I recently came across a project car for sale that is advertised as a 1970 w30 car. The owner says that he has a build sheet for the car and will provide it to me when he digs it out of storage. He says the car is originally a three speed manual transmission and that the build sheet will back it up. Is this possible?

 

Not available with W-30 in '70. Either you opted for the M-21 or the M-40 with the 370 hp 455 W-30 or you could have the three speed M-14, four speed M-21 or automatic M-40 with the standard 365 hp 455 issued in the 442 model.

 

Now if it was the '70 W-31 then yes it could've been had with the M-14 three speed according to my research that is. Anyone please correct me if I am mistaken.

 

Review his paperwork for sure. If it is a real W car, either the W30 or W31 it's very desireable. But over the years there have been clones made. So if he has some kind of paperwork that would be good to look over real close. John

 

It's possible. I have a factory M-14 W-31. Never seen/heard of a W-30 factory 3 speed but I wouldn't be surprised if Olds made a few.

 

I don't believe the broadcast card would have any info on M14 vs. M21/M22. A dealer's invoice would be the best documentation for this or somehow reaching out to the original owner of the 442.

 

Question is your M-14 made by Ford?

 

As is often the case when hearing something like this, the car probably has a ram air hood so he refers to the car as a W30. It is more likely "just" a 442 with W25 hood. In any case, if he has a build sheet, that should clear things up.

 

You are probably right especially being a 3-speed manual. But he does say it is advertised as a W-30. Maybe Blackhawk can shed some more light on the subject in question. I'd personally like to see the ad with pics to say the least. He's got my attention.
Scot

 

The dealer W-car brochure for 1970 shows the 4 speed manual as the base transmission for the W-30. The TH400 was the only option.