If you look at the post coupes in GM’s performance portfolio, you may notice a particular trend: They always sold in miniscule numbers compared to their hardtop brethren. Over time, you may notice them being outsold by convertibles.
Were entry-level cost and lighter weight for racers not big selling points? Generally, that’s the case. Look at any “heavy” performance car and you’ll find that fancier versions sold better with the big engines. 409s were more popular in the Impala SS versus the Biscayne and Hemis were more popular in the Satellite versus the Belvedere I.
In 1970, Oldsmobile was the only brand on GM’s mid-size performance roster to offer a post coupe. Called the Sports Coupe, it also was the rarest body style for the 4-4-2 model as only 1,688 were built, less than the number of convertibles.
| Pillared Coupe/Convertible | Buick GS | Olds 4-4-2 | Pontiac GTO |
| 1964 | N/A | 711/436 | 7,384/6,644 |
| 1965 | 2,282/2,147 | 6,800/3,468 | 8,318/11,311 |
| 1966 | 1,835/2,047 | 4,434/2,853 | 10,363/12,798 |
| 1967 | 1,014/2,140 | 4,751/3,080 | 7,029/9,517 |
| 1968 | N/A | 4,727/5,142 | N/A |
| 1969 | N/A | 2,984/4,295 | N/A |
| 1970 | N/A | 1,688/2,933 | N/A |
On the other hand, if you look at the take rate of cars with the W30 package, you’ll find that the Sports Coupe had a higher penetration than the Convertible, even though the Sports Coupe is rarer (262 versus 264).
This Copper 1970 4-4-2 W30 Sports Coupe is one of 142 built with a four-speed. Note the bucket seats and lack of a console—that’s how this was ordered. Other features include the Rally Pac, Custom Sport steering wheel, AM radio, Super Stock I wheels, W35 rear spoiler, and W27 aluminum axle carrier. At the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction, this car sold for $137,500.
