Documented Thornton Restored Numbers Matching 442 W30 455 V8 M22 4 Speed

SUMMARY

Body-off restoration completed in 2012 / Restored by 442 experts Thornton Classics
Original 455 cubic inch Rocket V8
Original Muncie Rock Crusher 4-speed manual transmission
Original sheetmetal / Correct Ebony Black paint / White stripes
Correct Black interior / Modern audio
Sale includes an original Build Sheet
14-inch chrome Magnum 500 wheels
12-bolt rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears
Correct heavy duty suspension
Correct front disc and rear drum brakes

In the golden age of American muscle, the 442 was the ultimate option for sophisticated enthusiasts. And today, when you're looking to grab a piece of Detroit's finest iron without closing out your retirement, a numbers-matching Oldsmobile is one of the smartest purchases on the market. There's no reason a blue chip classic should cost more than the mortgage on your house. And there's ABSOLUTELY no reason spending six figures of your hard earned money shouldn't get you a distinguished show topper like this incredible W-30. The beneficiary of a body-off restoration that was conducted by 442 experts Thornton Classics, this striking Olds pairs an original, 455 cubic inch V8 with an original Rock Crusher 4-speed and original sheetmetal that reflects correct Black on Black aesthetics. And if you're the kind of gearhead who likes to take their hardware to the show, it's the lust worthy trophy king you've been saving for!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Assembled in Lansing, Michigan during the second week of May, 1971, this awesome Oldsmobile is an impeccably maintained classic that still features all of its original sheetmetal. According to previous owners, the car was stashed in storage from 1976 to 2010. In 2012, it was shipped to 442 experts Thornton Classics of Telford, Pennsylvania for a professional, body-off restoration. During that extensive rebuild, the car's solid profile was decked in correct Ebony Black base, trimmed with classy White stripes and sealed in glossy clear. And today, this Oldsmobile rolls as one razor-sharp coupe that mixes minimalist looks with a no-nonsense demeanor.

Like all second generation A-bodies, the 442 continued to get better year after year. The car's clean, boxy 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 this coupe, a 442-specific grille centers monochromatic "442" lettering between stainless-trimmed T3 headlights and a bright chrome bumper that's finished with clear parking lamps. At the top of that grille, a fiberglass ram air hood anchors chrome lanyards in front of a chip-free greenhouse, which rides behind straight stainless trim. At the sides of that hood, traditional GM handles and color-keyed sport mirrors perfectly complement clean marker lamps, dent-free wheel rings and a slick combination of "442" and "W-30" fender emblems. And at the back of the car, an angled decklid hangs a large wing above monochromatic "442" lettering, a second chrome bumper, silver-trimmed taillights and correct, trumpeted exhaust tips.

ENGINE

It's not immediately apparent why this Olds' body carries so much sizzle; that is, until you see what's under its hood. Twist the locks, fling the resin and you'll find 455 cubic inches of Rocket V8 that hang a correct 396021F casting number over a matching partial VIN. Stomp the throttle and a restored Quadrajet 4-barrel mixes juice from leak-free fuel lines with wind from a correct W-30 air cleaner, and shoves it in to a correct aluminum intake. At the back of that intake, a traditional points distributor feeds fire through proven Packard TV R Suppression Cables, which snake around original "H" heads and stamped and painted valve covers. Below those covers, freshly restored exhaust manifolds shoot charred dinosaurs in to big, true-dual pipes. Mechanically, the standard-bore mill is all day reliable, spinning 460 lb./ft. of pavement-melting torque from an original cam, an original crank, and one of the largest and most powerful valvetrains ever created. Aesthetically, familiar plastic fenders and Metallic Blue block skin look fantastic against the car's Ebony body. There's a roster of high quality ancillaries that includes fresh stamps, fresh decals, pliable GM hoses, a correct alternator and a modern, Delco-topped battery. And the entire set up is, according to the car's previous owner, comprised exclusively of original and NOS components.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The bottom of this awesome 442 is clean, solid and better than factory-fresh. The aforementioned Rocket 455 fronts an original Muncie Rock Crusher, which hangs a correct 3925661 casting number above a Muncie (P) M22 ( C ) assembled on April (D) 21st (21), 1971 (1) build stamp and matching partial VIN. That proven transmission sends power to a stout 10-bolt axle, which employs big, 3.73 gears and a posi-traction differential. That smooth driveline rides a familiar heavy-duty suspension, which, along with the car's chassis, was thoroughly stripped, painted and detailed during the body-off reboot. Solid stops are provided by rebuilt front disc and rear drum brakes. Turns come courtesy of a familiar Saginaw gearbox, which floats inside an old school manual steering rack. At the center of the car, a throaty exhaust system funnels spent gases through baritone turbo mufflers. And everything rolls on chrome Magnum 500s, which spin G70-14 Goodyear Polyglas Custom Wide Treads around rocket-branded center caps.

INTERIOR

Inside this impressive coupe you'll find a correct Black interior that, in the realm of performance-focused muscle cars, is both classy and upscale. At the center of the car, stainless-trimmed seats ride on fresh carpet that's protected rugged Oldsmobile floor mats. At the sides of those seats, clean door panels center familiar GM armrests in bright chrome handles, straight stainless trim and fresh wood applique. A wood-trimmed dash hangs deluxe Rally Pack telemetry above direct-fit, MP3-compatible audio. At the base of that dash, a factory console frames a broad Hurst shifter. In front of the driver, a Sport Steering Wheel laps a bright rocket emblem. And behind the passengers, a restored and decaled trunk anchors a fifth Magnum wheel and fifth Goodyear tire between a small light, correct tools and a fresh mat.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

In addition to an original Build Sheet that confirms this handsome Olds's status as a real-deal W30, a simple decode of the car's VIN and Cowl Tag confirms its status as an authentic 442.

VIN: 344871M196532

3: Oldsmobile Motor Division
44: 442 V8
87: 2-door Holiday coupe
1: 1971 model year
M: Assembled in Lansing, Michigan
196532: Production Sequence Number

COWL TAG:

71: 1971 model year
3: Oldsmobile Motor Division
44: 442 V8
87: 2-door Holiday coupe
LAN: Assembled in Lansing, Michigan
401021: Plant Sequence Number
930: Black interior that's finished with bucket seats
19: Ebony Black lower body paint
19: Ebony Black upper body paint
05B: Assembled during the second week (B) of May (05), 1971

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

The aforementioned Build Sheet

This pristine coupe is certainly one of the nicest Oldsmobiles we've ever featured. And most diehard 442 fans will agree that 1971 was a high-water mark in terms of styling, performance and exclusivity. With a fresh restoration and numbers-matching drivetrain, nothing will deter this classic from being both a rocket on the street and a winner at the show. If you're an enlightened enthusiast who's looking for the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique, blue chip muscle car, take a close look at this sweet Olds!