Being told this is a real 1971 442 - Is it? VIN 344671M127007 Looks like a Cutlass Supreme to me.

 

344 proves it is a 442. All 70-72 442 convertibles share the Cutlass Supreme body with different trim.

 

But only the '70-71 4-4-2 can be so readily identified by the 344- VIN prefix. In '72 the 4-4-2 reverted to being an option.

 

The W30 equipment is where you want to inspect and demand proof(factory paperwork). It is very easy to fake the W30 option, and then ask 10s of thousands of dollars more than true value

 

It’s easier to disprove the W30 than to prove it without paperwork. The M in the vin makes possible to fake this one, but it’s important to note they only made 1304 1971 442 Convertibles so this car is already rare.

 

Did the OW transmission carry over on the 71 W-30 cars?

 

I believe it did, so if you have an OW TH400 and the VIN derivative on it matches that on the car, that's one way to authenticate a W-30. Don't know what to do about 4-speeds, though.

 

If it's an 4 speed car the VIN was stamped into 4 speed case.

So by the VIN it's a real 442. If it's a real w30 or not is a lot harder question to answer.

 

Kind of the point of my post. The OW-coded TH400 was only available in the W-30. AFAIK there was no W-30-specific 4-speed.

 

Agreed, but we both know OW trans tags are available.

 

Let's assume all w-machines without paperwork are tribute cars.

 

I don't remember where the ad was, but I believe they mentioned in the description that the W30 stuff was added during the restoration. So, it's a real 442 "upgraded" with W30 options. It's a beautiful car and seems to have been well done and fairly correct.