should I clone it or keep it original

[dpenndable1]

I have a stock 71 cutlass convertible. As fas as value would it be better to clone it a 442 or try to keep it as original as possible?? from the prospect of resale value

[ieatmyfeet2.5]

i would buy the cutlass for more then the 442 but thats just me

[MrPbody]

A "clone" ANYTHING is worth less than the real deal. The possible exception would be if you were to do a first class restoration, and added ALL the trinkets. Expect to spend in excess of $30K to do a first class job.
It's never a good idea to try to build or rebuild a car with making money in mind, unless you have one of the rarest of a certain type. You won't make any, and probably lose quite a bit, if you try to make a 442 out of it.
And under no conditions, should you represent it as the genuine article. If you do, you are committing fraud, and if you sell it out of state, the feds get involved. It can get real sticky, legally speaking.

[neatofrito1618]

it might bring it up a little but not that much and if ur looking for resale value then it isent worth it

[sub006]

It's YOUR car, if a 442 hood and badges give you a kick, go ahead. If your engine's tired maybe put a Chevy in so nobody mistakes it for a real one.

[67ROCKETPOWER]

Originally Posted by sub006

It's YOUR car, if a 442 hood and badges give you a kick, go ahead. If your engine's tired maybe put a Chevy in so nobody mistakes it for a real one.

YOU BAD BAD MAN!!!! DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ENER PUT A PIECE OF SH*T CHEWY ENGINE IN ANY OLDS UNLESS IT CAME STOCK!

AS FAR AS A CLONE, THAT CAR IS PRETTY EASY TO MAKE INTO A CLONE. MOST BUYERS WOULD APPRECIATE YOU TELLING THEM IT'S A CLONE, BUT WOULD STILL PAY MORE FOR THE CAR WITH THE RAM AIR HOOD, BADGES, GRILLS, AND CUT OUT REAR BUMPER. THE ENGINE SHOULD HAVE THE Ga HEADS ON A BIG BLOCK TO COMPLETE THE LOOK. 442's WERE JUST OPTION PACKAGES ANYWAY TO A CUTLASS "S" OR SUPREME CONVERTABLES. SO IN THEORY YOU ARE JUST ORDERING IT THE WAY YOU WANT IT..
FIRST AND FOREMOST - JUST HAVE FUN WITH YOUR OLDS AND GO OUT AND KICK SOME CHEVY ASS!

AL

[DrRocket]

It's your car. You can do anything you want to it. If you're going to make a clone because you dig they way it'll look, I say go for it. Just don't lie to anyone about what it is.

If all you're doing is trying to raise the resale value of it, save your money and time.

I always tell people who ask the question "Do you think this car will be valuable someday?" that cars make lousy investments. Put your money into a 401K or something. Now, if you really like the car, the way it looks, the way it runs, handles, etc, hey, go for it. But don't just buy something because you think you'll make money on it, because the average person won't.

I put the louvered hood on my car bacause I love the way it looks. Not because it's more valuable.

[Mines69Olds]

Be careful if you are going to restore to sell. You can easily become attached to it and just keep it forever. I bought mine to build and sell but I now know im not going to sell it. I just can't part with her.

[NOVA71]

As for $ value, I think an all original anything would probably be worth the most. Especially if you have all the proper documentation to prove it's originallity. Personally I'd build it the way you want. If you like the look of the 442, clone it. For me, a part of owning an old car is for enjoyment, and why drive around in a car that looks plain if you really want something else. Just don't try to pass it off as a real 442. Chances are people will admire it because it's a great car that's in great shape, not because it's all original or a real 442. Sure the real deals are nice, but I've seen many ordinary Cutlass restored that are nicer than alot of real 442s. It's all about quality. Just my opinion.

[crazy Jim]

I'll probably 442 clone my '71 SX, but I'm never gonna sell it so the value does not matter to me, only the insurance co..