firstoldsmobile

Not but a half of mile from my work place is car sitting in same spot for nearly 20 years. I've never noticed it before because it is a good 100 yards off the main highway behind a transmission shop in a corner of a yard. It is an actual, I think the year is 79, W-30 442. Is that right, or is it an 80? Black and gold car, original gold Grand National looking wheels, auto on floor console, 442 badges on outside of car at sail panels, etc, etc. The car has been sitting so long the wheels are into the ground almost to the rims. I understand only 886 were made? Believe it or not the panels are not rotted through, but I'm sure the frame and floor boards are since its on grass. Is it worth even buying? A pity either way.

chip-powell

Unless you need the parts...RUN!

It's one thing when you hear about "barn finds". At least those cars had a roof over their heads. If it's been outside for 20 years, rare or not, there wont be much left to salvage.

cherokeepeople

i can attest to that.i ran across a 74 h/o that has been outside for??? the roof had spots the size of baseballs rusted thru the top under the vinyl top.trunk lid had rust thru even the hood had a couple spots.about all it was good for was the h/o emblems and sail window pieces specific to the hurst.

lshlsh2

My first thought is to leave it. Where is the car located, if in a dry climate maybe. If not leave it.

Fun71

This was my first thought. A car left to sit for 20 years in the desert is totally different than one left to sit for 20 years in a swamp.

oldsmobiledave

Pristine examples of 1980 442 can be had for $10K.




Leave it where it is.

firstoldsmobile

10K is stupid low, or so it seems. You'd think if only 886 or so were made, a fixed up one would be at least 25K in value but i guess not. That's ridiculous.

jpc647

it depends. what do they want for it? The owner might say $100. You never know.

cadillac kevin

they aren't worth much even nice. mint ones are 8-11k, and I saw one on facebook in a rare car group for 6k that didnt appear to need that much (interior was faded, and some wrong bits, but otherwise nice). id put it at 300 if the interior and rims are usable. unless it was sitting in the desert, it has no floor/ frame

oldsmobiledave

I have owned six 1980 442s & one 1979 HO. You are way off on your evaluation of these cars. Trust me....walk away.

chip-powell

Rare does not necessarily mean valuable. It DOES mean that parts are even harder and more expensive to find though.


My advice is still to just walk away.