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1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 *SOLD*


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*SOLD*

 

This incredible 1970 Olds 442 showed up earlier this week and the more I looked at the more impressive it became. If you're a numbers junkie like I am, it will light up every neuron in your head and beyond that, it's simply a beautifully restored car that's an absolute thrill to drive. But let's just get the highlights out of the way first:

  • It's a real-deal W-30, documented with TWO original broadcast cards.
  • It's a 4-speed, one of only 1032 4-speed W-30s built in 1970.
  • It's got a factory W-27 aluminum rear end housing with 3.91 gears inside, one of only 355 built and one of perhaps only 175 or so with 3.91 gears.
  • It comes with a complete ownership history back to day one, with names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the previous owners.

I'll break it down even more, just for you guys who dig this stuff: Open the original W-25 fiberglass ram air hood and you'll find a correct 396021 engine block with both "F" markings, top and bottom. The heads are W-30 F-code "hi-po" big valve units, casting number 404438. Exhaust manifolds are original "W" and "Z" castings. The carburetor is a correct 7040256, which is unique to the W-30 with a 4-speed manual transmission. The intake manifold is a 406115 casting with "OLDS W-455 cast into its face, which is correct for cars built after January 1, 1970, and this car was built on February 24, 1970. The transmission is a correct M21 4-speed with build code POB16B and the VIN stamped into the right side (OM277243). The W-27 aluminum differential carries code SZ, which is 3.91 gears on a Posi and it is date-coded to late 1969.

 

The only possible demerit on the car? It isn't the original block, but it is date-code correct and obviously every effort was made to ensure that aside from the numbers stamped into the pad, it's as accurate as it was rolling off the assembly line in 1970.

 

Now, the good news is that it's also gorgeous. Sherwood Green was the car's original color and it was refinished a few years ago to show standards. The white stripes were painted on, not decals, and it was all buried under the clear for a super-seamless look and feel. There are three or four small nicks on the nose that have been touched up, because the car has been driven a bit since the restoration was completed, but you really need to get close to see them. The doors open and close effortlessly, the trunk pops open on its original springs, even with that heavy wing on it, and the hood uses proper twist-type locks. The sheetmetal is all original and in spectacular condition with nary a ripple or wave anywhere on the car. It's just jaw-dropping in person.

 

The interior is green vinyl buckets, but as Olds fans know, upscale was the name of the game, so they're textured and very elegant-looking. Burled walnut appliques dress up the interior and as an Oldsmobile, there's a more luxurious feel than in a Chevelle or GTO. Much of the sound-deadening materials were removed with the W-30 package, but this sucker is still quiet, smooth, and tight going down the road and I'm simply astounded by how easy it is to drive, how smooth, how composed, and how effortless everything feels. I can't believe Oldsmobile's nastiest muscle car feels so much like my new Cadillac. The gauges were restored, including the rare Tick-Tock-Tach, which I almost didn't notice the first time I drove the car, simply because the needle is so subtle. There's a factory AM/FM radio but with the 4-speed, A/C was not available, so don't ask. Everything you can see or touch is new, the Hurst shifter has the correct reverse-gear locking mechanism tied into the steering column, and the back seat looks completely unused. The trunk is outfitted with a full-sized spare and wheel assembly and a reproduction mat set.

 

I've already mentioned the engine's vitals, but it's also beautiful under the hood. Few muscle cars were more colorful than the 442 W-30, what with its standard lightweight red inner fenders and corporate blue engine enamel. Up top there's a fully functional vacuum-actuated ram air system (you can hear it snap open when you turn off the car) and I can see no notable modifications of any sort. Power brakes were also MIA when you ordered a W-30 4-speed, mostly because the big cam inside the engine isn't very good at making vacuum. However, I have to say that it runs like no other vintage performance car with 500 pounds of torque that I've ever driven. It idles smoothly, it isn't cranky when it's cold, and yes, there's a ton of power on tap in any gear at any speed, but it never shakes or wobbles at idle. It's quite impressive. The 4-speed ratchets through the gears like a bolt-action rifle and clutch action is light with no chatter at all. The undercarriage is highly detailed with minor signs of use, and Olds experts are likely salivating at the sight of that W-27 rear end, which is all aluminum, not just an aluminum cover, and was available only in 1970. The advantages were lighter weight, cooler running, and increased fluid capacity, but getting one was expensive (it was only available on cars with multiple other options like the W-30) so there weren't many takers. Today, this rear axle is worth somewhere between $10,000 and $20,000 all by itself, so take that into consideration when evaluating the car. The exhaust is a reproduction setup with the factory-style trumpets poking out of the rear bumper and there are NOS spiral shocks at the corners. Correct, restored 14-inch SSII wheels are fitted with 245/60/14 BFG radials, and this is the only thing I'd change, because it really needs a set of Goodyear Polyglas bias-plys like the spare.

 

There's a book of receipts with the car that's easily four inches thick. There are a bunch of spare parts included with the car, including a second set of shocks, original AM radio, and other details. You also get decades of 442 documentation, manuals, booklets, articles, and photos.

 

Whew! I'm exhausted, but this is one heck of a car. I spent a lot of time researching all the details on this car because I knew the guys who love the 442s would look at it very closely. Everything is exactly right, and if not for the NOM block, this would be a $125,000 car. Beautiful to look at, insanely fast and wonderful to drive, and full of papers that will delight the numbers guys, it's worth every penny of $74,900 and it's ready to rock right now. Thanks for looking!

 

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Edited by Matt Harwood (see edit history)
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