This GM A-body post-coupe 442 has all new drive train components and rear suspension. The engine is an Oldsmobile 455 that has been bored .30 over and rebuilt with new pistons, bearings, cam, etc in 2002. The transmission is newly rebuilt, a new clutch has been installed, a Lakewood "blow proof" bell housing is installed, and a new drive shaft and Moser 4.11 full spool final drive has been installed. The engine includes headers and full mandrel bent dual exhaust with flowmaster mufflers. With regard to the chassis, all the body mounts have been replaced with new urethane mounts. Other body related work includes a new core support. The rear suspension is 3-link Hotchkiss suspension and the car has new springs and shocks all around. The interior is in good condition and includes new upholstery, carpet, sound deadening, and the floor is protected with POR-15. Dash, door panels, rear deck & gauges are good. The headliner is in mostly good condition with the exception of two small slits in the rear - a new headliner is included with the car. The front windshield is new - the A-pillars were confirmed to be rust free at this time. All work has less than 4k miles on it. Everything is documented with pictures, invoices, etc since 2002 and professionally done.
The paint and body work are old, in original "barn find" condition. There is some rust at the bottom of the front fenders (see photos), and a dent in the driver's side rear quarter panel. The paint is single stage paint that has some age on it and is peeling slightly from the rear spoiler. The car looks great from a distance, but flaws are apparent when viewed up close. The recently replaced front bumper will need to be replaced again due to the chrome starting to peel. Also, the reverse lights and the horn are currently inoperable. Furthermore, this is not a numbers matching car. There is documentation from the previous owner indicating he removed and sold the original 400 ci engine and three speed manual transmission. Yes, this was a factory 3-speed 442.
The previous owner indicated this car was parked in a barn over 30 years ago until it was rescued in 2002. At that time, the the original engine and transmission were replaced with an uprated and rebuilt 455 ci engine and 4 speed manual transmission. I purchased this car on eBay following the engine replacement and have owned the car for more than 10 years. All subsequent work, including the transmission rebuild, new differential, suspension, and interior work has been done under my ownership and thoroughly documented. The car has been garage kept since I took delivery. The odometer works and indicates 52k miles on the chassis - I don't know if this is 52k miles (it might be given the history of the car) or 152k miles.
In summary, this is a good 20 footer body with the typical A-body quarter panel rust. This 442 is a nice turn-key "old school" muscle car that you can drive and enjoy while finishing the project. It is the same GM A-body platform as the Chevelle, GTO, Skylark, Tempest, etc. I hate to see it go, but I am looking to retire soon.
I have owned this 442 since 2003. Since taking delivery, it has changed a lot. The entire drive train has been replaced with high quality components capable of withstanding track abuse (although I have never raced the car!), the interior has been restored as needed, and many pieces of exterior trim have been replaced. As it sits, the absolute worst part about this 442 is the paint and body work which still looks decent, as I'm sure you can tell from the photos/video. This is as honest a car as they come.
Here is just a sample of the work done - I have multiple folders of receipts!
Below are pictures taken by the mechanics at Harris Automotive in Westminster, MD as they worked on the 442. You can see the solid floor and trunk along with all the work performed. I have organized them by the film rolls.
Roll 1 - Clutch (no longer in car, there's yet another new one), transmission, undercoating, original condition.
