1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

Description

Introduced for 1971 as the performance flagship of Oldsmobile’s intermediate lineup, the 442 combined muscular styling with big-block power and refined road manners. Available in coupe, pillarless hardtop, and convertible body styles, the 442 remained one of the most desirable muscle cars of the era, particularly when equipped with the legendary Rocket V8.

This 1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible is powered by a numbers-matching 455ci Rocket V8 paired with a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.

As part of a refurbishment completed before the selling dealer's 2025 acquisition, the car was refinished in Sable Brown and its drivetrain is said to have been overhauled. The car features a power-operated white convertible top, white vinyl upholstery, air conditioning, front bucket seats, a center console, and 14-inch Super Stock III wheels mounted with BFGoodrich redline tires. Additional equipment includes power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, dual exhaust, and a Autosound head unit.

This 1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible is now offered by the selling dealer in California with an owner’s manual and a clean Washington State title.

Highlights

• Refurbishment completed under prior ownership

• Numbers-matching 455ci Rocket V8

• TH400 three-speed automatic transmission

• Sable Brown exterior over a white vinyl interior

• Power-operated white convertible top

• 14" Super Stock III wheels with BFGoodrich redline tires

• Power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes

Factory Equipment

• The chassis number (344671M178207) decodes as:

  • 34 – Oldsmobile 442 series

  • 467 – Convertible body style

  • 1 – 1971 model year

  • M – Lansing, Michigan, assembly plant

  • 178207 – Sequential production number

• The trim tag decodes as:

  • TR 077 – White interior trim

  • Build date code is unclear, but may read 05A (first week of May 1971) or 06A (first week of June 1971)

• 455ci Rocket V8

  • Engine stamping "178207," which corresponds with the car's serial number, is shown in the gallery

• TH400 three-speed automatic transmission

• Power-operated convertible top

• Wood veneer accent trim

• White vinyl upholstery

• Front bucket seats

• Center console

• Power steering

• Power-assisted front disc brakes

• Air conditioning

• Dual side mirrors

• Chrome bumpers

• 442 badging

Modifications

• Retro Autosound head unit

Servicing

According to the seller, the following service work was performed during refurbishment:

• 455ci Rocket V8 overhauled

• TH400 automatic transmission overhauled

• Rear axle assembly overhauled

• Exterior refinished in Sable Brown

• Replacement convertible top installed

• Interior refreshed with replacement upholstery and trim components

Known Imperfections

• Odometer reset during refurbishment, mileage shown reflects distance driven since completion and does not represent actual mileage

• Cosmetic imperfections consistent with age and mileage since refurbishment

Ownership History

This 442 reportedly underwent refurbishment prior to the selling dealer's acquisition in 2025. This 1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible is now offered with a clean Washington State title

Included Items

• Owner's manual

• Spare tire