1987 Oldsmobile 442 - T-tops - Teal Blue - Only 37k Miles - Rare Car! on 2040-cars

1987 Olds 442

Looking to own a rare piece of history?  This is it!

·       1987 was the last year of production for the rear wheel drive 442 and the only year for 120 MPH speedometer for G body cars.

·       Only 4,208 were produced for 1987. 

·       Of the 4208 produced, only 1,111 came with T-Tops.

·       Of those produced with T-Tops only roughly 277 were produced in this color (Teal Blue). 

·       Of the roughly 277 Teal Blue T-Top cars, how many had blue interior?  Blue interior is seldom seen and it is estimated less than half or 138 were produced with blue interior as the grey interior is much more commonly seen.

·       This car is equipped with G80-Anti spin Posi Rear End 3.73, Power Windows, Power Locks, Cruise Control, Power Truck Release, Rear Defroster, Power Antenna, AM/FM/Cassette with 5 Band Equalizer, Tilt Wheel and more.

·       Of those produced, how many are left?  Maybe half?  Nobody really knows but they are certainly rare commodity! 

A little history…the 442 name was revived in 1985 on the rear-wheel drive G-body Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme due to the demise of Oldsmobile and Hurst's official collaboration on the Hurst/Olds but Oldsmobile wanted to continue to offer a performance-oriented Cutlass model to the public. The name was now defined as referring to the car's 4-speed 200r4 automatic transmission, 4-barrel carburetor and 2 exhausts. This W42 model replaced the 1983 and 1984 Hurst/Olds model and used the same 5.0 L LG8 V8. The shifter was mounted on the floor in a console between the front seats, and the upgraded F41 suspension package was included. 3,000 were produced in the first year, and all were sold quickly. 4,273 were produced for 1986, and 4,208 were made in 1987.

All 1985 and 1986 442s used the already-sporty Cutlass Salon model as their base platform. Due to cost concerns, for 1987 it was decided they would use the less-expensive Cutlass Supreme model to base the 442 on. The package included a beefier drivetrain, 15 X 7 fully chromed styled-steel wheels with gold trim, manually inflated air shocks in the rear, special paint scheme (always silver at the bottom) and gold body stripe decal package, dual-snorkel air cleaner with chrome lid, mandatory A/C and door panel 442 emblems. With few exceptions (vinyl tops, painted pinstripes, chrome outside mirrors and wire wheel covers, for example), 442s could be ordered with much of the optional equipment found on other Cutlass models.

The 1984 Hurst/Olds and 1985–87 442 were equipped with an 8.5" GM corporate differential and all were equipped with 3.73:1 ring and pinion final drive gears. Rather than using the weaker 7.5" rear differential found in the Monte Carlo SS, these models used the same stout unit found in the Buick Grand National. Interestingly enough, many 442s (and G-body Hurst/Olds) did not come with RPO G80 (limited-slip). This was, in large part, due to dealer ordering "packages" that grouped popular options together for ease of ordering. Problem was, G80 was not part of a single one of those popular option packages, but could be added "a la carte." For the most part, performance-savvy dealers and customers were the only ones opting for the limited-slip.

The 1983–84 Hurst/Olds and 1985–87 442's are distinguishable by there being a "9" as the engine code found in the 8th character of their VIN's. These were the only models to get the hotter VIN 9 307 cubic inch engine, and it was the only engine available. From 1983–1985, this engine was flat-tappet valve train, and rated at 180 hp/240 lb·ft torque. In 1986, the 307 engine received a roller-camshaft valve train and new swirl-port heads to improve economy and low-end torque. HP dropped to 170, with torque climbing to 255LBS FT. The 1985 442 used an OZ code THM 200-4R transmission (as did the 1983–84 Hurst/Olds). Both 1986 and 1987 442 used the KZF code THM 200-4R. The KZF removed much of the shift harshness of the original OZ coded transmissions, but were still firmer than the run-of-the-mill overdrive transmissions used in the rest of Oldsmobile's lineup.

It was not possible to get any Cutlass with the VIN '9' engine without ordering the 442 appearance and handling package, so that is probably the most reliable indicator of the cars authenticity. 

There are differences between the years, but some of the things to look for to identify a real 442 (instead of a clone) are:

The eighth digit of the VIN should be "9".
RPO code W42 on the RPO sticker (located in the trunk-lid).
Dual snorkel air cleaner with a chrome cover.
Dual outlet exhaust system.
1987 (Only) will have a 120 mph speedometer (non-Canadian cars).
8.5" Ring Gear in 3.73:1 ratio differential (anti-spin optional).

This car has all of these identifiers and the G80 anti-spin option!

The 1987 Olds 442 is far rarer than the comparable G bodies offered by Pontiac, Buick and Chevrolet.

The car was purchased originally here in the Chicago suburbs and has remained here its entire life. This is an original paint car, adult owned and no wrecks ever.  That being said, the car does have a few small blemishes in the paint but it is all original paint car that is 27 years old but is in great shape for a survivor.  The original owners (a mature couple) owned and maintained this car up until two years ago.  The second owner only drove it about 400 miles during his ownership. 

The AC works (changed over to R134) but Freon needs to be added during the summer months.  Recent updates include new heater core, tires, headliner and exhaust.  The car has a 2 1/2 inch Flow Master exhaust that sounds significantly better than stock with a deep throaty rumble that was installed by the previous owner.  The car sounds amazing and runs perfect.  The car turns heads everywhere it goes!  The smog system has been disconnected and the transmission cross-member was notched to make it fit.  I originally thought I would change it back but the car sounds so good I decided keep it as is.  A brand new cross-member can be had for less than $100 should you desire to return the exhaust to stock. The car still retains 7 of 8 of the original spark plug wires, springs (connectors) from the factory attached to the calipers (these are usually discarded when taking your car into a brake repair facility –very rare to see these still attached after all these years) and the original air shocks from the factory.  The car stops correctly, shifts correctly and drives down the road true and straight.  All the options work including the power antenna!  The engine bay is very clean and the interior is absolutely amazing!  There are no tears in the seat or cracks in the dash.  Even the center console lid is still like new from the factory (very common to see these lids broken in other cars). This is a very original car. 

This is one of those cars that does not come around very often if ever again.  This car does have the “9” in the VIN, the 120 MPH speedometer and the RPO sticker in the trunk to verify it is an authentic and true 442.  Better yet, it has the uncommon G80 posi option!  I have the original window sticker, sales invoice, original leather T-Top bags, original floor mats and maintenance paperwork since new.  I also have the names, phone numbers and addresses of the two former owners.  This information and documentation will be provided to the new owner and caretaker of this piece of history.  This car is a true time capsule!!! 

Whether you intend to get this coupe out on the road, take it to shows and events, or just enjoy its presence in your collection - any time spent with this car is sure to bring moments of pure bliss. This is not a car for the shy, as it gets complements everywhere it goes and invokes memories from admirers.  This car is a head turner everywhere I have taken it. It truly is a joy to drive.

Inquiries welcome and inspections encouraged.  Bid to own.  I will not disclose my reserve and there is no buy it now price.  Make your best bid.

I am not desperate, I would like to sell the car but I do not have to sell the car. 

No joy rides.  Test drives will only be permitted to serious buyers with cash in hand to purchase the car.  The car is titled in my name and will be transferred at the time of sale but not before funds have cleared my bank unless US currency is presented for payment.  No checks of any kind unless they are a bank certified check.  The car will not leave my premises and the title will not be transferred until all funds have cleared my bank.

As in all Used Cars, It is being Sold As-Is and Where Is. No Warrantees are Expressed or Implied. Please keep in mind, it is a 27 year old car that has been driven and enjoyed, it is not a new car.  I have provided the information on this car to the best of my knowledge. 

Transportation, repairs or costs after the sale, including Taxes, Insurance, Registration Fees, Smog Issues, are the sole responsibility of the Buyer. I reserve the right to end the auction at any time as the vehicle is for sale elsewhere.  If you have less than 10 feedback please contact me before making offer or buying. I reserve the right to cancel any and all bid(s). US sales only. Buyer is to make a $500 non-refundable deposit within 24 hours of sale and the balance in full within 5 days of sale.  Paypal accepted for deposit only.  I will assist with loading for transportation services.