http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BEAUT...item3cca0353bb

This can't be right, can it? Seller claims "numbers matching" '68 442 with a 350 engine? That's not possible, is it? Might be a real 442 but I don't think the drivetrain is original.

I'm not crazy about the '70 - '72 style stripes either but it is a nice looking car.

 

Does Ram Rod ring a bell?

 

A 1968 "442 W31". Like Fred Flintstone used to mumble, "oh boy" .

 

this car has no identity. no idea whether its a 442, cutlass or ram rod. My guess its prob a plain jane cutlass def not a 31. He does not even show a pic of the harmonic I can bet its a plain 350 harmonic

 

Two different cars, as the W31 used the Cutlass based vin, this has a "4477" to indicate a 442, but the vin should start with a 3, and have the letter for the plant of manufacture. The 442 on the dash, plus outside body tags indicate a 442. I would say a 442 with the engine replaced. It appears that he left out the "3" for Oldsmobile on the vin, with it starting with the "8" for the year of manufacture. The engine has been replaced.

 

yes, but this is according to the vin that he is providing. Which is like you stated missing a letter and the 3(oldsmobile) number. I would like to see a pic of the vin a sellers word especially when his vin is so off is just not enough

 

The car is a plain jane 442. Bench, column shift, etc. The A/C has been removed. I don't even see a box on the firewall. They didn't even bother to put the stripe back on the dash

 

Ad's VIN = 8447782121889

Translation: 344778Zxxxxxx

68 442, CA built

a 350- no proof either way by the photos- would be an incorrect replacement. Nothing even remotely W31 [factory issue] about the car. Owner's idea of a cool car.

Other indications that the owner took the short bus to school
ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME
"HAS THE DUAL RECLINING BENCH SEATING" - What recline? The backs tilf FORWARD for rear seat access...

"THE ENGINE IS THE POWERFUL 350 V8 THAT RUNS BEAUTIFUL AND IS VERY FAST AND SOUNDS AWESOME. HAS NEW AFTERMARKET CHROME VALVE COVERS AND AIR CLEANER." - Hmmm yeah probably a #8 headed smog era motor at best.

G-body alt & brackets from the AC car. Weak-*** hokey-*** crossed flags emblem on the generic aftermarket air cleaner- The guy has NO CLUE what a W31 is all about. COLD air induction, etc. Durrrr.

dented voltage regulator?
very incorrect PB vacuum hose- off the G-body "350" probably. Might be a 307 engine.

That thing is all kinds of hokey. They should have put some of that paint job effort into the rest of the car.

 

Yup, there's something to be said for proof reading an auction before you post it. I also like the part about the reclining bench seat

As Octania points out - likely Freemont built.
- 1968 W31's were produced at Lansing so should be code M on VIN
- All W31 Ramrod's were 3 or 4 speed Manual transmission.
- Engine should be gold.
- No W31 decal on decklid.
- Ramrod 350 emblems missing on front fenders.
- Proper 442 stripe missing on front fenders.
- Should be manual brakes only.
- No forced air system to carb.

I think this is where Adam and Jamie say the myth is 'Busted'

Now if you were just buying it as a 442 turnkey to just drive around and didn't care about provenance, the car presents itself very well to that kind of market.

 

Um, why are we even talking about W-31s? The W-31 engine was NEVER installed in a 442. The car is cobbled and any numbers that "match" are restamped - if the engine is, in fact, a 350.

Nice catch on the alt bracket, Chris. Note the 12SI with a firewall-mounted regulator.

HOWEVER, note also the very last photo - the fender emblems APPEAR to be in the W-36 position...