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My dad just passed away. He bought a 1969 442 convertible new after returning from Vietnam. It has the original title and everything is original down to the spare tire. Is it worth more in it's original condition or restored? It has always been stored indoors. Any ideas on what it might be worth?
Karen, I am sorry for your loss. It's never good to make quick decisions after a loss like that. That said, the car could be worth from 5K up to maybe 25K in it's current state. It depends on many factors, if it runs, if the engine is original, the amount of miles on it, if it has a title, etc. The one thing that's a bit unusual, is that it looks like it has stripes on the hood. While all 442's had those, the large stripes are rarely seen, there is a slim possibility it could be a rare car. If you plan to sell it, it's better to sell it like it is. You will lose a lot of money restoring it.
Sorry for your loss Karen. FWIW I like to tell people to hold off on selling until the pain from the loss subsides. It's hard to get it back once you let it go. My mom kept my dad's 87 mustang five years until I was ready to bring it to my house. I'll never sell it now
This 442 is a great find, for the right person....
If you're willing to wait you might get a little more than $25k but I wouldn't see it going for over $35k. A column shift automatic isn't particularly desirable. I would guess that at least the fenders have been repainted because all the 68-69 fenders rusted at the bottom . It definitely looks like a time capsule. I'm pretty sure it's the last remaining 69 442 with hubcaps. I think that's a rare 69 only sport wheel too
FWIW I saw a posts on FB this am about someone looking for a value on an identical car. No pics but he said it had 60K or so miles. If it's yours its not a secret anymore
Last edited by allyolds68; Jan 11, 2021 at 10:23 AM.
That car does not need restoring, it needs cleaning and detailing, and someone who knows how to restart long abandoned cars to get it running.
What is your location? Perhaps there is someone you could pay to get it cleaned up and running. That is as far as I would go before selling it in terms of repair.
Please get someone knowledgeable with these cars so they can spin the oil pump up before cranking the engine for the first time. The bearings have got to be totally dry.
Thank you al so much! It's great to find a group of such knowledgeable Oldsmobile people. It ran well 4 years ago when we parked it, but we haven't started it since. Here are are few more pictures that my husband just took. We are located in SE Minnesota. I believe that it was purchased in California.
It has the original title and everything is original down to the spare tire. Is it worth more in it's original condition or restored? It has always been stored indoors. Any ideas on what it might be worth?
Originally Posted by Koda
That car does not need restoring, it needs cleaning and detailing, and someone who knows how to restart long abandoned cars to get it running.
Originally Posted by Karen Ellingson Cornella
It ran well 4 years ago when we parked it, but we haven't started it since.
I agree with Koda in that the car doesn't need restoration so much as it needs a good cleaning and detailing. Get it out in the sun, wash it thoroughly, and then show us what it looks like. I'll bet the transformation will be dramatic.
As far as its having sat for four years, that's nothing. I recently resurrected a '78 Olds Toronado that had sat outside (under a car cover) unstarted and undriven for 14 years. It was nothing at all to get it running again. I made sure the engine was not seized, changed the spark plugs, plug wires, and oil, put in a battery, and hit the starter. After a few cranks, it caught and ran. I did much more to the car after this, but I just wanted to hear it run, and it did.
Hi Karen,
I agree with all the above. It's worth more original.
IS THAT 103K or 10.3K MILES?!? If you can prove 10.3K that adds significant value. (edit...110. not 103).
Has it been repainted?
The top, tires, and other safety/service-related items will need inspection/replacement. Otherwise clean & preserve.
Do you have the POP warranty card with your dad's name on it? Original ownership doesn't hurt value for sure. A paper trail is nice to have.
VIN:
344679L149876. It's a true 442 with the 344 in the vin. 3 = Olds division, 44 = 442, 67 = vert body, 9 = 1969, M = Lansing Mi, the last 6 is the assembly build sequence number.
Data Tag:
ST69 33667 = model year 1969, 33667 = Oldsmobile Cutlass convert, LAN 154472 = Lansing Mich and sequential body build number.
TR 933 = medium blue bucket interior.
53 = Nassau Blue body color. A = white vert top.
10C = Built 3rd week in October 1968. So it's an "earlier" model year car. No added value.
Rather rare blue over blue hood stripes if that's factory? If yes, no significant value just a cool factor. No code on the trim(firewall) tag to indicate this.
Bucket seat/no console is not as common, again no value-added or subtracted.
The money shots (to show rust) are the door seams, the metal dash/firewall under that stainless molding under the wipers, floor pans, rockers, trunk floor, frame & chassis.
If all of this is crust free that adds significant value.
Attached is a general list of how to bring a car out of hibernation.
Consider what some of the cost is for this and subtract that off the overall top value.
New tires & a top are ~$2500 easy. Full fluid replacement service and mechanical service another X$? Parts & Labor.
So a $25K (USD) car is really worth 16-20 and so on. Shipping a car is 1-2K....but that's on the buyer, not you.
Last edited by droldsmorland; Jan 17, 2021 at 06:56 PM.
Cool car. I love the colors. Something about bucket seat column shift cars that I like. Looks solid. The more back story pics etc will help with value. How long was it in your family etc. That will help. Repaint if known is also important.
Like was said. So sorry for your loss. Hang in there. Carry them with you always.
Very cool old 442, sorry about your father..definitely get it cleaned up, then post good sunlight pics..somebody on this forum would probably be interested in purchasing the car. If it runs, rust free, clear title, etc the estimate on here between 17k and 25k or somewhere in between are good estimates without seeing it personally. Keep us posted.
Hello sorry for your loss, nice original car. Deciding where to go, finding out what it’s worth is a step in the right direction. Ask questions as on this site, look at what these cars are selling for do a little research. Look at mileage, condition, options and history. Documentation is a big factor on cars like this. There is appraisers that will come to you and do a visual and tell you what you have and what it's worth, yes it will cost you for an appraisal. Take your time deciding where to go, maybe you will want to drive it for a while. It’s been sitting this long a little longer isn’t going to matter. If you decide to sell I wouldn’t bother with starting it. Some buyers would rather you didn’t, some things need to be done. Decide you want to get it drive able then find a local shop you trust. This car will sell! Keep us posted
Oldsmobilejim
Last edited by oldsmobilejim; Jan 12, 2021 at 05:34 AM.
Reason: spell check
It's 103,806 miles. It has only had one owner and that was my dad who bought it after returning from Vietnam. We have the original title. I'm not sure what a POP warranty card is, but I'm sure he had it if it was given to him. He never threw anything away. It has not been repainted and does have wide stripes. I have always loved that! It's January in Minnesota, so it's not the best time to wash it. I'm not aware of any rust, but we can go out and take more pictures. Absolutely everything is original including the spare tire. Again, I sure appreciate all of your knowledge and support!
Are you sure? I don't remember tenths of a mile back in the 80s when I drove it. Otherwise, you may be right and it's 110,380. that's not too big of a difference, but thanks for setting me straight.
You made me laugh out loud. That doesn't happen much these days. Thanks for the definition. Maybe I'll keep the car just to hang out with this group. You guys rock!
The white indicates tenths of a mile, is what he means. That car looks like it has 10380.6 miles which is very low mileage. You can see mileage indicators by the rubber wear on the brake pedal and general rattle-y-ness and wobble. Your car looks old, but low mileage. Once cleaned up, it should show that better.
Looks like a nice solid original car. Sounds like a great acquisition for a 69 442 fan. Thank you for bringing it here with your questions. Your Dad had great taste when he bought it new. Sounds like a cool man.
I think they're the standard hubcaps. 1969 gen-u-ine "poverties" or big "dog dishes" Edit: This is very good. Muscle cars either have Super Stock wheels, or they got the cheap rims for weight savings and a no-frills look. Both are considered good choices for muscle cars today.
Look in the glovebox, the owners manual and other things will be in there.. in the manual will be a metal-or plastic plate like 2 inches by 3 inches, roughly that size, this will be stamped , your dads name will be in that metal stamp along with a bunch of numbers etc. thats called the protecto plate. However its not a big deal as you have all the original paper work so whether you keep it or sell it there will be no doubt on what you have said as it sounds like the documents you have will prove that quite handily. Whether it is 101, 380 or a 110,000 miles makes zero difference on value. If you like the car, why not clean it up in the spring and drive it for the summer , have some fun with it. Your dads memory will be riding shotgun-with ya. At the end of the summer, if its not your cup of tea, you now have it cleaned up and you can sell it. Keep a reasonable mindset on value, its a great looking car but its not a super rare model thats going to pay off your house etc.. lol.. If you choose to sell it try to sell it to someone who really digs the car..love to see it cleaned up when the weather breaks. Hey you and your hubby might be the next oldsmobile fans, wanting to keep it and drive it, put a new top on it and cruise the hell out of your state in the summer.. what else your dad got hiding in that garage?
Good luck with everything Karen. I know you have a lot going on. Looks like you have a few cars to deal with huh? I don't blame you not knowing POP etc. I come from a spelling generation myself. I personally get sick of the bold letters instead. Leaving you going... What in the heck does XYZ mean?...
The standard Poverty Dog Dish hubcaps kind of make sense on this car. As DrOlds pointed out (above) and via the image, a 4-4-2 with bucket seats and no center console is a rather no-frills type item. I recall my very first automobile - a 1967 4-4-2 with a bench seat and column shift. My Dad picked that car out for me when I was 16 and I thought - this great car with a bench seat and a column shift - are you kidding me Dad?
Ha ha. That's funny. One of my brothers had a 68 GTO. Hood tach. Hidden headlights. Four speed. BENCH SEAT. The original owner wanted a GTO but his wife said they needed a family car hence the bench seat.
Hello Karen,
That's a great car your dad bought and it will treat you nicely in what you decide to do with it. Lots of great advice on this site, too. You picked the right place to get good, solid answers to any questions you have.
Great looking car Karen:
I sold my 1969-442 Convertible, Nassau Blue 2 years ago. I loved that car, but I sold it to a guy who had the means to fix the stuff I could not.
I agree with the group that the price for your original unmodified car is 20K to 35K.
A few tips while you are waiting to decided to sell.
If you are NOT going to try to get the car running, then Remove the Battery.
The existing 5+ year old battery could leak and cause lots of rot Under the battery tray.
Try to find all papers for this car and put them in a folder or book all together.
The originals Sale papers are very helpful and can even increase the resale value of the car.
How old is the Convertible Top?
I can see there is at least one rip on the driver's side.
If it's over 10 years old, do not try to put it all the way down. After a top gets to be about 20 years old, they will become "petrified" and will CRACK if you put them all the way down.
My 442 top was 20+ years old. After one summer of usage, about 20% of the top had ripped away, including the rear window.
My 442 was also the Cheapest 442 sold, with No options, Identical to yours.
This car had two engine options 300 horsepower and 330 horsepower. Not much of a difference. You most likely have the 300 horsepower version.
A few pictures of the engine compartment would be nice to see.
Also a picture of the Radio, Is AM-Only or AM-FM?
Pictures of the rear bumper/tail lights.
I posted earlier this year. Our house just sold and my husband is willing to let the car go at $20,000. I would love an Olds person to have this car rather than an auctioneer. We are in SE Minnesota. Is there anybody interested? There is more information and pics on my original post. My husband is getting it started as we speak.
Hi Karen, very sorry for your loss. I lost my father-in-law last week.
Anyway, KEEP THE CAR!!!
Just have someone buff out the paint and you'll never want to get rid of it because it was your fathers pride & joy.......besides you of course.
Hi Karen, very sorry for your loss. I lost my father-in-law last week.
Anyway, KEEP THE CAR!!!
Just have someone buff out the paint and you'll never want to get rid of it because it was your fathers pride & joy.......besides you of course.
Yes keep the car Karen , there are alot of voltures out there, these are very good driving cars you will enjoy it and your dad would also be happy that you did keep it.
I talked to the husband a few days ago and he claimed they had just sold it a few minutes before my call ......for $15,000. I had emailed them the day before when they had it listed for $25k. Unless it's a rust bucket or bondo collection device it's worth more than $15k any day.
Seller is free to do anything they want yet accepting a low ball offer quickly left at least $5,000 - $10,000 probably more on the table
Oh well.
Early bird gets the worm. I am sure they have many many things on their plate right now. Including other cars. Good for them if they found a good home for the car.
I hear the early bird thing and I've been that bird in the past. Maybe the saying on this one should be "the seller in a hurry gets hosed out of $5k ".
