In the family since 1973, this rare 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 has been restored to glory
Ben Gonnerman’s 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30 convertible has been in his family for a long time. In fact, it joined the family nine years before Ben was born and carried home from the hospital in the Cutlass.
Ben’s father Donald bought the car in 1973 for the measly sum of $800 because it had been wrecked twice. Shortly after Ben’s birth the car was parked in a three-sided barn until 2011. By 2001, Ben knew the car needed a complete overhaul and he began the arduous task of hunting down NOS pieces to bring the rare ride (it’s one of only 264 W-30 convertibles built in 1970) back to its original condition.
Finding parts for a rare decades-old car is always challenging, especially since this Olds was built with the California emissions system that was specific to the W-30 option. Sourcing those pieces required 13 years of sleuthing. The 23-year project was accomplished by Ben, his father, and a collection of friends in his garage. Many NOS pieces, including fenders, quarter panels, door skins and both bumpers were included in the complete nut-and-bolt restoration.
For most of Detroit, 1970 was the peak of the high-compression horsepower wars and the W-30 option clearly hit that mark. The 455c.i. engine pushed 370 horsepower through a TH400 automatic transmission to an Anti-Slip rearend with 3.23 gears. The engine was a torque monster, generating 500 lb-ft, and featured 10.5:1 compression, a forced-air induction hood, a Quadrajet four-barrel carb on a high-rise aluminum intake manifold, and a hydraulic cam.
Ben’s friend Ron Davis gets credit for the substantial bodywork to return the car to its original shape, including application of the Rally Red paint. The Cutlass left the factory with power front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and Super Stock 1 wheels wrapped in G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval tires.
The heavily optioned interior features the Hurst Dual-Gate shifter, factory air conditioning, an AM/FM/8-track stereo system, power door locks, power windows, and premium seat belts with shoulder harnesses. The dash features Rally Pack gauges, factory Tic-Toc Tachometer, and the Speedminder option for the 120-mph speedometer. Al’s Downtown Upholstery installed the Legendary Auto Interiors upholstery pieces.
The best part of the lengthy restoration journey, perhaps, was when Ben’s father was able to see the completed project before he died. The restoration was also a catalyst for Ben to start a shop, Dallas County Hot Rods, with his friend. Ben says the process and the friendships formed along the way were some of the most rewarding elements of the 442 rebuild.
“It has been an unbelievable quest to finish the car,” he says.
Congratulations to Ben Gonnerman for being named a Finalist for the Goodguys 2026 Snap-on Muscle Car of the Year with his rare 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30!
Photos: John Jackson
