1966 Oldsmobile : 442 Cutlass L-69 Tri power project, No Reserve

Lots of pictures .Here


Here's an exciting opportunity to acquire a restoration project that you don't come across everyday. Up for grabs is a 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 with the fabled L-69 option. This pairs the formidable 400 engine with a manual 4 speed transmission, and tops it off with a Rochester 3X2 setup to produce 360HP. 1966 was the first time since the 50s that Oldsmobile offered a Tri-Power, and management killed it that same year, never to return. A mere 1,171 of the Cutlass Holiday Hardtops slipped out the door with this configuration and they are, as they say, rarer than hens' teeth. This 442 obviously is going to need both time and money invested to bring it back, but I believe it offers a good starting point for a restoration because the car is original where it matters.


No reserve 442 ....the highest bid is the winning bid!

Here's an exciting opportunity to acquire a restoration project that you don't come across everyday. Up for grabs is a 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 with the fabled L-69 option. This pairs the formidable 400 engine with a manual 4 speed transmission, and tops it off with a Rochester 3X2 setup to produce 360HP. 1966 was the first time since the 50s that Oldsmobile offered a Tri-Power, and management killed it that same year, never to return. A mere 1,171 of the Cutlass Holiday Hardtops slipped out the door with this configuration and they are, as they say, rarer than hens' teeth. This 442 obviously is going to need both time and money invested to bring it back, but I believe it offers a good starting point for a restoration because the car is original where it matters. I'll list the casting codes and more information, but first let's take a look at what we're working with. Click to enlarge any of the photos below....



The body is actually pretty straight. There's a rough area around the rear wheel on the passenger side, but it's otherwise dent free and most importantly, solid. A light layer of surface rust exists, there's just one small area of actual corrosion, at the lower rear of the driver's side fender. Amazingly, there's only one small area of filler on the car, a light skim on the bottom rear of the passenger side quarter panel. The car appears to have been a factory red. The cowl tag lists "Magic Mirror" paint, which has magically disappeared in time to reveal a dull patina. Glass is all excellent, with all of its trim present. Body trim is ding free and nice, there's even a nice replacement piece for that rear wheel arch. Front bumper is good, back has some dents. Grill is good, all emblems are present except for the one on the trunk.

Underside has the same layer of surface rust as the top, however the floor pan will need to be replaced. Frame is solid, as are the wheelwells and trunk area. Lip around the trunk seal has one area of rust, trunk lid is solid.

The motor does not turn and I haven't tried to investigate why. It appears to have never been apart, and the motor mounts are undisturbed. All of the codes are correct for a 1966 L-69. I removed the alternator to photographs the codes.
Block: 390925E, visible beneath the intake casting in the 6th photo below.
Heads: "B"code 389395, "B" is visible in the 1st photo below.
Intake: 393238
The Rochester carbs still have their tags present, but some linkage pieces are missing as well as the original fuel filter housing. Valve covers show the original gold paint beneath the rattle can red.
I'm not able to identify which Muncie it is, but the tag reads 52659WB. Castings read 3884685 and 3925661. Can't seem to find neutral, condition unknown.

The interior needs some help, seats could be saved by a competent upholstery pro and a gallon of 409. Floor pan needs replacing, which is just as well, someone along the way cut into the tunnel to adapt his "Mr. Gasket" linkage. Headliner is ok, needs edge trim. Dash is good, although there are 3 mounting holes on the left side. Door panels are fair. Insrumentation is tired, some pieces missing. Floor pedal linkage rusty. Windows all operate.

No reserve 442 ....the highest bid is the winning bid!

Here's an exciting opportunity to acquire a restoration project that you don't come across everyday. Up for grabs is a 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 with the fabled L-69 option. This pairs the formidable 400 engine with a manual 4 speed transmission, and tops it off with a Rochester 3X2 setup to produce 360HP. 1966 was the first time since the 50s that Oldsmobile offered a Tri-Power, and management killed it that same year, never to return. A mere 1,171 of the Cutlass Holiday Hardtops slipped out the door with this configuration and they are, as they say, rarer than hens' teeth. This 442 obviously is going to need both time and money invested to bring it back, but I believe it offers a good starting point for a restoration because the car is original where it matters. I'll list the casting codes and more information, but first let's take a look at what we're working with. Click to enlarge any of the photos below....



The body is actually pretty straight. There's a rough area around the rear wheel on the passenger side, but it's otherwise dent free and most importantly, solid. A light layer of surface rust exists, there's just one small area of actual corrosion, at the lower rear of the driver's side fender. Amazingly, there's only one small area of filler on the car, a light skim on the bottom rear of the passenger side quarter panel. The car appears to have been a factory red. The cowl tag lists "Magic Mirror" paint, which has magically disappeared in time to reveal a dull patina. Glass is all excellent, with all of its trim present. Body trim is ding free and nice, there's even a nice replacement piece for that rear wheel arch. Front bumper is good, back has some dents. Grill is good, all emblems are present except for the one on the trunk.



Underside has the same layer of surface rust as the top, however the floor pan will need to be replaced. Frame is solid, as are the wheelwells and trunk area. Lip around the trunk seal has one area of rust, trunk lid is solid.



The motor does not turn and I haven't tried to investigate why. It appears to have never been apart, and the motor mounts are undisturbed. All of the codes are correct for a 1966 L-69. I removed the alternator to photographs the codes.
Block: 390925E, visible beneath the intake casting in the 6th photo below.
Heads: "B"code 389395, "B" is visible in the 1st photo below.
Intake: 393238
The Rochester carbs still have their tags present, but some linkage pieces are missing as well as the original fuel filter housing. Valve covers show the original gold paint beneath the rattle can red.
I'm not able to identify which Muncie it is, but the tag reads 52659WB. Castings read 3884685 and 3925661. Can't seem to find neutral, condition unknown.




The interior needs some help, seats could be saved by a competent upholstery pro and a gallon of 409. Floor pan needs replacing, which is just as well, someone along the way cut into the tunnel to adapt his "Mr. Gasket" linkage. Headliner is ok, needs edge trim. Dash is good, although there are 3 mounting holes on the left side. Door panels are fair. Insrumentation is tired, some pieces missing. Floor pedal linkage rusty. Windows all operate.



The car comes with a grab bag of extras: extra door panels, metal seat backs and lower surrounds, wheel well trim, etc.

When properly restored, this car presents excellent investment potential and represents an important part of early muscle car heritage

 

Interesting car.I fail to see why the floor pans need replacing...At most it could use a small patch under the drivers seat.
Steve

 

I am doubtful there were any auto tri- powers made at the factory. Also in 66 an auto would have been a 2 speed power glide. The 3 speed came in 67. I do not remember if a pitch switch was available for a power glide.


It would take a ton of money to redo that car. At current prices it would be worth about 50% of what you might have in it after a redo.

 

Olds only made about 2200 tri power 442 cars and only in 66. Maybe another another 2K tri power add ons.