1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

Owning a numbers-matching muscle car is a rare opportunity in and of itself, and, with a raft of factory options added, the pot is sweetened considerably. This 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible, in Sapphire Blue with Parchment interior, sports several extra-cost amenities. According to its seller, it's been treated to a rotisserie restoration that began in 2018 and was completed about four months ago, and it has retained an extremely high percentage of its original parts. All the numbers are matching, of this 1 of 1,518 convertible 442 four-speeds from 1968, for which he has provided photos of the partial VIN stamps on the block and transmission. He states that it also comes with a detailed history of ownership and the restoration work performed by well-known companies, such as Bill Dunn One Stop Shop, Vellios Machine Shop, and Precision Painting of Orange County. This Oldsmobile was originally bought by two friends who joined the military together and shared the car until the day we purchased it to restore it, the seller recalls. The 350-horsepwer 400-cu.in. four-barrel engine is VIN matching, original, fully restored with new components, and set to run on modern unleaded fuel, the seller notes. - that its block was bored .030-inch over, the crankshaft and connecting rods were refurbished, new pistons lowered the compression ratio to 9.5:1, and the cylinder heads were rebuilt, as well as being upgraded to stainless-steel valve seat inserts and valves. An original 1968 442 manual-transmission-spec camshaft was sourced and installed, as was an upgraded dual exhaust system with a crossover pipe and modern mufflers. There's less than 1,000 miles on the build, . The optional engine cooling equipment package, which includes a heavy-duty radiator and water pump, a Thermo-Cool engine fan, and a 55-amp alternator, is present. There are no cold-start issues or leaks, and the rebuilt Hurst-shifted Muncie M20 four-speed has new synchros and is in perfect condition. The 12-bolt O-type open differential was rebuilt , and it is equipped with 3:08:1 gears. This car has never been in an accident but did require some rust repairs, the seller reports. The body was stripped to bare metal, its original panels were retained and aligned for a concours fit, and PPG Ultra-gloss products were used in refinishing the 442. It features the optional Soft Ray-tinted glass, which is all original with some minor scratches, , who adds that the convertible top and seals are new, the lighting is in perfect condition, and Rally Stripes were added during the restoration - The cabin, which features bucket seats with extra-cost and very rare headrests, was fully restored, and the optional air conditioning, Rocket Rally-Pac gauges, remote-controlled rearview mirror, convenience lamps and mirror, Tilt-Away steering wheel, and pushbutton AM radio work properly. A console was also originally specified, and a wood-grain finish Custom Sport steering wheel was added during the restoration. - Extra-cost Roto-Matic power steering and power front disc brakes, with drums in the rear, ease driving chores, and Super Stock-II wheels (now powder coated) with new G70-14 Wide Oval tires add style and grip in the corners. The 442 suspension, with heavy-duty coil springs and shocks and front and rear anti-roll bars, and the braking system are all new and perfect, , who also shares, There's no play in the steering system, the car tracks straight, and it rides like new. Additional documentation includes an ownership history binder, restoration receipts, factory Protect-O-Plate, broadcast sheet, glovebox manuals, and registration history. This liberally optioned 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible provides muscle car power, shift-for-yourself excitement, and the comfort of factory A/C, all wrapped in striking colors.