Is it a real 442?

[ewheeler]

I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I have found a 77 Cutlass with 442 paint that I'm seriously thinking of purchasing. The problem is that I don't know enough about them to know if it is a real 442 or not. It has all the badging, the sloped grill, and the same back window that I see on the other 442s I have found pictures of, but I know it could be a clone. Is there a code number I can find on the car? Does the Cutlas S have the same roof line and grill as the 442? One way or the other it is a nice car, but the price should reflect it's authenticity. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[442MUCH]

I'm hoping someone here can help me out. I have found a 77 Cutlass with 442 paint that I'm seriously thinking of purchasing. The problem is that I don't know enough about them to know if it is a real 442 or not. It has all the badging, the sloped grill, and the same back window that I see on the other 442s I have found pictures of, but I know it could be a clone. Is there a code number I can find on the car? Does the Cutlas S have the same roof line and grill as the 442? One way or the other it is a nice car, but the price should reflect it's authenticity. Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Chances are it is a real '77 442 from what I see in the picture. The 77 Cutlass S did not have the sloped grill. The 77 Cutlass S 442 did. However the only way to tell is by finding the build sheet or asking GM to send you the options list for this car. If it has W29 in the options list then it is a real 442. That is the only way to be 100% sure. There are no codes in the VIN or trim plate.

[sledhead2]

would need more photos, also how much are they asking? looks like a nice car.

[ragz442]

I agree with Ken. The chances of someone putting a slant nose header and correct 77-442 grills on it would be pretty slim, those grills are pretty hard to find, but anythings possible. If you can find the build sheet, the w29 option would be called out there. It was just an appearance and handling package so if it has the bigger sway bars front and rear and the stripes look correct I'd say it's real. Looks sharp to me and yea, more pics would be nice. What motor is in it?

[ewheeler]

I think the price is pretty reasonable, especially after seeing the one that's someone left a link for that's currently on ebay. The guy wants $6,000 for it, and it is a 403 motor.This is the only other picture I have (yet)

[PSU442]

that is a good price... the car looks good.. and the 403's are rare! I wish i had the 403! To be honest, I don't know why somebody would make a clone of a '77 442 so there's a pretty good chance its legit. One way to tell, and I'm just putting this out there, is to look at the 442 decals around the car. If the car's paint is original, the wear and tear on the paint and decals should be pretty even. If the car's recently been painted or the decals seem new, than it (obviously) increases the possibility of a clone. The reason I say this is that 8-10 years ago, the stencil kits for this car were hard to come by (some reproduction kits are out there now)... well, as far as i know... but if i had to guess, looking at the body and the interior (buckets, vinyl, ralley steering wheel), it's legit. And by purchasing this car you get to join a pretty cool club... our club! ha.

[442MUCH]

that is a good price... the car looks good.. and the 403's are rare! I wish i had the 403! To be honest, I don't know why somebody would make a clone of a '77 442 so there's a pretty good chance its legit. One way to tell, and I'm just putting this out there, is to look at the 442 decals around the car. If the car's paint is original, the wear and tear on the paint and decals should be pretty even. If the car's recently been painted or the decals seem new, than it (obviously) increases the possibility of a clone. The reason I say this is that 8-10 years ago, the stencil kits for this car were hard to come by (some reproduction kits are out there now)... well, as far as i know... but if i had to guess, looking at the body and the interior (buckets, vinyl, ralley steering wheel), it's legit. And by purchasing this car you get to join a pretty cool club... our club! ha.

Chris makes some good points here. 1. The 403 is one of about 350 1977 442's to come with that engine, so yes it's pretty rare (how many are around after 30 years?), and 2. its easier to get the mask and decal kit now (Stencils & Stripes), 3. this "club" is pretty cool :)

[ewheeler]

Thanks you guys, You have helped me a lot. I think, from what you guys have told me, it probably is a real 442, and I know I want it in my driveway.I will be away for a couple of weeks, but I hope to be a constant fixture here soon. I hope you don't get tired of me, as I know I will have a lot of questions. Anyway, the hard part is done, I have convinced my wife we NEED this car. Now I just have to negotiate with the seller. Thanks again.
Shel

[ragz442]

I'd definatly buy it, 403's are rare in a 77-442. the 5th digit in the vin should be a 'K'. FWIW the stripes and #'s on the sides are painted on and the decklid # is a decal from the factory.

[brad442]

Judging from the photos, that car looks very good. I agree with the others, chances of someone making a 442 out of a Cutlass is pretty slim, especially one of these years. It's pretty easy to make a W-30 clone out of a '70 Cutlass cuz parts are pretty easy to come by, but not cheap. '77 parts are a bit harder to find. That car being a 403, buy it. You won't be sorry. You can easily massage a 403 into a strong running car. I love mine, I wouldn't trade it for any other make or model. Let us know if you get it.

Brad

[sledhead2]

like every body else says buy it if you don't let me know were it is. I need a real 403 442 :)

[damaged442]

I would DEFINITELY buy it. That price is quite reasonable for a rare 403 car. That color combo is quite rare also. Best of luck with it. Keep us posted.

[ragz442]

Looks alot like Jim's [77-442] car, except it doesn't have the white top.