A pair of rough-and-rare ragtops are the focus in this installment of Diamonds in the Rough.

1969 442: The 1969 Olds 442 convertible on the left was purchased as a set of four, that’s right, four cars! Along with the convertible, three ‘69 coupes, one of which was a W-30 car, were part of the deal. The unusual thing about the convertible is the fact that the car is a 4-speed, with manual steering and manual brakes. Convertibles are usually loaded with options, but apparently the original owner of this car wanted a bit of fresh air with his speed thrills. The original 400 cubic inch, 350-horse engine is still with the hulk. The owner of the convertible has already started the restoration process.


Of the 4,295 convertible 442s built in 1969, only 1,161 were 4 speeds. We have no production breakdown on manual steering and brakes, but there couldn’t have been many built.

1971 GTO: According to Pontiac, the last year for the convertible GTO was 1971, making this model highly desirable among GTO collectors. Combine the ragtop with the top engine option, the 455 H.O., throw in a 4-speed transmission, and you’ve got one rare Goat to lust after. That happens to be exactly the type of car seen here.

But there’s more; this car also came with air conditioning, power steering, power front disc brakes, AM/FM radio, power windows, power door locks, Safe-T-Track limited-slip rear axle, tilt column, console, in-dash tachometer and remote mirror. Whew! Most convertibles were heavily optioned, but this particular car is even more loaded than usual. The owner, who also happens to own a very nice ‘65 GTO, tells us the car is ugly, but not rusty. The Goat is waiting its turn for restoration (he’s been working on the ‘65).

If, after dragging your latest project home, your wife threatened to leave, your neighbors rolled their eyes and questioned your sanity, and your dog bit you, you’re on the right track! We wanna see pictures! Send us your tired, beaten and huddled masses of machinery. If we use yours, we’ll send you a T-shirt and congratulate you on your fine taste in automobiles. Send submissions to: Restoration Review, Diamonds, 4820 Hammermill Rd., Tucker GA 30084. Be sure to include your return address, and give us permission to print your submission.

The National Firebird Club

The National Firebird Club features technical advice, a color newsletter, free classified ads, parts exchange and member contact. Dues are $30 annually. A sample newsletter is only $5. Contact the National Firebird Club, P.O. Box 11238-Y, Chicago, IL 60611.
(773) 769-6262