Barry Stewart was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1968, serving in the 101st Airborne Infantry Division as a paratrooper during Vietnam. After serving his tour, he returned home to North Dakota to work in the family elevator business. Like many young soldiers returning from war, Barry loved toys. The faster, the louder, the better. He walked into Riggin Motors in Devil's Lake, North Dakota with a new mission, to own a muscle car. Barry special ordered this car and equipped it well. This Oldsmobile 442 W30 convertible is equipped with a 4-speed transmission, one of only 96 produced as such in 1970. Of course, when checking the W-30 option code, a big 4bbl carb, Aluminum Intake, 455 Cubic Inch V8 with ""F"" heads, W25 Fiber Glass Forced-Air Induction Hood, Low-Restriction Air Cleaner, Heavy Duty Suspension and Steering, Red Inner Fender Liners, and Power Front Disc Brakes. She is also equipped with Power Steering and the much sought after W27 Aluminum Rear Differential. But the best thing about this W-30 is its beauty. Barry knew how to pick 'em, Code 14 Platinum Silver with Black Hood and Side Stripes, Black Convertible Top and P06 Super Sport I Wheels wrapped in Firestone Wide Oval tires. The black Stratobucket seats, center console, Rally Pack gauges, AM/FM Stereo 8-track player, and tinted glass round out the interior.
The car, a freshly finished rotisserie restoration, was offered to the public at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in 2010, where it ranked #9 out of their top ten sales of the event, earning $222,200. The docket description including the following:
"" With an authentic factory Broadcast Sheet with the Code W30 on the sheet in excellent condition that was found under the rear seat during a full rotisserie restoration done to concours standards, still has the original data plate/body tag and the matching numbers 4-speed. One of 96 produced with a 4-speed. Have ownership history including title copies back to the 80's. Originally purchased by Barry Stewart after returning from Vietnam. He had a strong desire to own a muscle car and went to Riggin Motors in North Dakota and special ordered this car...This car possesses an unquestioned authenticity and a known history from new.""
This W-30 sold again in 2017 at Mecum Kissimmee, where the new owner acquired the vehicle for his personal collection where it was listed as ""Documented with the broadcast sheet"". In June of 2023, the owner had the car inspected by GM Aficionado and Chevelle restorer, Chris White. Mr. White confirmed that the Engine casting is the correct 896021F (F heads), but where V.I.N. stamping should be on the block, no stampings were found. He also noted the engine assembly retained the correct 406115 aluminum intake, the correct cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, as well as the correct original GM accessory pulleys and brackets.
The Muncie M-20 wide ratio transmission, casting number 3925661 bears an assembly date of P0B27A (Februrary 27th, 1970). The inspector noted that the transmission mount, bell housing, shift linkage, and inspection cover are also original. While Mr. White noted that there is no V.I.N. stamping evident on the transmission he did determine that the transmission assembly date and application are factory original and correct for the car. The inspector also noted that the W27 Aluminum centered rear axle is original, bearing a casting number of 406784 406785.
The body fit and finish are excellent. The inspector notes that all the emblems and stainless trim are original GM. He noted the same for the W25 OAI fiberglass hood, original GM, as well as all the sheet metal, bumpers, grill and trunk lid. According to the inspector, even the floor pans look original to the car; the frame dated properly and correct for application for the car. He even notes that the interior is all original. Talk about ""keeping your GM vehicle all GM"". Most of the glass is properly dated for the vehicle, noting only that the windshield is a reproduction.
Unfortunately, sometime between the Mecum sale and now, the factory broadcast sheet and historical titles have gone missing. The most significant aspect of this W30's pedigree is the Cowl Tag, which the inspector confirms as original to the car. It decodes properly as 34467 442 Convertible Z 970 Black bucket seat interior, code 14 Platinum Metallic with a code B Black Vinyl Top, built 03A March 1st Week. We have been able to preserve this W30's origin story, including the fact that Barry Stewart still enjoyed jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, long after his tour of duty was over. Road or show, it would be fitting for the next caretaker to enjoy this special order drop top W Machine for years to come.
Sold new at Riggin Motors in Devil's Lake, North Dakota
Rotisserie restoration to concours standards in 2009
Forced air induction
4-barrel carburetor
Dual exhaust
Red inner fender wells
4-speed transmission
W27 aluminum differential cover
Power steering
Front disc brakes
Code 14 Platinum Silver with Black top and interior
Strato bucket seats and center console
Tinted glass
Rally Pack gauges
8-track player
P06 Sport wheels
Firestone wide oval tires
