This is a very cool website and I'm glad I found it. Can anyone help me with the proper way to determine if a car being offered as a 442 is a real 442 from the factory? I am looking at a car that is being offered as a 442 but I'm not sure the seller is knowledgeable enough to know if it is or isn't real. Doe the VIN have a code or group of numbers that will tell me? The car I'm looking at is a '70 model. Any help is greatly appreciated. OWD53

 

if it is a 1970 then the VIN will start with

344
example of a convertible
344670M123456

3 = oldsmobile
44 = 442
67 convertible
0 = 1970
M = Lansing

 

Wow! That is very helpful. thanks stevengerard.

 

Welcome to CO!

 

Further to Steven's comment,
442's were produced in body styles 3677, 3687, and 4267 in 1970. If you have a W30 car, it was only produced at Lansing (code M). BUT, 442's were also produced at Framingham (code G), Freemont (code Z) and Linden NJ (code E).

The last 6 digits of the VIN are the sequence it was produced on the applicable assembly line. That number will also appear on the engine stamping pad so you can determine if it's the original engine for the car.

Information on the cowl tag will have some different and extra information on it that is not related to the VIN, but will tell you things like the time/build date, Paint code, Trim package, and what body number was assigned to the car.

 

Thank you Allen. The car I'm looking at is a coupe and not being offered as a W-30. Just a straight 442 automatic 455.

 

Thanks Old SKL 69!

 

Would be cool if it was a dual gate shifter car. Just out of curiosity, which of the coupes is it - the 3687 holiday, or the 3677 Sports coupe (also called a post coupe)?

If you get a pic of the cowl tag, someone here can help you with the info on decoding that too.

If it's not a Lansing production and hasn't been restored, there's a good chance you might find the build sheet or several broadcast cards in the car.

 

Allan, those codes that you listed are for Cutlass, Cutlass Sport Coupe and Cutlass Supreme convertible, they should be for the 442: 4467 for convertible, 4477 for sport (post) coupe, and 4487 for the Holiday Coupe

 

Thanks 1969w3155. This forum seems to be full of very knowledgable folks who are willing to share helpful info. I am going to enjoy talking with everyone here.

 

Yes, that's 100% Dan. I was just using the numbers for body styling comparison.

 

well what is the car???? Post pix