1 of 659 442 W30 L77 Ram Air 455 V8 3 Speed Automatic PS

SUMMARY

* Partial restoration / Largely original
* 1 of 659 442 W-30 coupes produced for the 1972 model year
* 455 cubic inch Rocket V8
* Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
* Factory power steering
* Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Correct FE2 suspension
* Correct Flame Orange paint
* Correct Saddle interior

----------

So, you're looking for some largely original GM muscle that you can enjoy and build a little equity in. Your first thought is to click through our inventory of second generation Chevelles but, restoration-fresh Super Sports easily breach six figures. Then, your mind migrates to team Chevelle's flamboyant cousin: the Pontiac GTO. Problem is, the second generation GTO, with all its stripes and bolt-ons, is just a tad over-the-top. Frustrated, you think: “there's always Buick, but good luck finding a good one”. And then you remember the humble outfit known as Oldsmobile. GM's technology division definitely created some of the nastiest stoplight warriors ever unleashed on American roads. And this mildly restored 442 W-30 is a prime example of their 'bar brawler in a tuxedo' philosophy. Featuring a 455 cubic inch Rocket V8, a correct 3-speed transmission and flashy looks that swap '70s glam for middle-of-the-road sophistication, it's a car that's nice enough to covet but not so pristine you'll be afraid to hit the road. If you're in the market for a great alternative to GM's traditional stars, there are few cooler cars than this vivid Oldsmobile hardtop!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Assembled in Lansing, Michigan during the fourth week of September, 1971, this awesome Oldsmobile is 1 of only 659 442 W-30 coupes produced for the 1972 model year. Impeccably maintained, the car has never undergone a complete, frame-off restoration; instead attributing its great aesthetics to the help of as-needed refurbishing. Today, almost 43 years after rolling out of the showroom, it's a head turning muscle car that intimidates like a cruise missile and shines like the family's best gold. And yes, that IS a correct combination of metallic Flame Orange and deep Ebony Black you're currently admiring.

Like all second generation A-bodies, the 442 continued to get better year after year. It's clean and modernist lines were no doubt a play on its parent division's engineering leadership within the GM hierarchy, and the resulting design continues to weather exceptionally well. At the front of the car, a black-trimmed grille hangs an orange “442” emblem between halogen headlights, a classy rocket logo and a bright chrome bumper that's complete with clear parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a fiberglass ram air hood leads the eye past twisting locks to clean glass that's framed in straight stainless and capped by correct vinyl. At the sides of that hood, traditional GM handles and accessory door guards perfectly complement dent-free wheel rings, body-matched sport mirrors and a combination of “442” and “W-30” fender emblems. And at the back of the car, a smooth decklid hangs a satin “442” emblem between a large spoiler, stainless exhaust tips and broad chrome bumper that's' complete with silver-trimmed taillights.

ENGINE

Twist the lanyards and you'll find a correct, 455 cubic inch Rocket V8 that centers a familiar 396021F casting number over a matching partial VIN. Stomp the throttle and a big 4-barrel carburetor mixes juice from leak-free fuel lines with wind from a correct, low-restriction air cleaner, and shoves it in to a high performance intake. Behind that intake, a traditional points distributor feeds fire through proven Packard TV R Suppression Cables, which snake around correct “GA” heads and stamped and painted valve covers. Below those covers, cast iron exhaust manifolds shoot charred dinosaurs into big, true-dual pipes. Aesthetically, the car's Satin Black fenders and Metallic Blue block look fantastic against its Flame Orange paint. The stout mill is all day reliable, spinning massive torque from one of the largest and most powerful valvetrains ever created. And the entire set up flat out rocks, from its vintage decals and color-keyed intake springs all the way to its Delco Moraine brake booster and correctly shrouded radiator.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The bottom of this largely original 442 shows no signs of terminal wear or question-inducing battle scars. Behind the wicked 455, a stout Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed, which wears a correct “72-OW” assembly tag, spins power to a tough 10-bolt rear axle that's fitted with a W-27 inspection cover. That drivetrain rides in a correct FE2 suspension that's equipped with better shocks, thicker springs, boxed rear control arms and a standard rear sway bar. Stops are provided by TH400-exclusive power-assisted discs and drums. Turns come courtesy of factory power steering. Spent gases flow through large-diameter, true-dual pipes and great sounding turbo mufflers. At the corners of the car, styled steel wheels spin beefy G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sports around rocket-branded center caps. And everything, from this Oldsmobile's rust-free floorpans to its tagged driveshaft, appears fully sorted and ready to hit the road.

INTERIOR

Inside this old school Olds, you'll find a high quality Saddle interior that appears to be mostly untouched original equipment. At the center of the car, rebuilt bucket and bench seats ride on clean brown carpet that's protected by color-keyed mats. In front of those seats, a warp-free dash hangs familiar 442 wood around correct Rally gauges and a correct AM/FM stereo. At the base of that dash, a full console frames a vintage Hurst shifter. Opposite that console, Saddle door panels are decorated with good-looking stainless, crack-free armrests and more stylish wood trim. In front of the driver, a custom sport steering wheel is centered on a striking rocket horn button. And behind the passengers, a matted trunk hangs aged decklid decals over a correct jack and full-size spare tire.

Tired of the same old Chevelles and GTOs you can find anywhere, anytime? Then take a close look at this killer 442! Fully sorted and highly correct, it's a super cool muscle car that's poised to gain value by the year. Whether you're an emphatic Oldsmobile collector, or a serious muscle car fan who wants something that's a little different, this exclusive A-Body is the perfect choice!