1970 Olds 442 W-30 convertible four-speed

[RM Schimel]

Interesting auction… I thought overall Oldsmobiles’ did well. The 1970 red & white W30 ragtop auto put up a strong number at 220K with commission. A nice car but not a concours 100 point level car, although a great color combo. The blue 4spd car did not have definitive paperwork that I saw, and NOM hurt its valuation with collectors.

The 1966 L69 put up strong numbers for a non W-car. But it was a beautiful automobile w/interesting color!

Overall both auctions were fun with plenty to see and do! RM

[TimG]

The '71 orange/black W30 coupe that went through on Friday at BJ was very, very nice. I think it went for $75,000.

[Stefano]

What was there on the blue BJ 442 convertible to prove that it was indeed a 4 speed or W30 optioned Oldsmobile?

[RM Schimel]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What was there on the blue BJ 442 convertible to prove that it was indeed a 4 speed or W30 optioned Oldsmobile?
</div></div>

Stefano...Nothing that I saw! RM

[LeeP]

I like to use the phrase with my 70 w-30 convertible. It is one of 300 remaining of 96 built. I was told that blue car had a broadcast card but didn't talk to the owner or see the documentation.

Lee

[Stefano]

You guys do know that a certain parts vendor chased down the original MFG of the broad cast cards a while back. He secured original dated GM broad cast cards in bulk.

Started selling them on eBay blank, a few years ago.

Moral of the story. It takes more than just a broadcast card to authenticate special cars.

[RM Schimel]

Thanks Stefano…Unfortunately since the prices of the W30 ragtops climbed into the stratosphere within the last decade, the number of counterfeits followed suit.

Today, I would be very skeptical of a W-30 unless it was a Canadian sold car or has bulletproof documentation including an original window sticker and complete owner history. Almost every W30… I see for sale today, also includes a broadcast card. Sadly since the cards have been reproduced they are next to worthless to prove out authenticity.

It surely does make it very difficult for the Oldsmobile community to sift through the well done clones! RM

[LeeP]

I would agree except there is now even people that can create aged window stickers. Very few buyers kept the window stickers. Totally buyer beware. There are also a few of the old timers that know many of the cars from years ago before they were cloned. A buyer just bought the green 4 speed that Bruce B was selling. I can take that car back to Keith Kibbie 20+ years ago and it still has some original paint too and a broadcast card. Lee

[Stefano]

A '71 W30 Rag advertised as Bitter sweet color, actually looked like Sienna, popped up on eBay a few weeks ago with a great story, non descript pics and a buy it now of $65k.

It sold real fast. Spoke to the buyer, told me he got a nice W30 clone which needed a bunch of work , just to make it driveable.

[LeeP]

Always check with Paul M. on a 71 rag. He knows the 71s better than anyone. Lee