Was inspired by the other thread.

Ranking by year, from top to bottom, equal condition, for 442 values by year, off the top of my head, I'd go:

70
71
64
66-67
65
72
69
68
73-74
85-87
80
78-79
75-77

Not scientific, and feel free to debate it.

 

I was hoping for values in USD.

 

72 needs an asterisk

* U, V or X vins only

 

a quick look at Hagerty's valuation tool - #2 condition & past 3-year value change (just went with "BASE" no upgrade values)

'71 442 * $50.2K * +30%
'67 C/S 442 * $41.4K * +10%edit
'66 Cutlass 442 * $41.0K * +10%
'70 442 * $40.9K * flat
'69 442 * $38.2K * flat
'64 Cutlass 442 * $37.3K * flat
'65 F85 442 * $37.3K * flat
'68 442 * $35.7K * flat
'72 Cutlass 442 * $31.0K * flat
'86 Cutlass 442 * $20.7K * +25%
'74 Cutlass 442 * $20.0K * flat
'79 Cutlass 442 * $14.3K * +30%
'77 Cutlass 442 * $13.7K * +10%

interesting to see that the stereotypical musclecar year base 442s (1965-'70) are basically flat in appreciation (& desirability ??) due to the aging "baby-boomers" and the '78-'87 being the choice of the current money earners wanting their high school/young adult era cars*
* the least valuable cars also have the most room for growth due to the lower $$ demand/investment

but what's with the '71s? low production numbers - last of the 455 STANDARD - finally getting their due ???

 

So would this mean the 1980 442 in the other thread would be something to grab now, contrary to what was recommended to the poster?

 

The 80's stuff was the latest and supposed greatest, during my high school days. I still like the stuff. But I owned a 79 Buick Regal 3.8 turbo and later owned an 87 442. Both are gone now and I have had my 70 Supreme for 23.5 years now, those cars would not hold a candle to the supreme.

Pat

 

The 80s so-called "performance" versions that are non-turbo'ed are strangely starting to drag in a few more $$. Nothing like the antiques of the 60s/early 70s, but still. Likely because overall they didn't make 200,000 of them per year (exaggeration to make a point) to account for attrition and the fact that the flimsy frames didn't last but 3 or 4 winters in the north winters meant a quick crusher death for many. In total, from according to GM, there were 21,367 of 80, 85-87 442's and 79, 83,84 Hurst/Oldses built. I don't and won't consider the 78-79 442s because I still can't believe what they did to those cars. Can't ever see those as being sought after. Someone may like them, though. There's probably as many 1972 442s (real or clones) alone out there now than there are A/G-bodies 442/Hursts that survived of the later era in total. Severely underpowered with mostly 307s (save for the 79 H/O and 80 442), at least the owners never had to worry about losing control of most stock A/G-bodied cars showing off with burnouts and crashing them into a tree.

But in any case, I can tell you from experience that it costs about as much to restore a late A or G-body Olds as it would to restore a 60s/70s version. And the return on investment will never be there I don't imagine. So don't do it for money unless you get it for free. NOS parts are getting harder and harder to find, just as it did with the earlier versions, and the aftermarket isn't really all there for the later stuff. Even if you did find aftermarket parts, they typically suck in comparison to new GM parts. Some don't, most do. Unless the part also fits a GN for the most part. You're far ahead finding a well-taken care of survivor.

I'm still waiting for the day someone can prove me wrong on the 80 442. The money you'd sink into it will far exceed what you'll get back. Unless you can almost steal it and not value your time investment into the equation. Because there's always that one guy out there somewhere with a fistful of dollars (besides Clint Eastwood, of course).

 

That's an incredible change for the base 71, which I own. On one hand, I find it hard to believe they changed that much, but they did seem low for many years. Recent sales must justify the upward change in value, but worth more than 70 models is suspect. Good they are getting more recognition though.

 

[QUOTE=hurst68olds;1263513]a quick look at Hagerty's valuation tool - #2 condition & past 3-year value change (just went with "BASE" no upgrade values)

'71 442 * $50.2K * +30%
'67 C/S 442 * $41.4K * flat
'66 Cutlass 442 * $41.0K * +10%
'70 442 * $40.9K * flat
'69 442 * $38.2K * flat
'64 Cutlass 442 * $37.3K * flat
'65 F85 442 * $37.3K * flat
'68 442 * $35.7K * flat
'72 Cutlass 442 * $31.0K * flat
'86 Cutlass 442 * $20.7K * +25%
'74 Cutlass 442 * $20.0K * flat
'79 Cutlass 442 * $14.3K * +30%
'77 Cutlass 442 * $13.7K * +10%

interesting to see that the stereotypical musclecar year base 442s (1965-'70) are basically flat in appreciation (& desirability ??) due to the aging "baby-boomers" and the '78-'87 being the choice of the current money earners wanting their high school/young adult era cars*
* the least valuable cars also have the most room for growth due to the lower $$ demand/investment

but what's with the '71s? low production numbers - last of the 455 STANDARD - finally getting their due ???[/QUOTE

On the Hagerty Valuation Tool, I am seeing an approximate $2,000 increase in value for the 67's between September 2018 and September 2019. I believe I'm reading the graph correctly for a #2 quality car???

 

my bad - quickly done = mistakes ***** but I see $37,600 +10% ($3,760) = $41,360 --- or rounded to $41,400

 

Thanks for the RSVP, not a problem, but you had me 2nd guessing myself if I was reading the graph correctly or not. Owning a 67 I just had to ask, having a vested interest (literally)!

 

I was surprised on the OP's list & Hagerty to see the '69 (former "red-headed" step child of the 442 bunch) being listed above the '68 * but '69 obviously has the market lock on H/O, wonder if that's helping the 442 ??

but if you split it up "generationally" it seems a little easier to grasp
1964 - 1967: pretty much in line '64 least to '67 most * excluding 3x2 & W30 cars ('64s have been gaining steam due to their low numbers, but it takes a diehard Olds enthusiast to want a 330 VS. 400 - keeps the overall interest down)
VS.
1970 - 1972: '70 most to '72 least * I think '70 is still "king" due to '71's drop in compression and perceived performance loss & the '72s base 350 2bbl 442 hurt's general interest there
1973 - 1977: I think it is going to largely depend on the car color/drivetrain combo & condition - with no year leading the way
1978 - 1987: also largely based on condition with an edge to the late '80s versions leading the way with their less boxy look, chrome wheels & 15" tires

 

I was surprised by the Hagerty list too. I am always perusing the classic car sites, and my off the cuff impression would have been to tell you that the 68 thru 72 models demand higher prices than the 64 thru 67 models, but that doesn't seem to be the case, with the 64 thru 67 models holding their own as a group. It makes me wonder if the 64 thru 67 #2 quality cars are demanding those prices simply due to the rarity of #2 quality cars from that era? It would be interesting to see the entire Hagerty 442 list of #3 quality values. If I were to guess, I'd think the 68 thru 72 models would dominate the top of the list.

 

with so many classic car dealerships holding inventory.
I think it is more the economics of having $30K - $40K of disposable income establishing the price (pushing the limits) of entry level plentiful collector cars (& claims that "you can't build it for less")

VS. the big separation to the "collectors" with deep pockets pushing the values of the "RARE" cream-of-the-crop cars

 

Sounds like a logical theory to me.
When I get a free moment I'll try to compile the listing of #3 quality cars to see if there are any differences in ranking from the #2 cars and I'll tack it onto this thread.

 

Great subject for a thread Koda, you've had me going over this in my head for days...

70 ( the 442 everybody refers to...)
71 ( very close to 70 minus gas issues...)
66 ( great engine great car)
67 ( great engine great car)
68 ( cool car, but Hurst Olds is king)
69 ( cool car, but Hurst Olds is king)
65 ( early big block, great car)

64 ( cool car, first in line, small engine only)
72 ( w30s good as ever, but most are 350s...)

73 ( nice car, but demise taking a firm hold)
74 ( nice car, further demise)
75 ( nice car, that bottomed out...)
76 ( cool car, end of best engines)
85 ( cool car, small limited engine)
86 ( cool car, small limited engine)
87 ( cool car, small limited engine)
77 ( cool body, under engineered engine)
80 ( ok body, under engineered engine)
78 ( least attractive, modest engine)
79 ( least attractive, modest engine)

Based on a blend of looks, performance, popularity, quality, desirability, likely hood of power train, legendary status, sales interest, etc.

Cut to the chase, the above commentary entirely... or parts of it is how many judge a 442 in my opinion and I think my list fairly represents order of preference.

Top part of list is what most people mean when they talk about 442. Those 7 rule.

Middle of list can sorta go both ways. 64 442 is a great car with a great but small and somewhat limited engine. 1972 was an enigma, w30 was as good as ever within reason, but a base 442 was bottom of the barrel 350 performance. So 1972 fits on both the top and bottom of list. 64 is middle to top.

Bottom of list can potentially be thrown all together as one block. As far as some Olds guys are concerned.

P.S. of the 20 model years of rear wheel drive 442 I would be proud to own versions from 18 years. Less desirable years would need to be peak power-trains. A 76 would need to be a 455, a 77 would need to be a 403, etc. I am not a fan of the large 442 logo's on the 76/77, so debadging would be high on my to do list.

I'm not interested in the 78 and 79.

 

Nice commentary above! I don't think many of us would turn down a nice '64 - '72 if we got the right deal. All of them have their strong points, and are beautiful in their own way. For me, it is a nostalgic thing. My dad had a '67 Cutlass Supreme Holiday Coupe (not 442), red on red, 330, buckets with 2-speed auto in center console. I thought it was the prettiest car we ever had when I was growing up. My brother and I begged him to get the 442 package back then, but I think my mom talked him out of it. My love for that car is why I chose to get a '67, and of course I had to have the 442 when I finally got the chance.

Here are the Hagerty 3-year average values for the #3 quality '64 - '72 442's I promised:

'71 442 * $33.0K * +32%
'67 C/S 442 * 29.2K * +7%
'70 442 * $28.3K * flat
'66 Cutlass 442 * $25.8K * +8%
'69 442 * $25.4K * flat
'68 442 * $24.4K * flat
'65 F85 442 * $24.2K * flat
'64 Cutlass 442 * 23.6K * flat
'72 Cutlass 442 * $20.6K * flat
You will notice some position changes from those provided for the #2 quality cars! Fun discussion you guys!

 

I believe the value ranking for the #3 grade cars is more appropriate for discussion purposes. People like to think their cars are "at least" a #2, but if driven much they drop to #3 very quickly.

 

I agree with you. Most owners I know, including myself, think their car is nicer than a professional, critical judge would. I had 3 separate appraisals done on my '67 before I bought it. One by the previous owner, and two I paid for. All three appraisers were well known and had excellent references. I begged the two appraisers I hired to be overly thorough and critical in their approaches. All 3 appraisals were within $4.4K of each other, with an average of $38.2K. With a #3 car being approximately $29K, and a #2 being approximately $41K, does that make my car a #-2? Hell if I know???

What I wish is that Hagerty had at least 5 categories, each with it's own detailed description. Hagerty doesn't come right out and say it, but they seem to imply that any deviation from OEM spec parts is a deduction. However, we all know there are certain mods, notably front disc brakes and electronic ignition that make our cars much more driveable, and often safer. Should these types of mods be significant deductions in value? How much of a penalty for non-OEM parts does Hagerty impose in their evaluations? Again, Hell if I know??? Anyway, it really doesn't matter until we want to sell them does it, but I'd sure like Hagerty to evaluate my car and give me an in depth explanation of how they graded it??? Or do I???

 

there are way too many variables (in value & condition) - there is no Hoyle price book for these cars - they are all "guides"
you could try to sell your car for 6-months at $40K & end up taking a $35K offer VS. someone else selling the same car in a week for $45K

 

I use the Old Car Price Guide, and it has values, which, as J. Padavano will advise, is sometimes based on very little data.




Now, what this means to us is that the people can recognize a parts car, a #6.

Rare outside of a museum is it to see a #1 museum piece car. Or a national meet
Those cars that people think they see a #1, are probably really a #2, and those win any other car show. Those are the best you'll see normally ever.
The ones people think are #2 cars are probably #3s, by which a I mean a very solid, driven, well taken car of car.
A lot of #3 cars people see are actually #4s, a good saturday night cruiser.
Lastly, many people that see a driving car think it is a 4, when it is really a 5.

 

You're right, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and hopefully the money to go with it. Like you said, too many variables, and a lot of subjectivity as to what is (or isn't) perceived as a flaw or defect?

 

My response directly above addressed Hurst68Olds comments.

Koda, I like the scale you provided. I'll have to check out that resource. Honestly, I'm not losing any sleep at night trying to figure out the most accurate way to value these cars. I just think it's fun and interesting to discuss how different people and entities place a value on them. I'm sure there are many members on this site that wouldn't sell their cars even if offered significantly more than they're worth. Some things, and cars, are priceless.

 

That buyer's guide helps to get you into the ballpark, but it's only something to start with. You may use the guide to help you decipher if a car is a #4 or #2, but if the seller doesn't use it, then it's not relevant. Sometimes it never matters when there's sentiment thrown into the equation. And all of it goes both ways with both buyer and seller.

We've all been there. Go to look at a car you may buy, it's described (and unfortunately priced) as a #2, and when you get there it's closer to a #5. You find out it was his grandmother's car, and even though there's a lot of little things that need fixing, it's savable. You try to negotiate a more fair price, but the seller won't budge. It was his grandmother's car. Sentiment is attached. Price is way higher than it should be. Or you get the guy who's friend told him while he was flipping TV channels that he saw some car auction on TV and that same car went for big bucks. *sigh*

But sometimes you get the buyer who's dad owned a car just like that when he was a kid, or the neighbor had one that he always coveted, and that #3 car you were considering selling and someone offers a tremendous amount of $$ for it. More than what you figured it was worth. Ok then. Sentiment just got you more money than you figured. Yes, you lucked up and found "that ONE guy".

We all have our reasons on why we sometimes spend more for cars than we originally wanted to. But always remember, never complain about a price after you have bought or sold a car, regardless of condition. Because you agreed to pay/accept that price.

 

Well said!!!

 

The 1980 442, which I have one, should be worth a ton but it isn't or at least not yet. The 79 Hurst Olds basically the same car except it has a Hurst shifter is valued pretty high. Researched that there are less than 200 left in U.S. and Canada for the 1980. Mine has power windows and cruise control.

 

My 10 cents.

The price of muscle cars are grossly underinflated. They are based only upon the monitored ownership drive of USA citizens. The above list was based on Americans buying the American muscle cars.