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Mystery Box: 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Emerges After 37 Years in a Barn, No Keys

1968 442 21 photos
Photo: eBay seller codyhotrodshop
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The first thing everybody thinks of when hearing about a 1968 Oldsmobile 442 is the partnership between Oldsmobile and Hurst.
Truth be told, the Hurst/Olds models were absolutely stunning, and the engine performance was outstanding. Available in two engine configurations, the upgraded models generated 390 horsepower and could go from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in just 5.4 seconds. They were small rockets on wheels, with only 515 units produced in 1968.

The standard 442 was more common, as Oldsmobile produced 33,000 vehicles. Power came from a 400 V8 engine that generated 350 horsepower in the standard configuration. The W30 was a delicious treat, coming with worthy upgrades that eventually pushed the output to 360 horsepower.

The 442 that landed on eBay earlier this week is a Sport coupe flexing a Hurst shifter, though it's not one of the 51 examples produced by Hurst and Olds for the 1968 model year (the 515 figure also included 464 Holiday coupes).

Seller codyhotrodshop says the car is a genuine barn find. It was found in the place where it was parked in 1987, coming in with a 1987 calendar on the sun visor. The vehicle exhibits typical metal problems, including rust in the fenders and quarters, but the floors look solid. I expect good news in the trunk, too, but this is where the mysterious bits start surfacing.

The owner says they don't have the keys, so they can't open the trunk. They have no idea what's hiding inside, so the next buyer will have to open the mystery box and maybe discover other parts that could help with a potential restoration.

The engine under the hood is a mysterious part, too. The owner says they "don't know anything about the engine or transmission," so you'll have to inspect the mill in person before committing to a purchase. It's not starting and running, as the owner emphasizes the 442 rolls freely to get it on a trailer.

The car looks ready for a complete restoration, and while it rolled off the assembly lines with many options, including air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes, it's unknown how many goodies are missing.

A 1968 442 can become a genuine head-turning machine with the right repairs, but it's not a project aimed at the Average Joe. The bidding starts at $10K, and it's a high expectation, considering the owner hopes the digital fight will push the selling price much higher. Meanwhile, the 442 is still waiting for at least one offer, which is the only thing it needs, given a reserve is not in place. You can find the car parked in Cody, Wyoming, where it'll be waiting for the end of the auction in the next six days.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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