Frame Off Restored Magazine Featured 442 400 4 Speed

It's a shame so many enthusiasts overlook Oldsmobile when shopping for an A-Body toy. 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 roads. This magazine featured 442 sports coupe is a prime example of Oldsmobile's 'bar brawler in a tuxedo' philosophy. With an original 400 cubic inch Rocket V8, a tough 4-speed manual transmission and a stripped down look that swaps middle-of-the-road sophistication for 60s stock car simplicity, it's one of the most thorough and accurate 442 restorations we've ever seen. If you're looking for a documented, investment grade muscle car that'll bring home big trophies and an even bigger return, this stunning Oldsmobile is the A-Body you've been waiting for!

This awesome coupe comes with extensive documentation. Below, I've outlined the original window sticker that's included with the sale.

4477 -- 442 SPORTS COUPE -- V8 : $3,141

* COLOR: 69 (Platinum)
* TRIM: 947 (White)

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* A02: Soft Ray tinted windshield ($26.33)
* A52: Bench seat (-$68.46)
* B32: Front floor mats ($7.37)
* B33: Rear floor mats ($7.16)
* B93: Chrome door edge moldings ($5.27)
* C56: Flo-Thru-Body ventilation ($15.80)
* M20: Fully synchronized, wide ratio 4-speed which includes Hurst competition floor shifter ($00)
* N34: Custom sport steering wheel ($15.80)
* P01: Wheel discs ($21)
* U63: Deluxe pushbutton radio ($69.51)

DESTINATION CHARGE $145

VEHICLE TOTAL: $3,570.58

Assembled in Fremont, California during the third week of January, 1969 and shipped to Gateway Motors in Fargo, North Dakota, this spectacular Oldsmobile is one of only 2,475 '69 442 sports coupes ever produced and one of only 1,267 so equipped with a manual transmission. Not long ago, the car underwent a professional, frame-off restoration in which none of its bolts were left unturned and all its panels were massaged to better-than-factory condition. And today, six figures later, it's a razor sharp GM muscle car which intimidates like a cruise missile and shines like the family's best silver. Yes, those ARE original body panels you're staring down. Yes, that IS a correct coat of GM code 69 Platinum Metallic paint you're admiring. And YES, that is a correct B-pillar you just noticed in the car's profile.

Like all third generation GM 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 bright chrome bumper hangs clear parking lights below a black, stainless trimmed grille which frames a silver “442” emblem and four original T3 headlights. At the sides of those headlights, slick stainless trim traces both the car's fender lines and wheel openings; and behind those headlights, a 'power bulge' hood is accented by gloss black pin stripes and traditional chrome louvers. At the top of the car, like-new glass is framed by a nice combination of well-maintained stainless and fresh chrome drip rails. And at the sides of the car, traditional chrome door handles perfectly complement a spotless driver's side mirror, bold “442” fender emblems and cool Oldsmobile rocket marker lights. Out back, the car's smooth decklid hangs a large “442” emblem, a fresh Hurst emblem and another gloss black pin stripe above pristine, rocket inspired tail lights. And a broad, show worthy chrome bumper aligns crystal clear reverse lights with polished, 442-specific trumpet exhaust tips.

Lift the hood on this rare 1968 Oldsmobile and you'll find an original 400 cubic inch Rocket V8 which is branded with a correct, 442-specific 396026G casting number and a correct 39Z117939 partial VIN stamp. Since Oldsmobile blocks are devoid of date codes we can use that partial VIN, which translates as a 1969 (9) Oldsmobile (3) engine that was assembled in Fremont, California (Z) and installed in a car with the last six VIN digits of 117939, to authenticate the car's status as a real deal, numbers matching 442. Professionally rebuilt and fully detailed, the hot V8 is a super-efficient wedge head design which utilizes a standard stroke and undersquare bore to create a stout 350 horsepower and 440 lb./ft. of torque. Stomp the throttle and a big Rochester Quadrajet carburetor mixes juice from new stainless fuel lines with wind from a new Fire Red single snorkel air cleaner, and shoves it into a correct cast iron intake manifold. At the sides of that intake, original Oldsmobile “C” heads hang above restored cast iron exhaust manifolds which make quick work of spent gases; and behind that carburetor, a correct points distributor sends fire through fresh Packard TV R Suppression wires. Cooling is provided by reproduction GM hoses which cycle water through a correct heavy duty radiator. And charging comes courtesy of brand new V-belts which spin a fresh alternator and a factory correct power steering pump behind a standard four blade mechanical fan. Aesthetically, the car's satin black inner fenders and correct Bronze block look fantastic against its Platinum Silver exterior paint. And the entire engine bay, from its correct hose clamps and rebuilt brake booster to its correct washer fluid tank and tagged Delco Energizer battery, features a full set of decals and grease marks which provide a factory fresh appearance.

The bottom of this awesome 442 is completely solid and shows no signs of significant wear and tear or question inducing battle scars. Behind the wicked 400, the car's original 4-speed transmission, which wears a correct 3925660 Muncie casting number and a Muncie (P) M20 (A) assembled on July (K) 3rd (03) of 1969 (9) build stamp, sends power to stout 12 bolt rear end that's equipped with pavement melting 3.42 gears. At the center of the car, exhaust flows through an aluminized true dual system to a free breathing H-pipe crossover, great sounding Flowmaster dual chamber mufflers and trumpeted stainless tips. And at the corners of the car, 15 inch painted steel wheels spin vintage looking G60-15 Goodyear Polyglas GT tires around Oldsmobile branded 'poverty' caps. Standard fare for the 442 trim was a factory heavy duty suspension which included beefy double A-arms with thicker coils and better shocks up front and a triangulated four link suspension with boxed lower control arms, thicker coils, better shocks and a standard sway bar in back. Braking is provided by stalwart and reliable drums at all four corners. Turns come courtesy of a correct, factory optioned power steering system. And everything from this Oldsmobile's original, rust free floorpans to its straight frame and correct driveline and suspension is restored to a trophy winning level of detail.

Inside this 442, you'll find an original GM code 947 Parchment Morocceen vinyl interior which is both comfortable and appealing. At the center of the car, optional stainless trimmed bench seats sit on like-new black carpet which is protected by heavy duty rubber floor mats. In front of those seats, a warp-free dash hangs familiar 442 wood trim between both the car's original Oldsmobile transistor radio and a modern, satellite capable Panasonic CD player. At the base of those seats, a “442” branded Hurst shifter barks the tires and rows the gears. At the sides of those seats, great looking black and Parchment door panels are decorated with good looking stainless trim, clean chrome handles and stylish Oldsmobile rocket emblems. In front of the driver, an optional custom sport steering wheel is centered on a striking Oldsmobile horn button. And behind the cockpit, two Pioneer speakers hang over a fully restored trunk which is correctly outfitted with a new houndstooth mat, fresh decklid decals and a correct jack and spare tire.

Documentation for this killer Oldsmobile includes the car's original window sticker, the car's original owner's manual, vintage marketing materials, a small restoration album, and a copy of the car's feature in Muscle Car Milestones.

Tired of the same old Chevelles and GTOs you can find anywhere, anytime? Then take a close look at this phenomenal 1969 442 sports coupe! Fully restored and highly documented, 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 a little different, this rare A-Body is the perfect investment!