F/S Lee Pearl's 1970 442 W-30 Convertible 4 speed

[LeeP]

<span style="font-weight: bold">1970 442 W-30 Convertible 4 speed W-27 California car</span>. This is a know 100% documented (including pictures when it was new) and number matching 442 W-30 originally ordered with the W-27, possibly the only one of the 96 built. I have owned the car for 35 years and all of the old Oldsmobile guys know me and this car. Restored by Level One Restoration 2011. Pictures of the restoration and some of the documentation at www.levelonerestoration.com/ (http://www.levelonerestoration.com/) under Lee Pearl's W-30 and also under documented W-30 convertible 4 speeds.

Significant options: W-30, 3:91 W-27 all aluminum differential center section, rally pac, car ordered with poverty caps.

Car has been shown at 2011 SEMA, 2011 Oldsmobile Nationals (best of class), 2011 Muscle Car Nationals (best Oldsmobile) and 2011 Detroit Autorama.

significant discussion and pictures of the car on the Supercar Registry at:
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/500729/1
The restoration was also discussed in detail on the Classic Oldsmobile site. http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/major-builds-projects/31701-1970-442-convt-update-lee.html

Expert References to Contact and discuss the car: Gary Riley (303) 590-4612 Level One Restoration Gary@levelonerestoration, Fred Mandrik (480) 557-6012 [email protected], Elliot Jaffe [email protected] (847) 997-2700. Charlie L has also seen this car. None of the references have any financial interest in this car and will be objective in their discussion.

<span style="font-weight: bold">$325,000 partial trades considered to $150,000. </span> Lee Pearl [email protected]

[dl7265]

Lee,
Has your car sold ?
What Fantastic paperwork! Most would be lucky to have half a torn buildsheet, or &quot; rumored to be authentic!&quot; This one definitely checks all the boxes. Could not ask for anything more.
Regards,
DL

[LeeP]

The car has not sold. I figured it would take more than a week to get to word out to collectors and maybe even some museums. That documentation is only a part of what I have on the car. The most interesting document is the letter from the Credit Union that financed the car that they have it in their possession and he needs to come up with a bunch of money to get it out of jail. We know the story because it was then sold to the next owner and Rug never got it back. Lee

[Stefano]

This is a very special Oldsmobile, on many levels. Good luck with the sale!

[LeeP]

Thanks Stefano: I appreciate the kind words. Lee

[dl7265]

Lee,
Did Hemmings tell you which issue your Car will be featured in ?

DL

[LeeP]

Photo shoot was in April.......has been next few month for a few months. I am really looking forward to the story because my daughter was the star, not me driving the car. I figure by the first of the year. I finally figured out how to add pictures. Here are a few unpublished shots showing the quality of the car. Lee

[dl7265]

Thanks Lee,
Will keep an eye out for the issue ! Gotta love Black/Gold !


DL

[LeeP]

I listed the car on ebay. Will be interesting. Lee

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;item=330800515622#v4-43

[mockingbird812]

Good luck Lee.

[LeeP]

The ebay auction is over and the car did not make the reserve, 7500 views on the auction, 400 watchers, 19 different bidders, bid to $221k. Great auction no sale but some great comments and several potential buyers. I am pleased but will not sell the car till it is time. Still for sale.........Lee

[Xplantdad]

What a beautiful car...

I used to go to Hansel on almost a daily basis....chasing parts for Hardin Olds...where I worked <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif

Good luck Lee!

[dl7265]

Lee,
Has she found a new home yet ? Hard to believe it's been a year since MCACN!Glad I was fortunate enough to see it in person.
Best Regards,
DL

[LeeP]

I will miss MCACN this year but my spies will be sending me pictures. Car is still for sale. The perfect Christmas present for the collector that needs a great Oldsmobile. Lee

[LeeP]

Nice action on the car now. Perfect Christmas present for you wife to buy for your car collection.

Lee

[LeeP]

More pictures. Price reduced $299,000. Lee

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23411995@N08/

[mockingbird812]

Lee's beauty! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23411995@N08/)

[dl7265]

Lee,
your car sounds like a bargain!

Price: *$357,500.00 Year: 1970 Make: OLDSMOBILE Model: 442 W30 Style: CONVERTIBLE. Commentary said this car was &quot;RUFF&quot; pre- restoration as well..

DL

[LeeP]

It was not Ruff but was a really nice Thorton restoration. It does make my car price sound in well in the ball park though. Lee

sorry I misread your post don. didn't catch the &quot;pre&quot; restoration

[Canuck]

Lots of pre resto photos on display with the car. It was rough!!!
Thorntons have established a good reputation and that certainly adds to the Hype.

Paul

[DW31S]

Thornton has a great reputation, but Level One is certainly no slouch and honestly, comparable. I think trying to figure the prices on the these cars ('70 W-30 Conv. Sticks) is tough, especially considering the amount of documentation some have ( and some lack), the options, different color combos, and what recently happened in Scottsdale.
Lee's car is very special and deserves to be priced accordingly.
Good luck with the sale.

[LeeP]

I am still waiting for the Hemmings Muscle Machine article. Should be in the next few months in a special convertible issue. The olds is still for sale with about four buyers in play but nobody has stepped up yet. Lee

[1971four4two]

Good Luck with the sale of the w30 Lee
I wish I could afford to have that car in my garage!

[Tracker1]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DW31S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">, and what recently happened in Scottsdale.
</div></div>

an anomaly that should not be factored into any 442 'vert pricing. Booze induced purchase <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Stefano]

I do not believe that the BJ W30 purchase was &quot;booze induced&quot;.

While it may be the highest public price paid for what is considered by some to be one of the better W30 4 speed convertibles available, there are other examples which have sold privately in the $250-$300,000.00 price range.

Lee's W30 is considered by those who follow these cars to be one of the absolute best 4 speed rag tops in existence. I'm confident that it will find a suitable home sometime soon.

[RM Schimel]

, and what recently happened in Scottsdale.


an anomaly that should not be factored into any 442 'vert pricing. Booze induced purchase :beers:

Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for the right automobile. The 1970 W-30 ragtop four-speed that sold at B-J was completely documented with excellent paperwork and history along with an exceptional restoration by the Jeff Thornton. Before the economic collapse, W-cars of this caliber were selling for these kinds of numbers and many even higher routinely in private sales. These cars along with a few others represent the pinnacle of American Muscle. RM

[RM Schimel]

I tried to edit this post but time expired. I meant to say the Thornton Brothers in Pennsylvania restored this B-J W-30 convert. However, I believe Jeff restored this particular car. Several of my collector friends have had their W-machines restored by the Thornton Brothers and they do truly amazing work. RM

[LeeP]

I have been tracking the 4 speed w-30 convertibles for almost 30 years. Although I have never seen or heard of the car that sold at the BJ auction there are only about 10 bullet proof documented cars of the 96 made. That car popped up on ebay a few years ago.

This makes a very limited number of cars. Only a couple are restored to the highest level. The hemi cuda is of course the top dog but Oldsmobile represents a unique luxury performance car during the era. It is an entirely different sector of the 70's performance. Three of the 10 have sold in the last year for over $200k and two are currently for sale. Lee

[LeeP]

My Honda suitcase cycle was filmed by Jeff Koch the same time as my w-30. The Motorcycle made the april issue of Hemmings Motor news. Two page spread. There is still hope to see the w-30 in a future Hemmings Muscle Machine article. Not sure when though since the pictures were taken more than a year ago. Lee

[dl7265]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dl7265</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lee,
your car sounds like a bargain!

Price: *$357,500.00 Year: 1970 Make: OLDSMOBILE Model: 442 W30 Style: CONVERTIBLE. Commentary said this car was &quot;RUFF&quot; pre- restoration as well..

DL </div></div>

Buyers Remorse ? She's running again No Reserve ... That' takes some *****
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/lotdetails.aspx?ln=772&amp;aid=467

[Charley Lillard]

Turns out the paperwork was fake. Now it is selling as &quot;Undocumented&quot;

[Stefano]

When the car was sold on eBay and unrestored a while back, it had no paperwork what so ever.

So who made up and or had someone make up all the paperwork which was displayed with the car at BJ?

[LeeP]

Wow!!!! Maybe that is why the old w-30 guys had never seen that car. Even if it is a real w-30 the black cloud will follow that car forever. It would seem other cars done by that restorer will now be questioned. That is very sad. Lee

[Canuck]

Woa!!!

Thats gotta hurt!

Thornton has done lots of non W30 cars and presented them as they were. I saw photos of this one and it was rough to start with and likely thought to be a real W30 before Thornton restored it. Several cars have been on ebay over the years by various sellers and reemerged with paperwork along the way.

Paul

[Stefano]

Thornton's have certainly restored quite a few Oldsmobiles and some were undocumented W-Machines brought to auction, however I do not recall ever seeing a W-Machine done by them being advertised as NOT authentic?

[Charley Lillard]

Nobody is saying it is not authentic. Just the paperwork was not authentic.

[PhilS]

This sale is an example of a car being bought without consideration of its history. An unknown car with recently located docs and a world record auction price. Pretty scary.

[HO455]

Unfortunately, the only Oldsmobile cars that can go completely unquestioned are cars with Canadian documentation. Sadly, all the other paperwork is going to be suspect in one way or another. I would imagine even the Thornton’s could be fooled today because the fake documentation is so accurate.

My friend was a longtime serious W-30 convertible collector and he was bamboozled on a fraudulent 1971 W-30 4spd convertible. He knew these cars well and went back to the 1970s collecting them.

I remember cars as far back as the early 1980s being accurately cloned into W-30s. Now people think those cars are real because they have appeared as W-30s for such a great length of time. I know of numerous cars in the Chicago area that started out life as standard 442s only to eventually become &quot;documented&quot; W-30 cars.

It is too bad that all the corruption and dishonesty has entered the hobby. However, when serious sums of money got involved in the hobby so did all the dishonesty. It would be funny if they ever found the paperwork for these cars to see how many of them today are fakes. I bet it would reduce the W-30 population by 90%. :hmmm:

[TimG]

At least 1972 has an X in the VIN.

[Stefano]

There are also a bunch of real W-30 coupes and convertibles here in Chicago land!

The only &quot;fake&quot; '71 4 speed rag top which I can remember recently, was a std 442 rag original green, converted to a black W-30.

[HO455]

Do you mean this car? I agree – if I was looking for a W-30 today and it was not a well known car or documented from Canada-it would have to be a 1972 X VIN car.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3783-deans_1971_442_new.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3784-deans_black_1.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3785-deans_black_3.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3786-deans_black_6.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3787-deans_black_5.jpg

[HO455]

I realized after I made my original post it was a bit harsh and not exactly, what I meant to say. I agree there are many real W-30s that may not have paperwork. However, I was good friends with the person I mentioned previously and he ended up going through a contentious lawsuit with the car museum that sold him that car. In the process, he lost his house, his health, and many family relationships. Therefore, when people make fake cars to cheat others for personal enrichment there are very real ramifications in which others are very seriously injured.

[Canuck]

Are the links supposed to be photos?

[Stefano]

Fraud sucks at any level! Sorry to here about your friends situation.

[HO455]

Thanks Stefano…and I apologize for my broad indictment of the true enthusiasts and cars out there. It is just I have seen the personal harm something like this can cause for others. Canuck-I am sorry the photos did not load. I was trying to post pictures of the car previously mentioned in the before &amp; after transformation. However, my photos will not load correctly. The photos showed in the preview, but not when the post was then submitted on the board. I have been having trouble editing as well lately. Maybe it is my system-

[Xplantdad]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HO455</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks Stefano…and I apologize for my broad indictment of the true enthusiasts and cars out there. It is just I have seen the personal harm something like this can cause for others. Canuck-I am sorry the photos did not load. I was trying to post pictures of the car previously mentioned in the before &amp; after transformation. However, my photos will not load correctly. The photos showed in the preview, but not when the post was then submitted on the board. I have been having trouble editing as well lately. Maybe it is my system-
</div></div>

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3783-deans_1971_442_new.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3784-deans_black_1.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3785-deans_black_3.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3786-deans_black_6.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-2017-3787-deans_black_5.jpg

[LeeP]

If that is the car I think it is, I rode in it from Chicago to Lansing for the 100th anniversary. Phil Renouf brought his red w-30 too. Black car belonged to Keith M.
Lee

[HO455]

Thank you Bruce for correctly re-posting the photos. :flag:

[Xplantdad]

John,

No problem! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Canuck]

Putting the valve covers on the wrong side is a common error with restorers even with the clones.

[smoke' em II]

Putting the valve covers on the wrong side is a common error with restorers even with the clones.

Good catch! I missed that the first time I looked at the pics.

[HO455]

Rally Red W-30 Restoration -

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.517125028297923.130194.129776270366136&amp;type =3

[Canuck]

Can anyone provide a quick link to the Facebook discussion.

[njsteve]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.517125028297923.130194.129776270366136&amp;type =3

[Stefano]

Interesting.

Thanks for posting.

Regarding Oldsmobile assembly line production at the Lansing Plant; Does anyone know for certain if the same gang stamp was to be used for the engine block vin derivative as well as for the trans?

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-295-3935-1970_rally_red_w30_4_speed_convertible_block_vin.j pg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-295-3936-1970_rally_red_w30_4_speed_convertible_trans_vin.j pg

[67 442]

Can anyone school me but isn't it illegal to remove to the vin tag from the car?

[njsteve]

Not if it is going back on the same car and you removed it for a repair procedure.

[agtw31]

judging from the pattern of corrosion on that trans case

the last 6 digits shouldn't even be readable

maybe a rag was laying on it for 40 years <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

[Charley Lillard]

Corrosion ? I don't see any.

[njsteve]

It's not corrosion, that the casting grain. It looks like the casting grain is flattened to the left of the VIN. And in that same vein, am I seeing things or is there a ghost image of another three to the left of the 3 in the red car's VIN?

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-1359-4000-full_295_3936_1970_rally_red_w30_4_speed_convertib le_trans_vin.jpg

[stevengerard]

Does look like a 3 to me.
Also I'll add that there are more real W30s here in Chicago then most realize (including mine) and yes some fakes and plenty of horrible &quot;tributes. But I know of a few real ones that have been sitting in garages for years with documentation, POP etc. I'm still trying to locate one of them, the guy moved out of my neighborhood years ago, never drove it much and now it sits in his garage. Will be a barn find for someone if they beat me to it.

PS, I have no issue with the tributes, its a great looking paint scheme and one of the nicest looking hoods ever made, so why not.

[LeeP]

The Rally Red car sells today at Barrett Jackson. This will be interesting. Lee http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/lotdetails.aspx?ln=772&amp;aid=467

[Canuck]

$250,000 plus 10%. $75,000 less than Scottsdale. Craig was giving it his usual plug!

[LeeP]

Wow that is just amazing. From fully bullet proof documented to undocumented and still fetched big money. Lee

[HO455]

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-2017-4098-386841_409345645780266_1198184362_n.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-2017-4099-205950_409348922446605_1547432831_n.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-2017-4100-309114_409348435779987_950832308_n.jpg

[HO455]

I have tried to post pictures now twice. Both times, I followed the correct protocol as you stated. The pictures showed perfectly in the preview, but only left the script addressed when actually posted. This is occurring with links as well. I also am unable to edit or delete the post immediately after submitting it. Not sure, what is causing these issues. Anyway, I am sorry about the jumbled posts. Thanks John

[Xplantdad]

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-2017-4098-386841_409345645780266_1198184362_n.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-2017-4099-205950_409348922446605_1547432831_n.jpg
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/04/full-2017-4100-309114_409348435779987_950832308_n.jpg



I don't know why you are having those problems John? Maybe just try uploading the actual pics (5th box from the left when you are making a post)???

[HO455]

Thank you again Bruce for posting the pictures for me. I uploaded them in the fifth box and hit the (add file from pc) button and then hit (the save files from group). They showed up in the preview perfectly but when I hit the post, they just show the scripted links. I am not sure if my pop up blocker may be causing these issues. I never had issues before, so I am not sure what is causing the problem. Anyway, I think I will just stop posting pictures for a while. Thanks again for all your help and take care! John

[Fast67VelleN2O]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefano</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/usergals/2013/03/full-295-3936-1970_rally_red_w30_4_speed_convertible_trans_vin.j pg
</div></div>

Wow. This looks like a restamp. I have owned many Olds Muncie transmissions and the lettering looked nothing like this.

[Billohio]

I am not up on olds but the casting looks unusual around the stamp. Is that normal?

[olredalert]

----I am getting really confused here. Not all that unusual, I agree, but exactly what color is this red/orange W30??? It appears red and is advertised by B/J as Rally Red, and yet appears almost hugger orange in the as found pics as well as some of the resto pics. Straighten me out,,,please!.....Bill S

[GTO_DON]

Rally Red is 69 carousel red or hugger orange. The tag should have 2 dashes on it for the paint code.

[smoke' em II]

----I am getting really confused here. Not all that unusual, I agree, but exactly what color is this red/orange W30??? It appears red and is advertised by B/J as Rally Red, and yet appears almost hugger orange in the as found pics as well as some of the resto pics. Straighten me out,,,please!.....Bill S

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx285/ROCKET-VAPOR/1970-oldsmobile-pg01.jpg

BTW, my '70 442 (03D build date) has the paint code &quot;73&quot; for rally red stamped on the trim plate.

[smoke' em II]

Oops, I downloaded the chip chart image incorrectly :grin:
http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx285/ROCKET-VAPOR/1970-oldsmobile-pg01.jpg

[cagereed]

After reviewing this photo, you are correct, the trans is a re-stamp. If you look at everything involved with this car, the informed know it is a fake - plain and simple. The only legitimate authentication for a W-30 is an ORIGINAL build card designating W-30, ORIGINAL window sticker, ORIGINAL dealer invoice, and/or GM of Canada paperwork. Legitimate cars exist with no paperwork, they are just not worth what the &quot;Bullit Proof&quot; and &quot;No Story&quot; cars are worth.

[olredalert]

----I understand what your saying, Don, but the car still looks like they painted it red when they restored it. Was someones camera that far off???

----Oh, Sort of forgot,Don,,,what did you ever do with those trailing arms? I could still use them......Bill S

[PeteLeathersac]

Just a quick reminder to clarify the car being discussed w/ restamp etc is <span style="text-decoration: underline">not</span> the original subject car of this thread.

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[SuperNovaSS]

Yeah, Lee's for sale ad did get majorly hijacked!



Jason

[442w30]

Rally Red is 69 carousel red or hugger orange. The tag should have 2 dashes on it for the paint code.

This may come as a surprise (it did for me) but Rally Red is a different color than Code 72 Carousel Red/Hugger Orange/Monaco Orange.

[LeeP]

Thanks for bring the discussion back. I actually followed the Rally Red w-30 from the $40k ebay sale to the first auction to Mark then reauction and still resulting sale for big bucks restamp, rust bucket and no documentation. Still scratching my head a bit about the whole fiasco and resulting sale.

<span style="font-weight: bold">My wife and I have decided to sell our car at the new Russo and Steele auction June 30</span>. The auction will be in Newport Beach less than a half mile from our house. I want to thank Stefano for directing me to this auction. I really appreciate his help. Lee

[Xplantdad]

Good luck to you Lee!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[DW31S]

Lee, ALL the best of luck to you my friend. I sincerely hope your car is the one that shatters the records, and sets the standards by which the others are compared when it comes to a selling price. I don't know the entire story of the car that sidetracked this thread, but it does make for some interesting reading. Your documentation will show what the REAL STUFF looks like. I'm most interested in the results of the Russo-Steele sale. I met Drew Alcazar at Pebble Beach, and he seemed like a gentleman to me---he didn't know me from Adam, and I introduced myself, and commented on his car at the show, and how well his auction business has grown. A very cordial and friendly car show competitor, he took the time to chat, and ever the businessman asked if I could use his services and I politely declined saying that I am friends with the Goodings. He is, by the way, a former Barrett-Jackson employee----not that I am insinuating anything, just didn't know if you knew it. I will say that I have never heard of any shenanigans associated with his auctions, I know some people that are very happy doing business there and were quite pleased with the results.
Not to sidetrack or hijack your thread here, buy I'd just like to add a couple comments---and they are ONLY comments---I don't know all the facts surrounding the Rally Red car. If all those pictures were taken to show numbers, dates, codes and such, then why no pics of the famous W-27 rear, and the famous unparalleled paperwork--where are the photos of that. And someone mentioned (if I read it correctly), that &quot;Mark&quot; owned it and sold it. If I may ask, who is &quot;Mark&quot; and where and when did he own and sell the car. Again, at this point, I'm still just trying to connect the dots.
Again, LEE--ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND LET'S HOPE THAT THE FIASCO SURROUNDING THIS (the rally red) CAR IN NO
WAY HARMS THE POSSIBILITY OF YOU AMD YOUR WIFE OBTAINING ALL THE MONEY POSSIBLE FOR YOUR CAR!!!

[LeeP]

Thank you very much. I appreciate all of my car friends including you for you help toward the other auction. The moons lined up with Russo Steele and so far I am major impressed by their staff, professionalism, paperwork detail and everything else so far. My first car auction and probably last too. They have also given me feature car status which I could not get in larger auctions. I like being a big fish in a small lake instead of a big (with many other big) fish in a large lake.

Lee

[Stefano]

To the contrary. Lansing built only 96 of these special 4 speed W-Machine convertibles. Only approx 20 exist today as either fully documented or believed to be original. Only 20! and Lee's W-30 stands out as one of the absolute very best of that group of 20 in many ways!

The Rally Red Oldsmobile discussed in this thread, just serves as proof of all the issues with these cars. When it popped up on eBay it was believed to be a real W-30 Convertible, but many questioned whether or not it was delivered from Lansing as a 4 speed and with a W-27 rear?

Lee's W-30 is both an original W-27 car and a 4 speed!

Good luck at the auction.

[DW31S]

I'd have to say that there may very well be 20 documented, as in bullet-proof paperwork, 4-speed, convertible, 1970 W-30s. Now, I'd be hard pressed to believe that in/out of that 20 real cars, that NOT ALL 20 have the ORIGINAL drivetrains. And for sure, only a handful---maybe less are W-27 cars, also. We all know these cars were ran HARD when new, some were ordered to race and specifically ordered to fit a certain class. The percentage of warranty replacement items further reinforces my point.
Lee has a VERY UNIQUE AND SPECIAL CAR and in all actuality COULD be (I'm not saying it is)the only one that has it's born with drivetrain INCLUDING the W-27 rear that CAN be proven without the shadow of a doubt. Again, all the best to Lee!

[HO455]

Good luck Lee… you and your historic W-30 deserve the best!:beers:

[LeeP]

FYI Interesting discussion of the rally red thorton car on classic oldsmobile. http://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/442/61735-remember-300k-w-30-rag-scottsdale-4.html#post538042

Now back to my post here on my Russo and Steele to be auctioned w-30 Lee

[LeeP]

had a final interview for the Hemmings Muscle Machines article last week. Article will be published in the July issue. Right before the auction!!!! Finally some good luck for me. Lee

[Xplantdad]

Sounds great Lee...good luck at the Auction!

[HO455]

Nice write-up &amp; photos of Lee’s car at the upcoming Russo-Steele. :beers:

http://www.russoandsteele.com/collector-car/1970-Oldsmobile-442-W-30/46282

http://www.russoandsteele.com/index.php/media-page/media-press-releases/3271-1970-oldsmobile-442-w-30-newport

[HO455]

It did it again with the links not working &amp; unable to edit post. Not having luck with site lately. I give up!! :dunno:

[LeeP]

I was able to get them to open. Glad you posted that. They don't have most of the best documentation listed on their site. I just asked them to post some of the better stuff including two of the original pictures. I just submitted my paperwork on the car to a forensic document expert/court expert witness for certification. Her letter will be posted in a week or so. Thanks again for posting the links... Lee

[Xplantdad]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LeeP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was able to get them to open. Glad you posted that. They don't have most of the best documentation listed on their site. I just asked them to post some of the better stuff including two of the original pictures. I just submitted my paperwork on the car to a forensic document expert/court expert witness for certification. Her letter will be posted in a week or so. Thanks again for posting the links... Lee </div></div>

Russo and Steele Lee's Olds (http://www.russoandsteele.com/collector-car/1970-Oldsmobile-442-W-30/46282)

More (http://www.russoandsteele.com/index.php/media-page/media-press-releases/3271-1970-oldsmobile-442-w-30-newport)

[DW31S]

Looking good Lee, as always, I hope this is the one that breaks the records and the one the others are judged against. I will be at SLS at GM Carlisle, but I have a feeling this will be &quot;the shot heard 'round the world&quot;!

[LeeP]

Just heard I made the cover of Hemmings Muscle with two other cars. Out in a couple weeks. A 69 trans am convertible and a six pac convertible share the spotlight. I am surprised and pleased. Lee

[Xplantdad]

Great news Lee!

[SuperNovaSS]

That is great Lee.

Congrats!


Jason

[mockingbird812]

Terrific! Congratulations Lee. Looking forward to it!!!!! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[DW31S]

Sounds like some good timing considering the Russo Steele Auction is right around the corner. Nothing like some good PR and recent ink.

[Late BrakeU2]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LeeP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for bring the discussion back. I actually followed the Rally Red w-30 from the $40k ebay sale to the first auction to Mark then reauction and still resulting sale for big bucks restamp, rust bucket and no documentation. Still scratching my head a bit about the whole fiasco and resulting sale.

<span style="font-weight: bold">My wife and I have decided to sell our car at the new Russo and Steele auction June 30</span>. The auction will be in Newport Beach less than a half mile from our house. I want to thank Stefano for directing me to this auction. I really appreciate his help. Lee </div></div>

I have my 38 mile Earnhardt Intimidator SS Camaro consigned at Newport-can't wait to see your amazing car. No Doubt Drew will have it perfectely postioned at the &quot;top of bell curve&quot; sat night!

[dl7265]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LeeP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just heard I made the cover of Hemmings Muscle with two other cars. Out in a couple weeks. A 69 trans am convertible and a six pac convertible share the spotlight. I am surprised and pleased. Lee </div></div>
Lee,
I need my copy autographed,

DL

[LeeP]

You got it Don: I won't even charge for the autograph. Lee

[LeeP]

The pictures for the magazine were taken a year and a half ago. The timing of the article coming out two weeks prior to the auction was pure luck. Now the hard part is to find a buyer that will love my car. Lee

[dl7265]

It's here ! Congrats Lee !

DL

[Xplantdad]

That's cool as heck!

[mockingbird812]

<span style="font-size: 26pt">Big Congrats Lee!!</span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/laugh.gif

[SuperNovaSS]

That is awesome! Congrats Lee! I'm curious why they show the back of the car on the cover. Not that the car has a bad looking ass but those hood bulges are the W30 call out as far as I am concerned.

Jason

[Tenney]

Super-cool!! Congrats! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[SmallHurst]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SuperNovaSS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is awesome! Congrats Lee! I'm curious why they show the back of the car on the cover. Not that the car has a bad looking ass but those hood bulges are the W30 call out as far as I am concerned.

Jason </div></div>

View most often seen by the competition!

Congrats Lee!!

[LeeP]

It is killing me, not on the newstands in Calif and I have not seen a copy yet.....Thanks for posting the cover....... The rear shot may be because it is the only w-27 rear end ragtops. Lee

[LeeP]

I read the article today. Jeff did a great job. The highlight was my daughter driving the car for the photo shoot. It is hard to sell but as a caretaker for 35 years I have completed my time with the car and goals. So many special cars never made it through the gas crisis in the early 80's. If someone other than me found the car it is likely it would not have survived to be one of the better examples of the Oldsmobile muscle car era of the 70's. They also would not have found the original owner. I Kept the car safe for 35 years, restored it the best I could afford, showed the car and ended with a feature article in the best muscle car magazine. The auction in a few weeks will be a fun end or not. It is a reserve auction so I don't need to sell it under reserve unless I want to and if it goes over reserve it will move to a new caretaker and continue to be appreciated. Still a nice story.......Lee

[DW31S]

Lee, if you don't get a copy soon, let me know and I will mail you mine.
Dave

[LeeP]

Thanks Dave: I will have one soon and have a scanned copy...Lee

[LeeP]

Got my copies. Love the article. Nice job Hemmings! Lee

[TimG]

I also read this article yesterday, it was good. Where is the 442 that the first owner rejected because it was a coupe. Wow.....

[LeeP]

I have a picture of it at the dealership but never found that car. It would be easy to identify. California smog and w-27. Lee

[mockingbird812]

<span style="font-size: 20pt">Russo and Steele's Newport Beach auction (1st annual) has a special car Featured! (http://www.russoandsteele.com/collector-car/1970-Oldsmobile-442-W-30/46282) </span>

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics/usergals/2013/06/full-1691-5209-image.jpg

[LeeP]

auction spot is between the ferrari 330 and bugatti veyron. Nice spot to be....... Of course we all know the muscle cars are better. Lee

[DW31S]

Lee, you mean the Ferrari and the Veyron are in a nice spot! You are standing in some tall cotton there my friend and I wish you all the best. Please post the outcome and results of the sale here.
Again, I hope you set both a new record and a new standard for which these special Oldsmobiles should be priced. Go Get 'em, Lee!!!

[LeeP]

The line up for Saturday. Lee

[92646]

I was a little shocked when I found out my car stays outside the whole time of the event but your car too? I figured they would have the special cars under a tent.

[Canuck]

Not Russo and Steele, Car at Scottsdale get dirty 12 times a day.

[LeeP]

The gala was yesterday and we had to be out by 4 pm cars uncovered for the night (at the beach). Will see the fallout today at 10am when I can go in again. Hope drunk rich person didn't vomit on my car. But all is well so far. They are well organized and the volunteers are very nice. Lee

[XXXGoldL34M20]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Canuck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Car at Scottsdale get dirty 12 times a day. </div></div>

Desert Sand in the wind or a lot of peoples finger prints?

[92646]

Saw Charley at the auction and sold the Camaro tonight. Saturday should be a big day.

[Charley Lillard]

Saw Mark, saw Lee. Lee has it too easy. He lives about a half mile from the auction. Also saw Dave Lindsley. Perfect weather as usual for down here.

[LeeP]

Congratulations on the sale and very nice meeting you. Charley needed an ice cream. I told him to go to the island and get a Balboa bar. It was nice seeing some old friends after I retired the 70 olds from the show circuit a year and a half ago. It is actually as good as it gets, riding my moped back and forth from the auction and parking right at the entrance. I hope the auction is successful and returns. There were a lot of no sale cars yesterday. Probably more than 75 percent have a reserve. The Russo and Steele folks probably had to do that to get the auction together so fast. Lets hope they break even or make a profit and can come back next year. Perfect venue for an auction. I will have my kayak on the beach today if any of my car friends want to take it around the island. It will be a fun day, my family will watch the car cross the block. It will be bitter sweet if it sells. Lee

[Xplantdad]

Ahhhh, Balboa...and body surfing at the Wedge. I will be out to OC &quot;soon&quot; and will have to meet up with some folks...

Congrats on the sale Mark...good luck tonight Lee!

[92646]

I think you will see allot more sales today because of the better quality cars. When I parked my car, there were 3-4 cars in a row that were sold from the same 8:00pm time slot. Hopefully sales will start building from there.

[LeeP]

You can watch the auction live at russoandsteele.com They have a live feed. Car will be around the 8 pm hour pacific time actual time 8:20 ish. See you all tonight, I will wave to the forum family......Lee

[mockingbird812]

<span style="font-size: 17pt">Best of luck Lee. You have a beautiful, rare winner there!</span> <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[mockingbird812]

Anybody have link to the Russo Steele streaming auction?

[mockingbird812]

Got It! (http://www.russoandsteele.com/images/home_watchlive.jpg)

[DW31S]

Any news or results on Lee's car???

[mockingbird812]

It goes across after 8:00 PST

[Xplantdad]

33 cars away now...on lot 714.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

Now 11 lots away....

[Xplantdad]

up next....good luck Lee!!

[Xplantdad]

No sale at $246k...

[Tenney]

Dropped by for a bit on Friday - sharp car in the metal, too! Russo did a great job of giving cars time when there were bidders on 'em, I thought. Lot of reserve cars, and rightfully so - So Cal auctions don't seem to bring the top $$ in general for some reason; nor is it a top market for top musclecars like Lee's - unless someone comes to town specifically angling for that car.

[Charley Lillard]

Lee's car sold to the Brother's collection last night...and Tenney, so did Jim Wangers' 79 Joe Dirt Trans Am...

[Late BrakeU2]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dropped by for a bit on Friday - sharp car in the metal, too! Russo did a great job of giving cars time when there were bidders on 'em, I thought. Lot of reserve cars, and rightfully so - So Cal auctions don't seem to bring the top $$ in general for some reason; nor is it a top market for top musclecars like Lee's - unless someone comes to town specifically angling for that car. </div></div>

Agreed,I counted less than 20 no reserve cars out of 400 and most of those were very early or very late. It was like a big car show, great location and an easy fishing expedition for a lot of local cars. Cool sitting with Tenney and JDub for some runs, saw Charlie and met Lee. Had to leave before Mark's Yenko Trib ran across,spent too much time drooling over it as my Intimidator had just sold earlier and was feeling weak..

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a147/LateBrakeU2/jdub.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/LateBrakeU2/media/jdub.jpg.html)

[Xplantdad]

Great to hear that Lee's car sold later on! Hi Mark!

[LeeP]

The car sold yesterday. We are very happy with the process and end to our care-taking of this very special car. I will be writing a summary in the next few days. Part of the process was insuring the car would be in a good place. It is now. Lee

[92646]

It was neat to see Lee's car sell after it was on the block. This is such a neat auction that has so many great things going for it. As a seller Drew has a class operation and he will give your car all the time it deserves on the block and if he thinks there is a deal he will work it. The auction just needs more quality cars like Lee's next year and I think the buyers will be there.

[mockingbird812]

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana'"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 26pt"><span style="font-style: italic">Congratulations Lee!!!</span></span></span></span>

[DW31S]

Way to go Lee! It sounds like it is good hands now. I'm interested in hearing what you thought of the auction process and your weekend in general. You and your family should take a well-deserved vacation away from cars for a couple of days. Congratulations!!!

[Tenney]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Charley Lillard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lee's car sold to the Brother's collection last night...and Tenney, so did Jim Wangers' 79 Joe Dirt Trans Am... </div></div>

Cool, Charley - Congrats, Lee (and Bros.)! A good home for both; perhaps a cool clip or two in the offing?

[Tenney]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Late BrakeU2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tenney</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dropped by for a bit on Friday - sharp car in the metal, too! Russo did a great job of giving cars time when there were bidders on 'em, I thought. Lot of reserve cars, and rightfully so - So Cal auctions don't seem to bring the top $$ in general for some reason; nor is it a top market for top musclecars like Lee's - unless someone comes to town specifically angling for that car. </div></div>

Agreed,I counted less than 20 no reserve cars out of 400 and most of those were very early or very late. It was like a big car show, great location and an easy fishing expedition for a lot of local cars. Cool sitting with Tenney and JDub for some runs, saw Charlie and met Lee. Had to leave before Mark's Yenko Trib ran across,spent too much time drooling over it as my Intimidator had just sold earlier and was feeling weak..

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a147/LateBrakeU2/jdub.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/LateBrakeU2/media/jdub.jpg.html) </div></div>

Good fun, Mark (87 on the odo for JDub this week!) - thought Drew gave a proper earnest (and not as in &quot;goes to camp&quot;) effort on your car, too.

[dl7265]

Bittersweet Lee, But congratulations. I have to say they worked really hard for you. Over 7 1/2 minutes on the block is unheard of.. They usually shove them off in 60 seconds..

DL

[Stefano]

Congrats!

[LeeP]

We all know a car is just a car. Some are part of a limited production group that may make them a little more desirable to collectors. Some represent a period of time like the muscle car era of the 1970's. Some have a story or owner history, but most don't.

A very special car is now in the hands of two great collectors. It is where it needs to be in a place where it will continue to be shared with others into the future. I did not have the means to do that and realized that I had completed my time with our special car. I was lucky to find it 30+ years ago and I was able to save it from the gas crisis of the 1980s. Many of our cars were lost during that period.

Exceptional cars usually find themselves in the hands of collectors of novelties or concept cars, not in the garages of average Joes. This was an exceptional car of a different kind: a great made-to-order car from a great year, with options to make it even rarer, like a w-27 rear end, and most importantly a great story.
In my time as owner, I saw it restored from to original as much as was humanly possible, and then showed it where and when I could, all over the country. The original owners Rug Kasley, then George and Betty Steele -all deceased- would be proud that this car has touched so many lives. Our collective contributions turned this car into a tribute to the Oldsmobile Marquee's legacy.

The auction was the best possible way to end our ownership. As if on cue, my family piled into the car after it left the auction block, and took a drive to the melancholy winner's circle where the &quot;Sold!&quot; cars were left for their new owners. When the attendant asked &quot;Will you be needing the keys anymore?&quot; the question had more power than he could have intended! We took a last look at the car and said goodbye to a member of our family that we all had known for over 30 years.

The car will now live among the best of the best muscle cars in the world. Although we don't get to know the brothers who own the collection, they share their cars with he world, both in magazines, and by sending them to car shows such as the Muscle Car Nationals.

A final note, I got a voice mail from my friend Stefano. His message said “mission accomplished”. That could not be more true. I am keeping my 1971 442 so all of my friends will still have me around. Thanks Charlie and the brothers, please take good care of my old car. Lee Pearl

[scorpio ps]

&quot;We all know a car is just a car.&quot;
&quot;A final note, I got a voice mail from my friend Stefano. His message said “mission accomplished”. That could not be more true. I am keeping my 1971 442 so all of my friends will still have me around. Thanks Charlie and the brothers, please take good care of my old car. Lee Pearl&quot;

Lee , Yes it is a rare car. Yes it's sold. I don't know about the others, but I being not politically correct am tired of reading about it. Lets put this 16 page (way too long) topic to bed. All this pontificating is putting me to sleep. Lets talk about my Yugo I have stored for thirty years and I'm about to restore. It's rare.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scorpio ps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">&quot;We all know a car is just a car.&quot;
&quot;A final note, I got a voice mail from my friend Stefano. His message said “mission accomplished”. That could not be more true. I am keeping my 1971 442 so all of my friends will still have me around. Thanks Charlie and the brothers, please take good care of my old car. Lee Pearl&quot;

Lee , Yes it is a rare car. Yes it's sold. I don't know about the others, but I being not politically correct am tired of reading about it. Lets put this 16 page (way too long) topic to bed. All this pontificating is putting me to sleep. Lets talk about my Yugo I have stored for thirty years and I'm about to restore. It's rare.
</div></div>

Really? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

[The Dude]

Yes really. Its a car, and if it were mine Id have drove the crap out of it.

[DW31S]

I really hope the last couple of posts were in gest. Lee is a terrific person and he had the pinnacle of Oldsmobile cars. No one forced anyone else to read the 16 page post---if you weren't interested, simply choose not to read it. I, for one, followed that car during the posts of the restoration and Lee's showing his car to the public. I'm and Olds guy through and through so I had a definite interest. I also like many other makes and models, that is why I join in on these forums---to communicate with others who share the same passion I do for these old cars. I may not be able to play in the same league as many of the &quot;players&quot; here, but that doesn't mean I can't follow their cars or chime in with an opinion. If my opinion is of a negative nature, I may choose not to post, or if I do it will be in a polite and friendly manner. The car Lee had was certainly worthy of every award it won or any article written about it or any compliment he may have received in person. The new owners have an outstanding collection and that is probably the best place for this car. Lee was totally transparent about everything he did concerning this car's history, his long time ownership, and it's subsequent restoration. I think he deserves a little more respect than what the last two posts are inferring.

[LeeP]

Scorpio, unnamed 45 post guy. That was my concluding comment. You can post about your Yugo now. Some day there may be a place for a Yugo with a nice story too. Lee

[Xplantdad]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DW31S</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really hope the last couple of posts were in gest. Lee is a terrific person and he had the pinnacle of Oldsmobile cars. No one forced anyone else to read the 16 page post---if you weren't interested, simply choose not to read it. I, for one, followed that car during the posts of the restoration and Lee's showing his car to the public. I'm and Olds guy through and through so I had a definite interest. I also like many other makes and models, that is why I join in on these forums---to communicate with others who share the same passion I do for these old cars. I may not be able to play in the same league as many of the &quot;players&quot; here, but that doesn't mean I can't follow their cars or chime in with an opinion. If my opinion is of a negative nature, I may choose not to post, or if I do it will be in a polite and friendly manner. The car Lee had was certainly worthy of every award it won or any article written about it or any compliment he may have received in person. The new owners have an outstanding collection and that is probably the best place for this car. Lee was totally transparent about everything he did concerning this car's history, his long time ownership, and it's subsequent restoration. I think he deserves a little more respect than what the last two posts are inferring. </div></div>

Exactly! Neither comment was called for, nor are they appreciated in this forum.

[The Dude]

I dont think anyone is knocking the car or Lee, the hyperbole used to describe it is what got under the other guys skin.

[68l30]

Congrats Lee <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

I've enjoyed reading about your car and the history behind it. As with most rare cars there is usually a neat back story on how it survived. Some in pristine condition, and others with the snot beat out of them. After reading about cars and options and why they were built, I'm glad &quot;the&quot; history of specific cars are finally being told in print. It's refreshing. It takes a lot of work to document the history and why it's still here to enjoy. Thanks for shareing it.

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif

BIG

[olredalert]

----Scorpio,,,Try keeping your thoughts to yourself.......Bill S

[427freak]

Great story, great car and great person! Congrats on the sale.

[scorpio ps]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Dude</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont think anyone is knocking the car or Lee, the hyperbole used to describe it is what got under the other guys skin. </div></div>

Dude, You are the only one that gets it. I join car forums to get as much worthy technical info as possible on many different subjects. I have a few cars myself. Rare ones at that. All I got out of this thread was how to hype a car in order to get the highest price possible. No substance at all. I have nothing against the car or Lee. I don't know either. But I do notice that the minute someone brings up a question or a statement that goes against the grain, certain individuals start acting like they have their underwear on backwards or have their monthly cramps. Get over it. Turn your underwear around, take some Midol and you will feel better.

[Late BrakeU2]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: scorpio ps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">[quote=The Dude] I join car forums to get as much worthy technical info as possible </div></div>

I spent an hour talking with Lee on Thursday while checking out his car, and was blown away at the differences CA emission built W30's had over 49 state versions. In fact part of the reason the car was delivered as a hard top the first time we postualed was because the line had to effectively halt while they built these CA destined smog cars with all their subtle unique features and stuff got mixed up like striping etc. The length he went to to make the car 100% nails on in that respect as well as everything else on it was truly impressive.

On an aside I didn't get the hype aspect at all, just a guy who bought a car for 600.00 thirty five years ago,squirreled NOS parts away for decades, did it to the nines, watched his kids grow up in it and then bid it farewell. Cool story actually with lot's of susbstance IMO.

[Xplantdad]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: olredalert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">----Scorpio,,,Try keeping your thoughts to yourself.......Bill S </div></div>

There you go. This was a for sale thread....for a really cool and rare car, for sale by a cool guy...who has owned the car forever....not some flipper. I could could feel his &quot;passion&quot; for the car by reading the thread. Obviously, you didn't...

If it bothered and offended you so much, why did you keep reading it then? To post what you did was not classy at all...and wasn't necessary. Really... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

Seriously, find another hobby that doesn't get you so uptight...LOL <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif

[Charley Lillard]

And....Goodnight Gracie.....