To be sold at the Gooding & Company Amelia Island Auction on March 8, 2013. For further details please visit www.goodingco.com or contact a vehicle specialist at 001.310.899.1960 or specialist@goodingco.com.
Engine Specifications:
455 CID OHV V-8 Engine
Single Four-Barrel Rochester Carburetor
350 HP at 4,700 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front-Disc Brakes, Rear Drums
Independent Coil-Spring Front Suspension
Live Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
About this Car:
In 1964, the upscale Oldsmobile brand released the 442, a catchy numeric reference to the car’s four-barrel carburetor, four-speed gearbox, and dual exhausts. The 442 of 1966 was the first Oldsmobile equipped with the formidable W-30 package. Consisting of a ram-air induction system, high-performance camshaft, and stiffer valve springs, the original W-machine was available as a dealer-installed kit that could be adapted to virtually any Oldsmobile powerplant.
In 1968, things started to get really exciting and for the first time, Oldsmobile officially acknowledged the fearsome W-30 option in factory literature. The following year, the W-30 was offered exclusively for the 442 and Dr. Olds made his debut as the model’s devious, power-obsessed mascot.
The reputation of the W-30 reached new heights in 1970 when the imposing F-block 455 replaced the highly tuned 400s. Further equipped with a fiberglass induction hood, heavy-duty coil springs, Delco telescopic shock absorbers and front-disc brakes, the 1970 W-30s gained acclaim for their well-rounded performance and ample creature comforts. Like the 1970 model, the 1971 W-30 was equipped with a balanced and blueprinted Ram Air 455 with a hot camshaft, high-flow Quadrajet carburetor, and low-restriction dual exhaust. The package delivered 350 bhp, 410 lb-ft of torque, and offered staggering acceleration through the gears. Visually distinguished by its cleaner grille, updated taillight inserts, and red plastic inner fenders, the 1971 W-30 is widely considered the last of the collectible 442s.
Delivered to its first owner through Royal Pontiac-Olds in Butler, New Jersey, this 1971 442 W-30 Convertible is outfitted with some of the most desirable optional features available for Oldsmobile’s legendary muscle car.
In terms of performance features, this 442 is ideally optioned with a four-speed manual gearbox, Hurst shifter, heavy-duty Posi-Traction 3.73:1 axle, W27 rear-end cover, Rocket Rally pack gauges, Tic-Toc-Tach, bucket seats, center console, and sport steering wheel.
As would be expected of a range-topping Oldsmobile, the W-30 Convertible is luxuriously equipped with power steering, power windows, power top, wood-grain trim, AM push-button radio with bi-phonic rear speaker, tinted glass, two-speed wipers, a visor vanity mirror, and accessory lamp group.
This W-30 is presented in its brilliant factory- delivered color scheme of Saturn Gold with black accent stripes and red plastic inner fenders, arguably the most attractive of any combination offered for the 442.
Over the years, the Oldsmobile has always been kept in appreciative hands and previous owners include Salvatore Amodeo, Lawrence Nuzzaci, and Robbie Yow, a North Carolina collector with a passion for exceptional American performance cars. The current owner, a respected Michigan collector, was immediately drawn to this rare Oldsmobile and has continued to maintain it in his personal stable of limited-production muscle cars.
Restored by noted Oldsmobile expert Joe Cubellis of New Castle, Pennsylvania, the W-30 Convertible remains beautifully presented throughout and is authentically detailed down to its optional color-keyed Super Stock II wheels and Goodyear Polyglas GT tires.
Documented by the build sheet, Royal Pontiac- Olds invoice, owner’s manual, and Protect-O- Plate, this ultra-rare 442 W-30 Convertible is sure to impress the most discerning collector.
Of all the 442 models, the magnificent W-30s of 1970 and 1971 are the ultimate Oldsmobile muscle cars, with the ultra-rare four-speed Convertibles representing the most exclusive, top-of-the line specification. Amazingly, of the 110 W-30 Convertibles built for the 1971 model year, this car is one of only 32 examples originally specified with the sporting four-speed gearbox.
Considering its marvelous factory-correct color scheme, long list of rare options, accurate restoration, and important documentation, this W-30 is a rare and exciting prize.
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