70-442-W30

Just for fun. Wondering what everyone's guesses are on this. Of the 3100 produced, how many REAL 1970 442 W-30 cars can be started up this morning and taken out of the garage for a coffee run? Guess away!

jensenracing77

My guess would be around 300 of them. As for how many have all original engine, transmission,and numbered parts? I would guess less than 75.

Charlie Jones

How many of those 3100 got wrapped around an oak tree years ago ?

59-59-59

alain

I know for a fact that Rocket north drives his. We go to various shows with our cars.I have a 1971 Stage 1 and drive it.
Alain

jensenracing77

Like this one.. Well, this one was a 71

rand5204

...and how many of them out there have been re-bodied? I know for a fact that my old all numbers matching Platinum bench seat four speed car was re-bodied by it's new owner

jensenracing77

I seen my first 70 W-30 in 1987 and instantly fell in love. About two years later I found out that very car was re-bodied and he was in legal trouble over it. He sold it as all original and they later found out. They took him to court and they got their money back. If they were re-bodied that long ago then by now it will take a really good knowledgeable person to spot these things.

70-442-W30

True. It's tough.

I know when I had the W-30, I would get nervous about taking it out for a spin. Not that I lacked *****. Just that I felt the huge responsibility on my shoulders. And as they say, "It's not my own driving I don't trust, it is that of others." I've never had an accident. But it doesn't mean I'll never be in one. Insurance is nice, but it doesn't repair the car.

Now that we are approaching the 50th anniversary of production of these, I would assume that means even less people will use them as a point A to point B vehicle. It sure is nice to get out and let people see the history but it isn't without its own risk. But at least having the option to fire it up and take it out for coffee is an amazing feeling I bet. These people with the original cars hold a huge burden of responsibility to continue the legacy of the greatest Oldsmobile ever made (in my opinon.) So I can't exactly fault them if they don't want to drive in conditions that are less than perfect.

bigrbandit

This is why I like my 72 cutlass. Was a plain jane 350/350 car, bench seat, AC. I can hop it up, change it, run the **** out of it, and not feel bad that I am desecrating a museum piece. Except for the body itself, everything on the car is a few clicks and a credit card injury away. My father in law has a 65 FI corvette convertible that he doesn't drive anymore "because it's too valuable". Perfectly balanced, 4 speed, perfect fueling, disc brakes . . . and it sits. There are several folks at the refinery I work at that drive their classic, but not priceless, cars as daily drivers when it is warm. Same thing with the folks with late model muscle, but you seldom see any rare cars like W30s, real 454 chevelles, or Mach 1 mustangs out except to car shows, and then they seem to have a hard time getting started and out of the park because the fuel systems are plugged up from sitting.

scrappie

I would guess under 400

Another question might be: how many are out there that are not road worthy or projects?

alain

I will look at a project depending the condition
Alain

344870M

For what it's worth. My 70 W30 4spd is in FL at Garner Customs & Restorations receiving a concours restoration. She has two broadcast cards. The engine is a service replacement. The trans is matching. As is the carb/intake/heads/dist/rad/master cylinder/rearend and a few more items. I found a correct alt and water pump. All the glass is original with the exception of the windshield. The only metal that has been replaced is a few inches at the bottom four corners. And a the cowl. She will be road worthy in a few months. So there's one. lol

70-442-W30

You may have mentioned this prior, but where did you find the 2 broadcast cards? I found the card under the rear seat. Here is the video:

344870M

I found the first one under the rear seat shortly after buying the car in 81. The second one was discovered by the restoration shop. It was behind the drivers side seat back.

70-442-W30

I checked like crazy but didn't find another one elsewhere. Very cool that you have 2.

Zr1bandit