Johnd

Out of curiosity, which is worth more an numbers matching 442 or a non numbers matching w30 - this assuming everything else on the car is correct and in equal condition.

Also, did oldsmobile ever document how many cars were produced in any given color?

Thanks
JD

mister-twister

Im not sure about the second part of your question, but is the w car a real w car? If no docs, then you have a442 with the ram air goodies wich in that case they should be damn near close in asking price.

Allan R

Do you have a non numbers matching W30 or are you looking to buy something?

Johnd

I am in the market to buy something... I have looked at a couple of matching number 442's and non matching number W30's and was just curious to know which is worth more restored. All the cars are in about the same shape.

oldsmobiledave

Not enough information to answer the question. Define non matching number. Are we talking just a replacement block, or are we talking a completely replaced engine, or are we talking non original engine & trans & differential?

Also is the numbers matching 442 an OAI equipped car with all the W-30 included options like the sport mirrors & posi?

Long story short either car is worth buying. W-30 cars even with non original driveline are still W-30 cars. Go with a car that pleases you & stop worrying so much about the total resale value.

Carshinebob

I just couldn't think of a simple answer to your question. "Numbers matching" can mean different things to different poeple. There's so much more to appraising value of a restored car. Things like color, transmission, options, history, miles and quality of restoration can all have an inpact of tens of thousands of dollars. therefore "numbers matching" may not have enough impact on final appraised value to answer your question. ~BOB

Stefano

Hypothetically, similar car to car, generally an original drivetrain 442 will not be worth as much as a correct documented W-30 without it's original engine.

There are too many unknown factors involved in order to make an accurate assessment.

jensenracing77

X3 on not enough info. If you like originality go with the 442, It will cost MUCH less money. For a W-30, you will have to find F heads, W-455 intake, carb, distributor, red inner fenders.... This will add $$$$s of dollars to a restoration. If you don't care about originality, go with what is less money to build the way you want it. Either way, you will not likely get out of it what you put into it. I have a 70 W-30 with no original engine, trans, and no broadcast card. It is nothing more than a 442 now. I can't hardly even get 442 value out of it, let alone W-30 value.