at least 1972.
As 19Sixty5 says, for ’64 442 stood for 4-speed, four barrels and dual exhaust. For ’65, it changed to 400 cubic inches, four-barrels, and dual exhaust. But so far as I know, the “2” never had anything to do with bucket seats.
So. ls this a 442 or a Cutlass?
It’s a 442! like the seller said there were a few that came with 2 speed Jetaway transmission. I had one!