FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Holiday Coupe W-30. Ming Jade Green with black stripes, and green interior. 18,324 original miles.

This car was custom ordered and purchased by my uncle Bob in 1970 through McIntyre Olds-Cadillac in Council Bluffs, Iowa. I have the original invoice (dated March 31, 1970), original window sticker, Protect-O-Plate (displaying uncle Bob’s name), copy of the original title and registration in uncle Bob’s name, owners manual (still in the original clear plastic cover, along with the Protect-O-Plate), copy of the dealer-provided list of available options, original sales brochure, as well as additional paperwork and “W-machine” literature. I’ve got photos of the car throughout it’s entire lifetime. The car is flawlessly documented.

It has every available factory option. What follows is a list of the options, options codes, and option costs of every single option on the car, as the information appears on the original window sticker:

W30 – W-Machine Package -- $321.23
M40 - Turbo Hydra-Matic Transmission 400 -- $227.04
G80 - Anti-Spin Rear Axle -- $42.13
C60 - Four-Season Air Conditioner -- $375.99
A01 - Soft-Ray Tinted Windshield and Windows -- $38.57
N47 - Vari-Ratio Power Steering -- $105.32
JL2 - Power with Front Disc Brakes -- $41.60
PK5 - Wide Oval Tires – Raised Letters -- $26.33
P05 - Super Stock 1 Wheels -- $90.58
N34 - Custom-Sport Steering Wheel -- $15.80
A90 - Power Trunk Lid Latch -- $14.74
T44 - Interior Hood Lock -- $10.53
U58 - AM-FM Stereophonic Radio -- $238.02
D35 - Sports Styled Outside Rearview Mirrors -- $22.12
AK1 - Deluxe Seat Belts, Front & Rear, Front Shoulder -- $12.11
B32 - Auxiliary Front Floor Mats -- $7.37
B33 - Auxiliary Rear Floor Mats -- $7.16
A31 - Power Side Windows -- $105.32
K26 - Sports Console-Hurst Dual-Gate Shifter -- $76.88
U21 - Rocket Rally Pac -- $84.25
Y62 - Special Paint-Solid Color -- $83.20
Y60 - Visor Vanity Mirror, Underhood Lamp, Luggage Compartment Lamp, Glove Box Lamp, Ash Tray Lamp, Mirror & Front Compartment Lamp, Courtesy Lamps & Map Lamp, Instrument Panel Control Lighting -- $28.02

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price was $3,376.00, with a Destination Charge of $91.50, and Factory Installed Options Subtotal of $1,974.72, for a Total Amount of $5,442.22.

Engine specifications for the W-30 were as follow: 455 cubic inches, 10.5:1 compression ratio, 370 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, 500 ft/lb torque at 3,600 rpm.

The car was originally ordered with the W-27 Aluminum Rear Axle Housing and Cover. However, at the time of delivery, my uncle discovered the car arrived without it. The dealer explained that a strike at the production facility had caused delays in arrival of the parts necessary for this option, so General Motors made the decision to go ahead and proceed with production without installing the W-27. My uncle was extremely upset, and nearly rejected the car. He eventually got over it, but it would be a point of contention for years.

Note the “Special Paint-Solid Color” option. This $83.20 option basically allowed you to select any paint color offered by General Motors in 1970. The “Ming Jade Green” color selected by my uncle Bob was a Toronado color. As far as we have been able to document, this car is the ONLY 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 that was painted Ming Jade Green – thus making this car a one-of-a-kind factory original.

The car is 100% factory original. The paint, trim, interior, EVERYTHING is factory original. The car has NOT been repainted – it’s factory paint. The engine and transmission have NEVER been apart or modified. No dings, no dents, no blemishes. All the chrome is perfect and factory original. All the glass is perfect and factory original. The rubber is still soft, and has not cracked. During it’s 35 years, it’s only been driven in the rain a handful of times, and of course has NEVER been driven in the winter. This car has been babied it’s entire life. It’s never been raced or abused. It is a “survivor” car. It’s never been smoked in. The entire interior – upholstery, carpets, headliner, etc. – are factory fresh and show absolutely ZERO wear. The original floor mats are perfect. The original foam around the air cleaner housing (that seals against the bottom of the inside of the hood to feed the snorkel air intakes) is perfect. None of us can even recall the backseat ever being used.

It’s had the oil and fluids changed and flushed religiously. It gets waxed every year using Liquid Glass, and driven a handful of times every summer, to keep it fresh. It’s lives in a garage under a flannel-lined cover. It is basically the EXACT car that uncle Bob took delivery in 1970. Uncle Bob knows this car like the back of his hand. It’s been treated more like a family member than a “car.” It is a brand new, 1970 442 W-30.

It still wears the original factory Wide Oval Tires. The factory spare is still mounted in the trunk, and contains factory air. It has never been removed. The car starts, drives, runs, and handles as a brand new 1970 Olds 442 W-30. Zero lifter noise or anything indicating that the car requires any kind of work. I’m sure the factory build sheet is still hidden in the car, as the backseat has of course never been out. All factory decals and badges remain fully in tact. Nothing has been changed to alter it’s original condition.

This car will be the crown-jewel of any muscle car collection. It’s more rare than a LS-6 SS454 Chevelle, especially by virtue of it’s one-of-a-kind paint color.

The car’s factory-fresh condition, one-of-a-kind color, full list of options, rare muscle car status, and impeccable documentation that it’s a real 18,324 mile survivor car are all reflected in the selling price. You will NEVER find another one like it.

Have you ever dreamed of being able to go back in time, and order a brand new, factory-fresh 1970 442 W-30 with every available factory option? Well here’s your opportunity.

Price: $350,000 (Three hundred fifty thousand dollars)

Pics: www.norosion.com/442.htm

Contact:
Jay Ross
[email protected]
847-689-1882

Car is currently located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

350k whoa with a captial W.. is it 18 miles or 18,000 miles

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Wow https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/shocked.gif I have never seen a documented '70 W30 with all these options especially power brakes, which was to be N/A as a W30 option due to the 328 degree cam, which didn't allow adequate vacuum for the booster.

Very Cool car https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

I just had to look up the power teams. The A/C, power brake and rear axle combo were available only with the M40 trans.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

DEFINATELY NOT YOUR FATHER'S OLDSMOBILE!!!!

wilma https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Is there a doctor in the house?? I think some of us fainted! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Seriously, and Incredible car - not my favorite interior color or trans, but the family should be complimented for keeping the car so pristine over the years. How come these people never buy black 4 speed cars? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/naughty.gif

$350k. Wow.https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/confused.gif Or, is it get the car for free and pay $10k a year for the last 35 years of preservation efforts? Yeah, I like that logic better. Doesn't sound so bad then. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/scholar.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

oh,oh my!!! dang and still on orig rubber...

Colin you better buy it before Charley does... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

It's a really neat piece and beautiful car. $350K---yikes. Does anyone else think it sits a bit low in the pics--almost like they cut one coil out of the springs?

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

There may be a good number of members on this site with deep pockets that will pay those sort of numbers for the right toy, BUT OH MAN --- that sure is a lot of Java. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/laugh.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Actually, CSX, you're not far from the truth...

Assigning "market value" to a car like this is admitedly difficult. So, to a large degree, here's what dictated the price:

My father is the owner. He's undergone 4 major spine surgeries in the last 5 years, and is now physically disabled. His health insurance provider considered his condition "pre-existing" so none of the surgeries were covered -- and none were inexpensive.

Needless to say, selling a car that's been in the family since 1970 is no easy thing. But neither is seeing your dad in a wheelchair, unable to afford his next surgery, and at risk of losing his house. He does NOT want to sell it -- but said that if doing so pays all his existing medical bills, that we should do it. If selling it makes these problems go away -- entirely -- then he'll do it. Otherwise, no go. Simple as that.

Thus, the price you see listed.

As further sidenote, my dad won the AHRA Nationals in 1960 running "The Lemon," an A/Altered 1933 Ford Coupe with an injected Olds engine. Car guys in/around Omaha know of him, and his cohorts George Roseland, Jerry Vincintini, Don Sears, et.al.

Thanks for the opportunity to elaborate. Not trying to give you a sob story, just wanted to explain the logic behind a very difficult sale.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Reflecting, being in a wheelchair would suck. Hope everything works out for your family.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Very sorry to hear the circumstances behind the sale. I figured there had to be a good reason for it. My father is in a similar predicament, he was diagnosed with cancer after he retired and during the "waiting period" with his new insurance. Needless to say, it has not been cheap or enjoyable, but where there is a will there is a way. I'd trade all of my cars if it came down to flesh and blood vs. gas tires and oil.

Again, your family should be proud of the preservation they did with the W30. I have a similar car, 23k mile black 4 speed car I purchased from the 2nd owner. It is really special to find a car somebody obviously loved. They are only original once!

I wish your father luck as well as luck in finding a buyer. At a price many times the accepted value it will not be easy, but it sounds like he doesn't really want to let go - which I understand completely! After all the years and care that W30 likely feels like family to you.

Hey, if you get the 350k please let us know!

Best to you and your Dad-
Colin

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Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Thank you for posting this car. I'm a 442 fan and my mom purchased one new in 1972 when I was a kid. Not nearly the car yours is, but great memories for me. I kept reading your write-up thinking what the price may be at the end. I was putting together some numbers on what I could swing for the car. I can sell the house and do it if a family of four can live in it........

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Thanks guys -- obviously I'm new to this forum. But already hugely impressed with the quality of individuals I'm finding here. Even though it is difficult circumstances that brought me here, looking forward to being a member well into the future!

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Awesome, that's great. Great people here, and if you want accurate info - this be da place. I really hope everything goes well at home. Cool car by the way. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

No that car sits just about perfectly, we are just used to seeing restored cars with 4 x 4 springs. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

I actually eas answering csx289 by mistake I responded to bowtie and no I do not actually think I can sell my car here, I feel bad about his ailing father as I have just recently lost mine . If he really wants to help out he has to come out of the clouds and put a real price on this car. If any of you really care in the least you might let him know reality

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

I agree - it sits like it should! See attached pic of my 23k mile untouched car.

I always have found the Oldsmobiles to sit higher in back than in front, and the Pontiacs to sit a little lower in back than in front. Anybody else have any thoughts on this? Is a Pontiac motor lighter than an Olds 455 ? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

I really wish somebody would make springs that are true OE spec... I am sick of cutting coils and otherwise manipulating supposedly "perfect o.e. spec" springs! Stance is everything!!

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Colin -- Your car is gorgeous! How about a few more pics! :-)

While we're on the subject, are you aware of how I might be able to document the one-of-a-kind color scheme of my car? I've contacted GM/Oldsmobile, and they couldn't help. I've worked through the OCA (Oldsmobile Club of America) and as far as they could determine, mine is the only Ming Jade Green W-30 known to exist. But they can't be 100% positive, because they don't have actual production info.

Is it even possible to document this fact with 100% certainty? Any feedback would be much appreciated, thanks!

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig mile
 

Think reality is he knows the #'s on the strong side, but it's all or nothing and they keep the car (which really is something!).

Best to your Dad, Eilig.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Here is a link for my 71:

http://www.colinsclassicauto.com/detail.php?car=162

I don't think there is a way to document color break down on Oldsmobiles or any other car for that matter. Even PHS can't do it. Very much like my 71 W30 with the factory twin-disc clutch. I have been trying to find out how many were built, and at this point my car is the only one anybody has ever seen with the option. But I am positive they made more than one! Waiting for somebody to dig up another documented example to compare dates, etc.

Colin

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Whatever the total may be..I have never seen another one !

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Colin...you find some amazing cars... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

I'll bet that the rpm's come up quick with that clutch not to mention the pedal pressure has to be almost nothing...

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Nice car Colin https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

I am the last person to begrudge someones asking price for a car since the asking prices for my cars are on the high side.
But in order to justify a realistic asking price some form of market history on similiar cars generally needs to be presented. In this case the car is extraordinary and I certainly am sympathtic for the reasons for the sale and wish the selling family all the best but it would be three or more times the world record for a public or private sale of a W30 442. The highest I have ever heard for such a car was about 85K. Perhaps Colin or some of the others who follow the W30 market can share their experience with W30 record prices?

IMHO without other sales of comprable cars in the region of this asking price I can't imagine anyone stepping up and paying anywhere near 100K for this car?

I had the chance to look at Colins 71 W30 last week and it is easily the nicest unrestored W30 car I have ever seen. While Colin's car is not for sale I would speculate if one camped out in Milwaukee with a six figure check and waved it at Colin every day perhaps the car could be shaken loose for about 200K less than the asking price for this green 18,000 mile car?

But that being said I wish you the best of luck and hope that things work out with the medical issues regarding your family. My two cents.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Well I guess he needs to start somewhere....but I also think the color is very cool on this car and special order to boot...definitely an unusual car and looks to be on a par with the best...whatever the pricerange.Good Luck...and who knows...maybe if someone talks to him in person they can get down to the price that would buy the car.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Thanks Colin, for the clarification. I guess the A bodies are all a little different. I've had several Chevelles, and the ones with OEM springs or that were low mileage original always seemed to sit higher in the front. Guess the divisions tuned them all differently.

I like the black 442 that you have, even if it does smack of "lowrider"... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Guys, thanks for the compliments on the black car. Les, good to hear you made it home. Are your arms still tired from waving that check at me for a week? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Les hit the nail on the head, cars need to be within range of comparable sales. For exceptional cars, like the green W30, a strong premium is expected. IMHO, a car like that, with the history it has, can be worth twice what a similar car that is restored or more of an "average" car. Also, the most important option on these cars today is COLOR. I love the exterior color, but, the interior color is not to my taste. In 1970, it was likely the coolest! But for every one guy like me, there is likely one guy like Belair who loves it.

The most expensive 1970 W30 I have seen sell was a black 4 speed car around 100k. I just watched a matched PAIR of bright yellow 1970 W30 cars, both numbers matching frame-off restored cars, both original yellow cars, one Hardtop and one Convert , from the same family, sell at Mecum's auction for $166k for the PAIR. Which in my mind puts the convert around 110-120k and the HT at 46-56k.

Again, no disrespect intended for the car in question or the seller. It is a magnificent car with incredible history. If it is something that needs to be sold, I would suggest a price substansially lower. If you need to sell something I see no point in scaring potential buyers away. Price it a little over what your bottom line is and get it done. Just my opinion.

Now you have four cents worth of opinion from 2 guys who are famous for paying too much for cars! LOL

Colin

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Hey guys. Thanks for the input, and also for the observations regarding the car and price.

It was not my intention to ignite a debate on the methodology used in establishing prices for musclecars. But since this discussion seems to be continuing along, maybe I should chime in with some additional thoughts...

Most of you have mentioned using comparables in establishing value, and thus selling price. I agree -- but that's the whole point -- there ARE NO comparables. There aren't any other one family-owned, Jade Green, 1970 W-30's out there with documented 18k original miles. This seems to be the ONLY ONE.

A situation in which no comparables exist then must rely on other principles to dicate price. So let's briefly reflect back to our college Economics 101 course...

The term "price" as used in economics always refers to the RELATIVE price of the item. Economics emphasizes relative price because the behavior of buyers and sellers depends on relative, not absolute, prices.

Markets are composed of buyers and sellers. A demand curve shows what buyers wish to purchase at various prices, and a supply curve shows what sellers wish to sell at various prices. The point at which these two curves intersect dictates selling "price."

In this case, the supply curve is essentially not a curve at all -- it's a single point, because there seems to be only ONE of these cars in existance. As such, "price" is established only by demand. Because this particular car is fairly desirable, there is a reasonably strong demand, which quickly pushes the price quite high.

Example: The 1962-1964 Ferrari GTO. There were only 39 produced, so again, supply isn't really a curve at all, it's a fixed constant. This particular car is extremely desirable, which means the demand curve is very steep. Thus, the car changes hands these days for anywhere between $8-$12 million. Is this "price" reasonable? Is this car THAT much better than any other car on the planet? That's certainly arguable. But again, none of that matters. The only thing that matters is the "relative price." In other words, the amount a buyer is willing to pay a seller who controls one of a very limited supply. And if one buyer is not willing to pay enough, there is another buyer eager to replace that buyer at a higher relative price. There's your demand curve.

Basically, this is just a fancy way of saying that price IS relative. In this case, the seller (my ill father) is the sole party in control of the supply. He has a relative price in mind, and it's a high one due to a 35 year bond that has formed between him and this car, and due to the fact that there aren't many other cars on the planet RELATIVE TO HIM that are more desirable than this one. If a buyer comes along who agrees, then a relative price will be established, and the car will sell. If not, then it won't sell, and dad will be happy that he still owns his prized gem.

Colin -- You hit the nail on the head. You said, "If it's something that NEEDS to be sold..." The car does not NEED to be sold. As some of you may have noted, I have other cars for sale as well, which will aid our situation. Yes, of course dad would be happy if it sold at this price. But if it doesn't, he'll still own it, which will also make him happy. So either way, he's happy. And basically, as I look at this poor man who can no longer walk, relies on huge doses of morphine for pain control, who had a stroke during his last 8 hour surgery, and who currently faces another 12 hour long surgery that the doctor is afraid to peform because he questions whether it's survivable... Hey, I ain't gonna argue with the man. I only want him to be happy for his remaining days. If he's happy, I'm happy.

I hope this rambling post will shed a bit more insight on what is obviously a difficult situation. Thanks for reading, and thanks for the well-received sentiments many of you have expressed. Much appreciated.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Jay, good luck with the sale. While in my last post I did refer that the asking price is a lot of "Java", I can understand your plight. Just something to put in the back of your head though and it may not apply - if your Dad is a Military "Veteran" did you study the feasibility of him getting help at a Local VA. They are not what they used to be !!! I used one when I came back from Vietnam for outpatient service since I had no medical coverage then, and the care was great. More recently, I placed my father in one several years ago. They not only saved his life after being mis-diagnosed at the local hospital , He got the best Medical attention around. With the atmosphere what it is today the Gov't is paying more attention to the Veterans at the Hosptials, and not just the Combat related injuries. Any way, good luck, hope ya get a bidding war and sell it for 500k.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

something doesn't feel right about this thread.....

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

While I am not a party to the final transaction on the pair of Yellow W30s sold, it was my understanding that a dealer purchased the cars for resale and paid a substantial buyers premium on the $166,000.00.

While both cars had solid history and were represented as original drivetrains only the Coupe had docs.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

My understanding is the convert was a auto trans car and had the orig trans with it's tag. Supposedly the code on that tag is W30 only. I'm no Olds expert but I would have owned either of those cars...

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

I'm with you on that one.I had no doubts the car was real. It is well known in the local Olds community. You are correct about the tag. But, they have been reproducing those for quite some time.

The point I was trying to make is that the cars were a relative bargain and didn't have all the docs the one advertised here does. Those were not record sales for the quality of cars presented.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

The yellow 442 W-30 pair are at Happycarz now. $145k for the Convertible and $75k for the Hardtop.

http://www.happycarz.com/view_invent...p?type=muscles

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

The aluminum rear axle housing (very unique) and cover,on the convertible, had an increased capacity for fluid in a lighter pkg.

Re: FS: 1970 Olds 442 W-30, with 18,324 orig miles
 

Hey guys, a status update...

In the last month or so, I've spoken with several folks from this forum. Good people here, and I've enjoyed getting to know some of you.

Dad's heading to NYC next week to meet with a specialist, and his surgery will likely follow about a month or so later. So I'm just about ready to begin getting a bit more aggressive with the sale.

I've received several offers, and thus far the highest is $150k from a very credible buyer with known credentials.

If any of you are interested at a price above $150k, but below $350k, we should probably talk. Shoot me an email or give me a call.

Thanks again. I really appreciate everyone's feedback, and also the opportunity to promote our car on this great web site.