With the 58th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 1974, Oldsmobile once again returned for pace car duties, marking the third time in five years the marque had taken up the honor. Former Indy 500-winning race driver Jim Rathmann was behind the wheel. To celebrate, the automaker produced a limited-edition Oldsmobile 442 for customers, giving it a look similar to that of the pace car.
In total, it’s believed that a little over 1,800 units of the limited-run 1974 Oldsmobile 442 were produced. This particular example is all-original, and sports just 39,820 miles on the odometer.
The engine lineup in 1974 included an optional 350 V8, which was a requirement for cars headed to California. However, the 455 was still offered despite the increasing pressure of fuel economy standards and emissions restrictions.
This particular 442 is equipped with the optional Rocket W-30 455 cubic-inch engine, which produces 230 horsepower. That makes this car even rarer, as only a few hundred examples came equipped with the 455. The engine mates to a three-speed Hurst dual-gate transmission.
This 1974 Oldsmobile 442 is finished in white (black was also offered) and comes with gold striping and black louvers in the hood. Unlike the actual pace car, which had removable roof panels, this coupe gets a vinyl “bar” at the B-pillar, which helped to mimic the targa top on the actual pace car. The corners mount rally wheels wrapped in raised white-letter tires.
Power front disc brakes and independent suspension help it handle. There’s also swiveling black vinyl bucket seats in the cabin.
This 1974 Oldsmobile 442 Indy Pace Car was sold as new from Doucas Oldsmobile in Greenfield, Wisconsin, on June 28th, 1974. The all-original coupe includes the original window sticker, pre-purchase inspection, warranty card, and associated factory paperwork.
Now, interested buyers can scoop up this 1974 Oldsmobile 442 Indy Pace Car from Classic Auto Mall for $45,900.
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Source: Classic Auto Mall
Comments
Love it! And to have the W30 455 makes it even better still!
I believe this was a Hurst Olds and not a 442.
W30 in name, BUT Only 230 hp., A beautiful example of Oldsmobile`s attempt to keep the performance image alive. However, grossly overpriced. Look closely at engine area and undercarriage.
The shifter would a Hurst Dual Gate, not the transmission.
My husband had the W30. I noticed the interior is different from ours. That silvery plastic is ugly. I’m pretty sure it had black leather w/white inserts.