79 Olds Cutlass Calais A TRUE 442 - EXTREMELY RARE G-Body

Oldsmobile Cutlass 1979 Description

1979 OLDS CUTLASS CALAIS-TRUE RARE 4-4-2
This is likely the rarest g-body you will ever find. I have researched this car quite a bit and the best estimates are that only a couple of dozen cars in 1979 were ever built with the same engine/trans combo! In the last 2 years I have only seen 3 similar cars that did not even have all the options this car has. This car is a true Unicorn!
If you know the history of Oldsmobile's 4-4-2, you know that it represents the performance options of the package...4-barrel carb, 4-speed, 2-exhaust (dual). Over the years, the roots of the 442 have been lost and automatic transmissions became acceptable. In fact, in 1979 there were two option packages available that were supposed to represent "performance". The Hurst Olds or W30 option gave you a calais with an Olds 350 and Hydramatic transmission. If you ordered the actual 442 option in 1979, you would get a Cutlass Salon with the anemic 260 CI V-8, a Hydramatic transmission and the 442 badging.
This car was special ordered from the factory with the rare 4-speed manual transmission. But wait...there's more! Due to engine / transmission certification the ONLY way you get the 4-speed in an Olds Cutlass was to special order it with the Chevrolet 305 CI V-8. That's correct...this Olds left the factory assembly line with the Chevrolet Corporate 305 topped with a Quadrajet!
For performance, this was the hottest combination you could get in a Cutlass. Performance was better than the W-30. While the 305 was not quite as powerful as the W30's 350 V-8, power to the rear wheels was better because of the greater efficiency of the 4-speed manual.
This Cutlass also has the extremely rare factory Limited Slip rear end! This was a rare option even on the limited production W30! This is a true Holy Grail G-Body and a True 4-4-2 in the spirit of what the 442 was supposed to be!
I have a partial build sheet proving this Cutlass' prominence. Furthermore, I have some of the original paperwork from the original owner who hand picked the performance and convenience options this car was delivered with.
To make things even more fun...this car was also ordered with the rare AM/FM/CB radio...which it still posses and is functional! Add the bucket seats and sport gauges and you have a 1 of a kind car!
This rare car is what I would classify as 'driver quality'. It is EXTREMELY SOLID with rock solid frame...no typical g-body frame rot in the back! Body was re-painted many years ago and is showing its age. The top surfaces are a bit faded and there are blemishes to be expected with a car of this age.
Interior is showing its age. The headline has been removed and some of the trim is pretty rough. It is presentable and usable as a driver, but it does need a headliner.
The engine runs decent with good power. The carb can use some tweaking, it likes to siphon the gas back to the tank after it sits for a while. It runs cool with a new radiator and has good oil pressure. It has a brand new custom dual exhaust that sounds outstanding.
The car has a new clutch that performs well and the 4-speed transmission shifts as it should. It still posses it's factory original Hurst shifter. It leaks a little gear lube out of the tail shaft when it sits for a period of time. The gear transition is smooth and without any grinding.
The Limited Slip differential operates as it should. If you jump on it off the line...you will leave two strips of rubber behind you!
I purchased this car a few years ago as a non-driving project. The previous owner had the car sitting in storage with a bad clutch for many many years...that is why it is relatively low mileage for the age. I worked on it and got it back on the road for the first time in decades last year. I showed it as a 'driver' at local car shows and really enjoyed explaining the true rarity of the car. It is a blast to drive. The 4-speed and custom exhaust really make it a fun car! The brake light on the dash is on...I have not investigated the cause...but there does not seem to be any issue with the braking system. Lights and gauges work as they should.
This car is a great car for someone that wants something that the neighbor next door will never have. It is a solid driving car, a unique piece of automotive history, and a very rare find.
The car is being sold as-is with no warranty. A non-refundable $500 deposit is due within 24 hours of auction end. Full payment is due within 7 days. I will store the car inside my climate controlled garage for up to 2-weeks...but the deposit must be received and the car picked up within 2-weeks unless arrangements are made before you bid. Failure to follow any of these guidelines will forfeit the deposit and the car will be re-listed for sale without exception. I am happy to work with your shipper within reason. I welcome inspections and questions. The time to ask is before you bid.
Good Luck! Email me any questions you have.