Frame Up Restored Midnight Blue Cutlass 442 400 V8 TH400 12 Bolt PS A/C

SUMMARY

* Recent partial restoration
* Original 400 cubic inch Rocket V8 / 350 horsepower
* Original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
* Factory Frigidaire air conditioning
* Factory power steering
* Factory power drum brakes
* Correct heavy duty suspension
* Era-correct Midnight Blue Metallic paint
* Correct Black interior
* Chrome Styled Steel wheels

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It's a real shame that so many enthusiasts overlook Oldsmobile when shopping for an awesome classic. Big block Chevelles and aggressively styled GTOs seem to be naturals when it comes to muscle car wish lists. But, in reality, GM's 'more proper' divisions created some of the nastiest stoplight warriors ever unleashed on American streets. Oldsmobile, the General's humble technology division, definitely did its fair share to glorify the rise of Detroit. And this numbers-matching coupe is a prime example of their much lauded 'bar brawler in a tuxedo' sales mentality. Featuring an original drivetrain, an intense Midnight Blue on Black color combination and an impressive, frame-up restoration, this Olds is one of the coolest A-Bodies on the planet! And if you're looking for a solid, road-ready classic that'll turn heads and bring home trophies, it's your round-trip rocket ride to the moon!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Despite its late March build date, workers at GM's Lansing, Michigan production facility undoubtedly let their thoughts drift to summer as this rich coupe rolled down their assembly line. With a striking combination of modernist appeal and open road prowess, it's virtually impossible to picture this Texas-bound Olds in anything other than a happy summer landscape. Not long ago, the car underwent a professional restoration, during which all of its panels were stripped and massaged to better-than-factory condition. An era-correct layer of Midnight Blue Metallic urethane was sealed in modern clear, detailed with painted pinstripes and buffed to an admirable shine. And today, this 442 is a razor-sharp muscle car that intimidates like a cruise missile and shines like the family's best silver.

ENGINE

Hoist the car's mirrored hood and you'll find a correct and equally rare 400 cubic inch Rocket V8, which is branded with a 442-specific 390925F casting number and “V215830G” assembly stamp. Since pre-68 Rocket blocks are devoid of VIN stamps, we can use that assembly code, which translates as 400 cubic inch (V) high compression (G) engine number 215830, to validate this coupe's status as a real-deal, numbers-matching 442. Professionally rebuilt and fully detailed, the hot V8 is a super-efficient wedge head design that utilizes a standard stroke and undersquare bore to create stout 10.5 to 1 compression, 350 horsepower and 440 lb./ft. of stump-pulling torque. Stomp the throttle and a big Rochester Quadrajet mixes juice from new stainless fuel lines with wind that's supplied by a chrome, single-snorkel air cleaner. At the sides of that carb, correct “C” branded heads hang above restored, cast iron exhaust manifolds, which make quick work of spent gases. And at the back of those heads, a correct points distributor sequences spark through high quality Taylor plug wires. Aesthetically, this Oldsmobile's Satin Black fenders and correct Bronze block look fantastic against its deep Midnight paint. And the entire engine bay, from its pliable hoses and Delco Moraine brake booster to its tagged Delco battery and vintage Frigidaire AC compressor, features a clean, mostly-correct appearance.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The bottom of this awesome 442 is completely solid, showing no signs of undue wear or question-inducing battle scars. The aforementioned Rocket 400 fronts a 400 of another sort: a rugged Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed that's pinned with a correct 1967 (67) 442 (OG) assembly tag. That proven transmission sends power to a stout 12-bolt that's equipped with fun, road-friendly gears. That driveline hangs in a mandatory heavy duty suspension, which includes better shocks, thicker coil springs, reinforced control arms and a standard rear sway bar. Power-assisted drums provide braking, while turns come courtesy of factory-correct power steering. At the center of the car, crimped Gardner pipes funnel spent gases through great-sounding turbo mufflers and polished stainless tips. And Styled Steel wheels spin G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sport redlines around rocket-branded center caps.

INTERIOR

Inside this impressive Olds, you'll find a correct Black interior that's both comfortable and appealing. At the center of the car, stainless-trimmed seats ride on fresh black carpet that's protected by “442” branded floor mats. At the sides of those seats, clean door panels center modernist armrests in bright chrome handles and straight stainless trim. A warp-free dash, professionally restored by Just Dashes, hangs a correct AM/FM radio over small Auto Meter accessory gauges. At the base of that dash, an optional console frames a stylish, single-gate shifter in boxy trim. In front of the driver, a chrome-trimmed steering wheel laps a tilting column. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk anchors a full-size spare tire between clean decklid decals and a fresh gray mat.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Vintage marketing materials
* A vintage Car & Driver article
* An original Owner's Manual
* A vintage Facts & Features Manual
* A vintage Wiring Diagram Manual
* A copy of one of the car's previous titles
* A 442 fender cover

Tired of the same old Chevelles and GTOs you can find anywhere, anytime? Then take a close look at this phenomenal 442! Fully restored and ready to roll, it's a super cool classic that's poised to turn heads and win fans. Whether you're an emphatic Oldsmobile collector, or a serious muscle car aficionado who just wants something a little different, this cool A-Body is the perfect investment!