Frame Off Restored 442 Convertible 400 V8 3 Speed Automatic Air Conditioning

Even though the Pontiac GTO may have inspired the muscle car era, there we're plenty of other entrants that were just as cool and just as notable. One such participant, Oldsmobile's sophisticated 442, consistently serves as the foundation for some of the nicest MoTown metal we sell. And when you take a close look at a car like this fabulous drop-top, you'll understand exactly why. Wrapping rich Aztec Gold aesthetics around sedate Saddle vinyl and 400 cubic inches of spry Rocket motor, this Olds is the stuff of legend!

GOLDEN OLDIE

During a professional, body-off restoration that was completed by Harbor Auto Restoration of Rockledge, Florida, this authentic 442 convertible was entirely disassembled and completely stripped of its dull, original pigment. After a bit of hard work, the car's clean body presented itself as an excellent foundation for a slick coat of correct Aztec Gold 2-stage. And today, a close look at our high-resolution photos reveals a handsome payoff in the form of one of the coolest looking muscle cars on the planet!

Straddling the line between luxury and performance, the 442 has always been a stylish ride. At the front of this Olds, a bright chrome bumper hangs clear parking lamps below a stainless-trimmed grille, which frames a silver “442” emblem and bright T3 headlights. At the sides of those lights, slick stainless trim traces the car's fenders while bright wheel liners reflect polished handles, a polished mirror, bold “442” emblems and cool rocket marker lamps. Opposite those lamps, a Power Bulge hood leads the eye to like-new glass, which seats straight stainless frames under correct Black vinyl. And at the back of the car, a second bright bumper aligns crystal clear reverse lamps with rocket-inspired taillights, trumpeted exhaust tips and a fourth “442” emblem.

ROCKIN' ROCKET POWER

Hoist the hood and you'll find a correct, 400 cubic inch Rocket V8 that's branded with a familiar 396026G casting number. A super-efficient wedge head design, that hot V8 utilizes a proven 455 cranktrain to turn stout 10.5 to 1 compression into 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 Fire Red air cleaner. At the sides of that carb, correct “C” branded heads ride above factory cast exhaust manifolds. At the back of those heads, a correct points distributor sequences spark through predictable Packard TV R Suppression cables. Aesthetically, the car's Satin Black fenders and masculine Bronze block look great against their glossy, gilded shell. And the entire engine bay, from its pliable GM hoses and fresh Delco Moraine brake booster to its Delco Energizer battery and old school Frigidaire AC compressor, features a clean, mostly correct appearance.

MO-TOWN MUSCLE

The bottom of this awesome 442 is completely solid, showing no signs of undue wear or question-inducing battle scars. The Rocket 400 fronts a correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed, which is paired to a correct 1969 (69) Oldsmobile 442 400 (OG) assembly tag. That proven transmission sends power to a stout 12-bolt axle, which features a date-correct “R2” assembly stamp. That pumpkin pushes a requisite heavy-duty suspension. Power-assisted stops are provided by a correct combination of calipers and drums. Turns come courtesy of factory power steering. At the center of the car, aluminized pipes funnel spent gases through baritone turbo mufflers. And at the corners, chrome Magnum 500s spin G70-14 Goodyear Polyglas Custom Wide Treads.

SADDLED WITH STYLE

Inside this impressive classic, you'll find a restoration-fresh interior that's both comfortable and appealing. At the center of the car, stainless-trimmed seats ride stain-free carpet, which snugs up to pick-free door panels. In front of those thrones, a warp-free dash hangs factory air conditioning between an old school AM radio and rebuilt factory telemetry. At the base of that dash, a slim console frames a stylish shifter. And in front of the driver, a Sport Steering Wheel laps a factory tilting column.

VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* Service records from the 1980s
* Registrations from the 1990s
* A binder of restoration photos

With striking aesthetics and a sorted restoration, this awesome 442 is a fun classic to cruise in virtually any setting. Factor in the car's correct drivetrain, and you've got one seriously appealing A-Body. It seems that Oldsmobile enthusiasts, much like their favorite cars, are always one small step ahead of their contemporaries. If you're thinking about adding a rocket to your orbit, don't hesitate: the countdown has begun!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Authentic 442 convertible
* The beneficiary of a professional, ground-up restoration
* Correct 400 cubic inch Rocket V8
* Correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
* Correct 12-bolt rear axle
* Factory Frigidaire air conditioning
* Factory power steering
* Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Correct Aztec Gold paint / Correct Black top
* 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels
* Factory heavy-duty suspension
* Restoration photos