Wojo77

Hello everyone,

I have been a member on the site for awhile but have never posted. My first car was a 1974 Cutlass Supreme and ever since I have loved Oldsmobiles. Recently my father-in-law gave my wife and I his 1969 numbers matching 442 Sports Coupe that has the factory 3 Speed (Dearborn?) to start working on as a project. I am wondering about the rarity and reliability of the 3 speed in this model. It's Canadian made, there were under 2500 Sports Coupes produced in '69 and I'm sure most opted for the 4 speed. Just thinking while we are restoring if I should swap out with a 4 speed or keep it factory with the 3? Were there any known issues with the 3 speed? Even though we would never get rid of it would the value change?
If anyone has any info or insight it would be appreciated!

Thanks
Woj

oldcutlass

Welcome to the site, looks pretty solid in the pictures. I would go for the 4 speed and new shifter and set the 3 speed and shifter on the side for posterity.

joe_padavano

Once again, don't confuse "rare" with "desirable" or "valuable". Three speeds and sport coupes are rare because no one wanted them when they were new.