Astronomical Odds

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4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
35
73
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This story I'm about to tell is really hard to believe if one thinks about it hard enough. Obviously anyone on this site who knows their Oldsmobile Cutlasses knows that there were only 886 442's made in 1980. I've read or heard that there are less than 200 of these left in the U.S. and Canada.
For the past 6 years I've been trying to buy a black/gold one 3 miles from where I sit that has been sitting 25 years at a Transmission shop. It has sit outside all that time and was left as a trade in on work completed and never paid. Despite being outside all that time there is NO rot through on the floor boards - behind the rocker chrome - door corners - trunk - rear quarters etc. It's surprisingly solid. The interior is a different story as it looks like a hand grenade was thrown inside and the doors shut. I'm not even sure the the motor is seized or could be get running. Fixing up this car at all would be a chore but I'd really like to have bought it just to get it in the barn so the sun or weather wouldn't hit it for the first time in nearly 3 decades and it was dirt cheap price.
BUT THIS NEXT PART is what is not likely to happen.
I get a call from a guy I've know quite some time - knowing I like 442's - as I've owned 2 79 Hurst Olds and a 88 Cultass Supreme Classic with the euro front clip. He says there is a 1980 442 ten miles away.
I take a trip over and low and beyond an original paint - 1 owner car that had set inside a huge farm hanger for the past 5 years. The original owner installed in a 350 rocket from a 70 Cutlass and new transmission 5 years ago and this car purrs like nobody's business. Paint is faded and tired but again NO RUST THROUGH and interior is not great but manageable and even has the optioned power windows that work. Unfortunately after the mechanical work was done 5 years ago the gentleman passed away shortly after and car was set aside till now.
What are the chances that 2 1980 black/gold 442's are within a 15 mile radius when there are so few left to begin with!!! That being said I bought it on spot being that the terrible conditioned one I wanted to buy is too far gone and this car mechanically basically needs nothing. So I guess I figure what is the odds??????
 
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TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
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87National

G-Body Guru
Apr 15, 2009
661
679
93
eastern SD
The way it typically goes for me....I would have bought the rough one......next day the guy with the nice one calls and I'm out of money and no place to store it.
 
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4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
35
73
18
Sorry I put this thread on ClassicOldsmobile Forum as well. I took a couple of quick pics as I just backed this car into my barn and will get to tinkering with in this fall and winter when I have more time. It runs awesome.
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IMG_0539[1].JPG
IMG_0540[1].JPG
 
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