1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 Convertible ... Documented Pace Car From Dover Downs on 2040-cars

I’ve had this car since 1987 when I was 15. Since then, I've had a blast, even wearing out a set or two of tires. I put on a new set (about 1000 miles on them) and now it's ready for someone to hop in and enjoy the good weather or, better yet, give it the restoration it deserves - whose turn is it?

With all the hubbub about 1970 Olds 4-4-2 W-30 convertibles, you’d think they were close to the top in the pecking order of ultimate muscle cars, but here's the strange thing – that’s only for 4-speeds. There’s few muscle cars whose 4-speeds cost so much more than the automatics, making the 1970 4-4-2 W-30 convertible an anomaly of sorts. Few of us have $300,000 to spend on a 4-speed ragtop, making this automatic-equipped W-30 convertible a relative bargain and desirable for mortals like you and me.

And why not? Here’s what makes this Olds convertible stand out: 

•         Dover Downs "Monster Mile" provenance: documented as being the car used to pace the races in 1970

•          Color combination: gorgeous white with blue top/interior/stripes

•          Loaded with options: AC, PW, power trunk, SSII rims, console, speed-minder, accessory hood lock (missing), AM/FM Stereo, 3.23 gears with Posi, and more

I’ve had Olds expert Steve Minore help me out some things, and he can vouch for what the car is as presented by me. Here’s the good: 

•          Real 4-4-2 W-30 convertible with #s matching everything but carb and distributor

•          Original, authentic factory-installed/matching VIN-stamped engine and OW transmission

•          Original OAI ram air breather

•          Correct F-heads, OLDSMOBILE 455 aluminum intake, and "W & Z" manifolds on the motor

•          Original date-coded wheels

Some demerits: 

•           Front fenders are 1971-72 items, which are the same as the 1970's aside of the inner lip

•          Power steering reservoir may be leaking

•           Distributor is not correct for a W-30. Neither is the carb, apparently being one of those restamps that was floating around in the 1990s.

•           Due to an accident with the first owner, the hood was cracked. I had it fixed during restoration, but stress fractures have begun to appear.

•           Dent on left rear fender, as seen in pics

•           A few paint chips and scratches – ask me and I"ll tell you the story of each!

•          New gaskets possibly needed for exhausts and/or oil leaks

•          Top stopped working but I think it's a connection and not a mechanical issue – just haven"t had time to go through the manual and figure out the wires. Top also has a minor tear or two and should be replaced.

Important other notes: 

•   A TON photos available upon request, including documentation

•   Mileage is about 150-160k or so on body

•   Last few pics in the queue are from 1987 a few months after I bought it (car was baby blue at the time but was originally white)

•   Anything else? JUST ASK! There could be a thing or two I've forgotten to mention, and I want to be as transparent as possible, so please do your due diligence - don't be shy!

I'm not just selling a car - I'm looking for a curator for an absolute jewel of a muscle car. I don't say this because it's mine or because of some marketing puffery, but because it's a gorgeous car that deserves to be given the glory of a super restoration due to its pedigree, history, and color combination (trust me - the photos don't do it justice). This Olds is for the person who has been looking for an authentic 4-4-2 W-30 convertible and isn’t interested in paying crack-smoker prices for a 4-speed. The 4-4-2 is tired and will need a restoration, but a new owner skilled in mechanics should be able to bring it up to snuff and enjoy the rest of the summer with a minimum of effort, although it's drivable now. This car is market-priced and is the perfect way for an Olds fan to get into the ultimate Olds muscle car. Car is an hour north of NYC, and I'm currently out West but can arrange to have the car shown.

Please note that the winning bid beyond the reasonable reserve means the sale is binding and final. This 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 convertible is sold as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. I have described this vehicle to the best of my ability with the intention of full disclosure, but the potential buyer must bear the responsibility of asking any questions that haven't already been answered. I will not release my reserve price. If you have less than 10 feedback on eBay. please contact me to request permission to bid. Please read the terms & conditions of the sale carefully before bidding. You may inspect this vehicle before the end of the auction, but winning this auction does not mean you can come and inspect and decide you do not want to buy it. I reserve the right to sell the vehicle privately and end the auction early. A nonrefundable $1000.00 deposit via PayPal is due within 24 hours of the auction close FIRM. Final payment and pickup will be within 10 days unless agreed upon by both parties.

Some historical highlights of my car:

• Leased by Dover Downs before first owner (documented)
• Bought from Kent County Motors by Claude McClure in Dover, DE
• A. Taylor of Christiana, Delaware was the second owner. He was around 19 years old at the time, as far as I know.
• I bought it in 1987 
• 2,933 4-4-2 convertibles built in 1970, with 264 having the W-30 package
• Restored by M&M Restoration in Fairfax. VA around 1990-92 
• Have correspondence with original owner and original selling dealership when doing research in the early-1990s
• Participated in the Pure Stock Musclecar Drag Race in Stanton, Michigan in 1996, plus veteran of the Supercar Showdown
• In 1995, drove it from NJ to CO and back the next year - it has been through over 10 states and Canada! 
• Stored in dry AZ from 2003-04 to 2009