I wanted to see what an approx value for a '80 Olds Cutlass Calais 442 is?
Its straight rust-free, good condition, needs TLC. T-tops, bucket seats center consol. Full guage package, Rally suspension, A/C. It does have the 442 header panel. Dad's the 2nd owner, 145,000 miles. Have the factory T-top bags. Needs the carb rebuilt or replaced (the only reason it hasnt been driven in a while, it runs but not well). Does need a lil bit of buffering. We were going to ask $3000

 

It don't think it's a 442. They never had a landau roof, they had 442 badges on the pillar behind the 1/4 window, and of course were only white and gold or black and gold. Although i can't see the motor, they had 350's in them.

 

According to the Old Cars Price Guide, for an '80 Cutlass Calais with the 442 option in #4 condition (runs and drives but needs full restoration), the value is $1800. In #3 condition ("car show" condition but not showroom condition), the value given is $4000.

I would say, from those photos, that the car is closer to #4 than #3, so maybe an asking price of $2000 to $2500 would be more realistic. But we really can't see underneath or the interior or the engine, and we really need to see a lot more before making any serious estimate.

If nothing else, it needs a repaint, or at least the good buffing you mention. But seeing it sitting in the leaves like it is makes me wonder what it looks like underneath.

One thing you could do to greatly improve the chances of sale is to get it OUT of the leaves and onto pavement so that we have evidence that it actually runs and moves under its own power, running poorly or not, then clean it up inside and out, and get plenty more photos of it, including exterior, interior, underneath, and engine compartment.

As it sits, it's looks a bit scary, if you ask me, because it appears to have been sitting outdoors on wet ground for a considerable length of time, so the undercarriage could be quite rusty.

Plus, as oldzzy says, how do you know it's a 442?

 

I typed it in wrong, its a calais with the 442 header panel option. He has the build sheet. The motor is a 260 v8

 

So it IS a 442. Cool. All of my other comments still apply.

 

It has been sitting a while but we dont have anywhere to put it on pavement. He says it'll run, but the battery needs re-charging. and it doesnt runt he best (the carb). The $3000 was very negotiable. He knows there isnt very much rust because he checks it ALL the time! lol

 

No, that's not a 442. Exterior is wrong, and they only came with the 350, not the 260.

 

OK, maybe you don't have pavement nearby, but at least clean the leaves up and cut the grass around it. As it sits in those photos, it looks the wheels have half sunk into the ground!

Also, it's nice that your father can assure us there isn't "very much" rust. But photos speak at least 1000 words, and sometimes 2000. You want to sell the car, right? You need to do everything you can to help yourself do so, and making the car as presentable as possible is the first step.

At least push the hood down all the way!

 

Not a lot of love out there for non-442's from that era. Clean it, buff it, fix the carb and get it in driveable condition and you may get $2-3k. I know that is not what you want to hear and just my opinion.

 

he said that the service manual has the different nose options pictured in the back and the '80 calais nose is different from the 442 nose, which is what the car has, even though it is a calais.

 

OK, so it's NOT a 442. In that case, the values are $1400 for #4 condition and $3200 for #3, and that means that the $3000 asking price is likely even more unrealistic.

 

You say your Dad is the 2nd owner, so it's possible the first owner swapped the front end from another car to make it look like a 442.

 

He wants to fix it, but thats why we have to sell it, is medical reasons. as far as the car stuff goes.... i dont know squat. not my thing...

 

he bought it off a woman who had ordered the car exactly she wanted, its never been wrecked. he worked on the car for years before he bought it. it was garage-kepted until he bought it 10 yr ago, its only outside now cause he lost storage for it. he stopped drivin it 2 yr ago to keep it from getting messed up by our driveway

 

We're certainly sorry to hear of your problems, and we hope things work out for you. We're just trying to help you get the car sold.

One thing I will say in its favor is that the bumpers look gorgeous, and if their condition is any indication of what it looks like underneath, then you should be in good shape there. But you want to advertise this. Clear the grass and leaves away and get some good, close-up photos of the undercarriage.

 

I have nothing against the female species here, and I'm even married to one, but would a woman have ordered it with the 442 option? Perhaps, but the odds are probably against it.

 

Thanks, I know yall are just tryin to help. I wish he could tell you what he knows, but hes not allowed near my computer! lol. He was goin to get the grass and stuff cleared from it, he usually keeps it pretty clear. Hes got a few car friends thats been interested for years, but they never make up their minds... :/

 

take some more pictures inside and out, clean the car, cut the lawn around it and push it forward a bit so its not sinking in the ground, close the hood, all of those are good suggestions from the others on the board.

Again, not a lot of demand for those cars but that doesn't mean someone won't want it especially if presented well.

 

I dunno. Thats just what he said she had said. something for her husband maybe??? idk

 

Aww. The day my wife orders me a 442 is the day I've died and gone to heaven.

 

aw, lol. one of his many dream cars is one identical to oldzzy's car up there. i wish i could see one of the cars that he and his dad restored together, a show quality hudson. those are his FAVs. they restored many of those. he had plans to fully fix the cutlass back to the way it was when he bought it, almost perfect

 

Ok so maybe it could have been ordered with the 442 header panel, it still is a Calais and i don't think it would fetch much more than any other Calais in the same shape. That being said it does look like it's in pretty good shape. I love those years and if you lived close to me i would be interested in it.

 

rkluse4570 Are you in Georgia? I noticed the GA tag. If so what part? I might have a buddy interested. Im in Bama. I used to have an 81 Supreme and I would like to get my hands on another of that same body style.

But since I just recently bought this 75 supreme I would have to defer to my buddy for right now. (Wife would hit the roof, were having another baby March 5th) Anyways, I'll tell him about it and let you know.

 

aw congrats!!! yea we're in Toccoa, GA. far Northeast corner/SC border

 

car still available? how is the frame , interior?

 

Nope, we sold it Found someone whos been looking for almost that identical setup. thatnks for all of yall's help!