Malaise Muscle: 1980 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 56K Survivor – SOLD!

August 22, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this Olds 442 W30 “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

By the end of the 1970s what was left of any new muscle car brands available were reduced to smaller-engined, lower horsepower shadows of the storied older siblings. A prime example was Oldmsobile’s Cutlass Supreme based 1980 442 W30 such as this nicely preserved and well-optioned example originally listed in August 2021 on Craigslist in Aurora, Illinois (Chicago) for $16,500. Comparing that price against the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the asking price is over two thousand dollars above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $14,300 after factoring in a twenty percent premium for the 350 rocket V8.

The 4-4-2 model moved to the notchback Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais to return to its roots as a performance car as it had a larger 350 V8 engine not available on other Cutlass models. It included W-30 badging on the front fenders above the side marker lights, with less dramatic graphics. Otherwise, the cars shared an identical powertrain,(minus the Hurst Shifter), with the ’79 H/O. Also available only in gold over white or gold over black paint, a total of 886 were built, 540 in Black, and 346 in White. The MSRP of a Cutlass Calais in 1980 was $6,919.57. Option W-30 4-4-2 Appearance and Handling Package cost $1,255.12. This package consisted of Gold Accent Paint Scheme (Y71), Painted Grille Face, Applique Pillar Molding, Aluminum Sport Wheels, “W-30” Decals on Front Fender, Tail Lamp Bezel and Rear Window Molding to Match Body-Color, “442” Emblem on Sail Panel and deck lid, Engine 5.7 Liter (350 CID) V8, 4-bbl (L34), Sport Console (D55), Rallye Suspension Package (FE2), Tires P205/70R14 Steel Belted Radial Ply Blackwall with Raised White Letters (QFV) and Digital Clock (UE8). The W-30 4-4-2 option was not available in California.

We believe this video on the My Car Story YouTube Channel could very well be the same car now for sale as the creator of that channel also happens to be based in the Chicago area:

In addition to the package items listed above, this example features very rare and now highly sought-after aluminum wheels.  This is a great-looking 4-4-2 that represents the final year of the 350 Rocket-powered, rear-wheel-drive versions.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Rare collectable car in excellent condition.
56000 plus miles, miles will change as car is driven.
This is 1 of 538 1980 black and gold 442 W-30’s sold in 1980.
A total of 886 1980 442 W-30’s were built – 538 black and gold, 348 white and gold.
This car has ps, pb, ac, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, am-fm cassette, auto trans, floor mats, car cover.
2 year only unique mag wheels used on 1979 Hurst Olds and 1980 442 W-30.
Orig jack and spare tire and 1980 owners manual.
Car has performance dual mufflers which are louder than stock, everything else is stock, no modifications.
No rust. Stored inside.
New a/c compressor installed 3 yrs ago.

In 1980 the 442 W-30 option added an actual 350 Olds engine, all other Cutlass v8’s were 307’s.
The 1980 442 W-30 was the last Cutlass to have the 350 Olds engine.

This car should go up in value as so few 1980 442 W-30’s were made.
There are no more Oldsmobiles or 442’s so what’s available now is it.“

Show or go: what would you do with this Oldsmobile 442?  Comment below and let us know!