Barn Find 1968 Olds 442 With Potentially Rare Factory 455

Elizabeth Puckett Elizabeth Puckett Aug 16, 2024 american Muscle
Barn Find 1968 Olds 442 With Potentially Rare Factory 455

A 1968 Oldsmobile 442, a classic muscle car revered for its power and performance, has been discovered in a barn in Oklahoma, where it has sat untouched for nearly 40 years. This particular 442 is generating buzz due to its "factory 455" engine, a feature that could potentially make it a rare and valuable find, though its authenticity as a Hurst/Olds model remains uncertain.

The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 lineup marked a significant year for the model, as it was promoted to a standalone series and offered with a standard 400 engine producing up to 350 horsepower. However, the real excitement that year was the introduction of the Hurst/Olds version, powered by a 455 V8 engine capable of 390 horsepower, a limited run that only 515 customers ordered. The newly found 442, equipped with a "factory 455," could be one of these rare models, making it a highly desirable project car.

Currently, the car is in need of a full restoration after decades of sitting idle. While the frame is reported to be in good condition, significant work will be required to restore the body, interior, and engine to their former glory. The car's price is set at $4,700, and while the seller suggests it could be worth up to $80,000 when fully restored, prospective buyers should be prepared for a substantial investment in time and money to bring this vintage muscle car back to life.