A seller on eBay has a '70 Matador red 442 for sale in Ashland, Kentucky. Since we are located in eastern Pennsylvania, was wondering if someone closer could possibly take a look at the 442 for us. Thank you, Anthony

 

I am curious. What is a Matador 442? The only Matador I heard of was AMC.

 

It is the name of the color "Matador Red"

 

Thanks

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oldsmobile-4...m=271853511852
Is this the car? It's the only 70 I see close to Ashland KY.
It is in my town. Send me his phone number, and your phone number, and I will look at it if you like. I will go look while we are on the phone and answer any questions you might have.

 

Number 75 in the right hand column.

 

I would like to thank Mike (66luvr) for kindly visiting the location of the 442 and checking the car for us, including giving a live description of the 442 while on his cell phone. This will make it much easier to make an offer on the 442 since we now have a much better description of the body and the running condition of the drive train. Thanks again Mike, it was much appreciated.

 

You're welcome Anthony, hope it helped.
Here is the cowl tag,

 

Hi Mike.


Did you happen to take a photo of the VIN plate? Just trying to determine the assembly plant for the 442, as the trim plate seems to shows "L/N". At first I assumed it was Lansing, but when I checked other Lansing built trim plates, the assembly plant is designated as "LAN". I cannot find anything about an assembly plant indicated as "L/N" on the trim plate.


Thanks,
Anthony

 

No I didn't, they had it listed in an answer to a question and I just "Assumed" it was correct so I didn't check it.
The vin# is: 344870218161
Did you see that? Does it look right?

 

Hi Mike. The VIN noted on the posting is missing the letter designation for the assembly plant. The Trim Plate has "L/N" for the assembly plant, which I have never seen before. If it was built in Lansing, it usually has "LAN" noted on the trim plate. I sent a message to Bill asking for either a photo of the VIN plate or just the correct number so as to see what the VIN has for noted for the final assembly plant. Just one of those things that make the hobby so interesting. Anthony

 

I see the car didn't sell. I see it's missing the deck lid reveal trim, and for some reason the chrome is missing on the dash gauge bezel. Seats are fresh but door panels are not.

Engine has proper E heads, but has clearly got a rattle can paint job. Looks like someone got carried away painting the inner fender liners and painted the + battery cable too. Fenders are correct but overflow is not. Interesting car. Probably worth the money.

 

The VIN does have an "M" for the final Assembly Plant, so the Trim Tag assembly plant indicator should be Lansing (LAN).

 

Very good observations Allan. I had also noticed the chrome missing from the gauge surrounds - never seen it that bad. Maybe they failed to reinstall the deck lid trim during the repaint? The SS-II rim color looks too dark and the center caps are badly faded. I did not notice the overspray paint on the battery cable. Looks like the seat backs were also changed, in addition to the bottom of the rear seat. Thanks

 

It's possible they forgot to reinstall. But they did put the quarter panel trim on. I think they started to put on the deck lid trim and realized the paint was too thick with the repaint. That's not an insurmountable job to fix, but leaving it off when the quarters are done speaks to either laziness or inattention to detail IMO.

I also thought the SSII color was off - it looks black, but that's easy to fix. So are the emblems on the center caps. Something's going on with the drivers side windlace by the quarter window though. There's also overspray on the WW hose.

Doesn't look like the suspension has been touched so you might want to factor in replacing bushings (front and rear) & link kits? I'd want to know how old the rubber parts on the fuel system are too, and if this car comes with maintenance records.

It has those really nice D35 rally sports mirrors and also the standard B80 scalp drip moldings. I've always loved the Matador Red color. My first 72 was that color.

Did you get the confirmation on the VIN error from the seller?