I've posted a couple of threads on here seeking advice on 2 cars I'm looking at. My question to you now is which is the most desirable and retains its value:

1969 442 Holiday Coupe with numbers matching 400 engine, non-original paint giving it an 8, nice leather interior. Has had rear quarters replaced and can't tell this unless you look in the trunk or underneath. Originally came with a 3 speed manual on the floor and now has a Saginaw 4 speed with Hurst shifter. Needs really cleaned and detailed and badges, dash controls (*****) put back on along with other misc. items. Engine runs ok but needs a good cleaning and tune-up. Non original intake and carb. Has factory a/c. Price is currently at 14K

1969 Cutlass S convertible with numbers matching 350/350. Interior is ok but needs changed to leather. Top is new. Body and paint are a 9 with no apparent bodywork being done. All parts are there along with trim and badges. A monster stereo system is in it and goes with it but I'm not interested in that. Engine sounds good with a small cam. Has factory a/c. Price is currently at 13K.

Sorry to keep asking all these questions but the Olds badge of cars is a new breed for me and I want to get it right the first time.

Thanks all,
Jim

 

IMHO when the top goes down the price goes up

 

That's always been my thought, also!

 

Leather interiors? Most all of that era cars had vinyl seat covers, not leather.

 

Actually it is vinyl. leather sounds better.

 

A lot of folks give too much thought to what the car is going to be worth in the future. That is a consideration but more important is which car you are going to enjoy the most. Personally between those two cars I would go with the convertible. I have owned several convertibles and to me there is nothing like a cruise with the top down. It also sounds like it needs less work than the 442. I don't think you would do bad to own either car but the convertible would be my choice. JMHO.

 

These are not my expertise of year or model but I also would go with the convertible.The 69 coupe has a downside also in the Saginaw as they aren't very strong to begin with and this is a muscle car..... Just my thoughts...Tedd

 

Hands down the 442 400/4spd would be my favorite as far as wow factor, value, and fun. Not having the original 3spd imho is a perk. You stated the paint just needs a proper buffing in your other post. Reinstalling the misc stuff is not a great task or expense. The trans can be upgraded to a Muncie in the future, with patience you can stumble on a good deal.

The convertable will cost you an additional $1000-2500 to get it up to snuff. Its a Cutlass, nothing special other than it being a convertable. The high dollar stereo is not a draw to me.

 

i would go for the one in the best condition.restoration costs can get crazy to the point of costing more then the car is worth.by that and just looking at those pics i would also say probably the conv,but for it having a new top it looks like crap.when did earl scheib start putting on tops!

 

Tough choice, three pedals and 442, red convertible, my decision would be decided by which I would enjoy driving, and rust. Metal work and paint are very expensive if have to pay for it, where most guys here can do the wrenching.

 

My choice would be the 442, no second guessing for me.
Our 76 still has a crappy radio, under powered and has more $$ pumped into it than it would ever be worth. We didn't buy an Olds for what it may or may not be worth in the future. That thought never crossed our minds, we purchased ours because my wife and I liked it the most of all the 70's Olds line up.
But, the best of new memories were born in our car together, That's what its worth to us.
I would purchase the one that will hold true meaning and enjoyment in the end, it should be a keeper, regardless of value.
All the best with your choice
Eric

 

Just like Jamesbo said, the money is in the canvas!

Randy C.

 

Money is in Real Estate, canvas is just cool !

 

I think we need more info re: most desirable and retains its value, either would retain its value assuming it wa a good value to start with. If by desirable and value you mean easiest to resell for the highest $ amount probably the 442, everyone wants a 442 not everyone wants a vert.

If say the 442 was 15 k and the vert was 10k everything else equal the vert may be the safer bet.

If that's the new top in the pic of the vert, then subtract 2 k from the price because it needs a new top installed!

 

Nothing like a convertible on a warm summer night with a hot blonde next to you! Opps, that was 49 years ago but I still like a convertible.

 

Last year I saw a white 69' post coup matching #'s 442 in good condition, maybe a 6, go for $17,500 and went to France. This summer, and it's still available, saw a brown 71' 442 vert on craigs list going for $19,500, looks like it needs some work. Not sure these cars are bringing the $$$ of yeaster year anymore. If you are looking into the future for and investment it doesn't look bright. Buy what you would like to drive plain and simple. If you can't do the work yourself due to skill, time, finances or space, then adjust your budget and buy something that doesn't need work. I'm a vert guy and my first Olds was a 69 350/350. Drove it everywhere until I bought a red 71' vert in better shape. My intention was to "resto mod" the 69' The only regret I had with that car was I sent it off to an early grave because I lost my garage and had no place else to work on it. When I was looking again a few years back I almost bought another 69' I didn't like the dark green paint (looked like tiny rain drops bubbling up) but it was in better shape than the blue 71', same price. My logic was to buy a driver and not spent 20K, well I'm into this one for close to 16 over the years and it needs body work and lots more. I'm convinced we are the last in line for these cars since most kids today don't relate to them. I'd guess in the next 10 to 15 years you will be hard pressed to sell anything that's not #'s matching "442" or high end in the same class. But I also agree with Jamesbro "if the top goes down the price goes up", but all that canvas comes with a price. About 2K for a new top and care and maintenance is only matched by vinyl. One last thought, locally the kids love the vert but once up to highway speed they want the top back up.

 

Buying a car as an investment is a crap shoot. Casino's and the stock market are no better. What would you and your wife like ? The least amount of work is definitely a big plus. You should buy something that gets you excited and is a fair deal. Maybe neither of these cars is the right one for you. Who says you can only own ONE.
Good luck,
Ralph

 

[QUOTE=Kennybill;1063861]Nothing like a convertible on a warm summer night with a hot blonde next to you! Opps,

The cars I went to see, that were for sale with a hot blond bent over the hood, didn't even come with the car
Listing... no test pilots, OK so... I didn't even roll one, showed up straight
I didn't even like the car..imagine that!

 

That is a tough choice, 442 four speed or convertible. If you are more of a cruiser, go convertible. The 400G has reputation of self destruction when pushed hard. Myself, I want a 68 or 69 350 with a manual trans convertible.

 

That hot blonde is a "platinum" blonde matronly grandmother now. Seems I knew her before she was a Virgin.

 

Id be worried about metal work that can be seen in the trunk and from underneath. In my opinion it hasnt been done correctly if you can see the seams anywhere.

 

A true Olds addict would buy them both. Lol

 

I just noticed the crappy Saginaw 4 spd. Does the owner still have the factory 3spd? That definitely counts against the 442.

 

No longer has the 3 speed.

The more I look at both of these cars and what has to be done to make them presentable (to me) the less enthused I get. Both need lots of work and granted, I do all my own work except interior (seats, headliner), but after the initial cost there is going to be a ton of $$ going into each one. Earlier I mentioned about getting value out of these when I would sell but that part is not that important- I just want a nice cruiser. Already have a couple of other cars I've finished and drive a lot but always looking for that "special" one.
In searching thru the different local papers and online sites I'm starting to see that for a little bit more I can get a much nicer car that is either already road worthy or doesn't need much to make it that way. Not really sure what I'm going to do but I much appreciate ALL the comments and suggestions from each of you. I'll keep you updated as to what transpires.

Jim