Big Block 455/TH350 3-Speed Auto/Custom Wheels/Very Clean

1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

Many believe that Oldsmobile launched the American 'muscle car' in 1949 with the Rocket V-8 engine powering the lightweight 88. In 1964, the muscle-car theme returned with the F-85 Cutlass-based 442 performance package. By this point in history, the automotive landscape had changed considerably especially with Pontiac's GTO. For the 1968 model year, the Oldsmobile 442 (400 CI, 4 barrel carburetion, 2 exhaust pipes) was upgraded from a simple options package to its own separate model. The model is denoted by VINs that start with the digits '344'.

For consignment not your father's Oldsmobile...not by a long shot! This beauty original from New Mexico (can you say hot dry air?) has been taken to task on all aspects with a new big block engine, new convertible top, nice paint, new interior, digital gauges, and some added in lighting just for extra giggles! A true looker, definitely able to create a 1 car parade down Main Street when you go to get groceries, what more could you want?

Exterior
While the body was being restored some obvious filler work had to be completed and was not finished to showroom sharpness. After this process, 2 coats of base and clear were added. Bathed in silver, this exterior is looking presentable for a driver quality restoration. Add on a wraparound black stripe on the end of the front quarter just to highlight the 442 badge, and at this point all re-chroming was initiated, as well as the restorer polishing all the stainless...for days to get the shine needed. A new black canvas convertible top was installed and add on some snappy Aerothruster 3 (from American Racing) color matching wheels wrapped with 225/50ZR17's on front and bigger 255/45ZR17's in back, and coupled with the simplistic design we have a winner!

Interior
Not to be outdone by the exterior, a swing of the doors and the competition begins with tuck and roll triangular patterned upper door panels, and black faux leather pattern vinyl below. Within this field of niceness are all the essentials door actuators, window cranks, and the mirror toggle as well as the armrest, all pristine and ready to welcome you into the seats. Here we have a new interior seating with buckets covered in light gray tuck and roll inserts, and black smooth bolsters. A small headrest resides atop these buckets. Turning our attention to the back a nice newly covered bench in the same pattern as the buckets stretches from side to side. Racing upfront from the bench and between the buckets is a snappy console looking like the factory original. Here we see a futuristic shift lever, and in the glovebox, some stereo control knobs and toggles. The dash is ultra padded black vinyl and has some aftermarket gauges hanging below in the form of a speedometer and water and oil gauges. Deep inset gauges and some accent lighting throw in can also be seen. Black carpeting floods the floors, and a rally steering wheel is now installed.

Drivetrain
Talk about mechanical bling, or jewelry for the motor head, a newer 455ci big block painted all gold has been shoehorned in under the hood. Some chromed accenting bolt ons add to the drama with a shiny air cleaner cover, and valve covers. On top is now a 4-barrel carburetor and on back of a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission. This pushes power rearward to a 10-bolt rear axle. All looking very fine.

Undercarriage
Fully stripped and restored adding the power disc brakes to the front (which was an option in keeping with originality) new suspension, with Hotchkis sway bars, a rebuilt rear axle with new seals and gaskets, and a Flowmaster exhaust and all is looking very nice underneath. Also added accenting LED lighting is neatly installed here too.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter with the push of a button, and eager to get to the test track we were off in a blaze of glory, where we experienced wonderful acceleration, a smooth ride with barely detectable shifting and fine handling. I noticed the heater blower is in op, however all else was working great.

I'd have to say this is a really great example of the Olds 442, well done and added on features, new interior, and beautiful paint, custom wheels and the big block 442. Some 1968 muscle for you to flex...there's gonna be a gun show just stay tuned!

VIN DECODE
344678M449344
3-Oldsmobile
44-442
67-2 Door Convertible
8-1968
M-Lansing, MI
449344-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
07C
ST 68 33637-1968 Cutlass Convertible
BDY LAN45421-Lansing Body #
TR 940-Black
PNT R2-Scarlet, Black Top

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.