Hi Folks,
I am considering purchasing a 1970 442 Convertible Auto, and need to know the approximate value of this car both as is and restored. Some things to consider:

It is a True 442
Not Original engine; rocket 350
Original Trans
Original Interior, above average shape
New Top
Paint decent
All gauges, electronics work.
100k miles
Brown Paint and Brown interior, original colors
Factory Fiberglass scooped hood

Overall the car is in good shape and has been well cared for, but it is a 43 year old vehicle. If i purchase it, I will do a frame-on resto, building it back to a good solid weekend car, but not a show car.

Thanks for the input, and any information will be helpful.

Best,
Chris

 

For what it's worth, there wasn't a brown in 1970. Perhaps it's one of the dark golds?

 

if you have any pictures, they would be very helpful.

 

yep, need pictures. Sounds like a decent car, prices are all over the place for 442s at this point. I'm not a stickler for numbers matching but.... this being a 442 and a convertible I feel the 350 engine diminishes the value a decent amount. It should at least have a 455 replacement block in it. Saying that if you like the car and want it as a driver, as you stated, this could end up being a good value for you. Unless the hood is open no one but you will know its a 350, they are reliable and get decent gas mileage. You can enjoy the car while keeping an eye out for a date coded 455.

 

make sure that the vin confirms that it is a 442, must start with "34467".

 

Well said! I was thinking basically the same thing but was lazy and did not want to type it out.

 

Thanks for the comments. So what are you guys thinking....10K, 15K, 20K?

C

 

W/out pics much closer to $10K than $20K taking into account the 350 and less than desirable color combo. The hood adds some. What options does the car have? Buckets & four speed would be worth more than bench seat & coumn shift auto. PW, PDL & AC add as well.

 

Menfield, a smart man would never appraise a car over the Internet, but it's still hard to guide you when you haven't given a VIN or photos as requested. I'm certainly not one with enough automotive fortitude to even attempt this, but others will be able to with more information.

 

Don't pay 442 money for a Cutlass convertible with badges. Until you are sure it is a 442 (aka 344 VIN) then assume it is a Cutlass cloned to a 442. Buyer beware. The 350 engine is a big red flag. You state that the trans is oringal so can we assume that it is an OG code T400 or are you taking the seller's word for it? Again buyer beware. Oringal colors. Can not be original color if it is brown as there was no brown in 1970.

 

We were thinking that you should make a real effort at determining what it is that you are looking at, and providing the info requested. I would guess that you are just trying to get a number here, so that you can use it as leverage and stating "that's what some Olds guy I talked to, said it was worth".

 

It's worth what you are willing to stroke a check for and he is willing to accept.

 

Thanks for all the comments. I checked out the car today,and it is in good shape. I have owned two early 70's 442, so I know what to look for when checking these things out. It would not take much to make it a very nice car.

Original AC car, auto, buckets with floor shifter (not dual gate), manual windows, PS, no tach. Engine and trans not original. Bumpers in very good shape, w-25 hood in good shape.

The Bad...
Light rust repair in the usual places; drivers floor pan, right rear quarter, rear windshield base. Rust repair is minor; does not need new quarter or floor pan. Car needs painting.
Interior is in very good shape, just needs one door carpet and floor carpet. Seat covers are original. Top is white and in good shape, electrical all works.

The paint, I think, is burnished gold. Trim tag as follows

7034467E
789 BDY
58 PDT
TR 974
04A

Anyone know what the Interior trim is?
Can prob get the car for 10k.
I also have a 1969 455 "c" heads complete engine that I will put in it if I buy.
Thanks