By the time the late ‘70s rolled around, the venerable Oldsmobile 442 looked quite a bit different from its original muscle car roots. Facing pressure from the 1973 – 1974 oil crisis, V8 engines were no longer standard equipment, with a six-cylinder equipped in 1975 as the first standard ‘six since the 442’s introduction in 1964. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop some intrepid owners from installing their own custom powerplants, as evidenced by the unique 1978 Oldsmobile 442 featured here.
Although the 1978 Oldsmobile 442’s original engine lineup varied from an entry-level 3.8L V6 to a 305 (5.0L) V8, the 350 was conspicuously missing from the official lineup. As such, the previous owner of the vehicle featured here decided to swap one in for themselves, providing the appropriate soundtrack through a custom dual exhaust system. The 350 V8 is mated to an automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
Outside, we see the 1978 Oldsmobile 442 “Aeroback” body style, which gives it a boxy appearance and a somewhat raked stance. Covered in two-tone blue-and-white paint, the look is definitely attention-grabbing, with chrome added to the fender flares and a prominent air scoop up front. We also see prominent “442” badging front to back, plus some complementary “350” badging on the fenders to hint at what’s under the hood.
The blue-and-white color scheme is also seen throughout the custom cabin space. The leather bucket seats, rear bench seat, and door panels are finished in white, and the carpeting, dash, steering column, and door panel trim are all in blue. It looks as though the owner also upgraded the audio system with a six-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk.
It’s a tastefully executed customization, and that 350 up front gives this 1978 Oldsmobile 442 the appropriate grumble for such a storied nameplate. Now, this 1978 Oldsmobile 442 is up for sale from Motor Car Group in Ohio. The odometer reads out at 92,253 miles. Pricing information is currently not available.
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Source: Motor Car Group
Comments
I could have sworn a 305 4BBL and 4 speed stick were the std drive train for these aero back 442’s for 1978 but could be wrong. The Olds 350 was absent from the 1978 option list but for 1979/80 it was the std mill for the Hurst W30 coupes. Was never a fan of these Aero coupes/sedans from 1978-80 and drastically prefer the Supreme coupe body style but it’s still nice to see any car from this time era preserved and given love and attention.
had a 1978 Cutlass Supreme Brougham coupe 260 v8 the only other engine available was the 305 , had mine for 13 years 167k great car
The 78 through 88 A body later called the G body. Had an Oldsmobile diesel 350. The only gasoline 350, was in the Hearst olds and the Malibu 9C1 police car.
That is one sweet Olds. It also brings back memories. Starting in the late ’70s, my family drove a 1978 Chevy Malibu–a mechanical cousin to this Olds–with the 305 V8. We bought it new and drove it for nine years before handing it down to my cousin, who sadly has since died. We originally bought the V8 Malibu to haul a boat trailer, but it was a blast to drive without it. My parents loved the pep that 305 V8 had. I imagine the 350 V8 in that Olds 442 would be even more fun!
The only thing I’m not so keen on with this 442 is that steering wheel, with its bare metal spokes and hub. I think I’d want to swap in a different wheel. But the rest of this car looks great!
This one has been assaulted by a eunuch wielding an ugly stick. Crying shame to have “4 4 2” within a mile of this eye vomit.
I restored a 70 numbers matching 442 Convertible. Now that was an Olds.
I remember when these came out. It was very polarizing to say the least.
Sales on the sedans were so poor GM went to work on a notchback sedan ASAP.
Today they are a rare sight.
Not sure where the scoop came from as they never had one.
I just got rid of my 79 calais. I was doing work on it. Rear frame rusted out behind wheels. 120,000 miles on it. But it ended up getting flooded out in the garage it was in. Had to get rid of it. I have parts for it. Brand new radiator in box. For sale 50.00. almost all of the outside chrome including rocker panel. And driver side door panel in black in good condition ,tail lights, headlight doors. If anyone interested. Will sell cheap. Passenger side door panel was in flood.
The vin was listed was showing a “M” signifying Michigan. 78/79 442’s were made in Arlington TX and should show a “R” code.
3G87H8M550926 (vin of listed vehicle)
Bought a 442 in 78, it was brown with white trim and interior. The drivetrain was a 305 w/2bbl carb and 4 speed stick with a slick Hurst shifter standard. You could not get the 4bbl with the stick, only the 3 speed auto. I loved this car. It’s appearance was polarizing but it had great suspension tuning, smooth quiet ride and little body lean and agile handling for its size. It was roomy inside. At the drag strip it was decent for late 70’s, early 80’s. If you managed wheelspin you could get a consistent 16.6 @ 85mph. Again slow by today’s standards but plenty quick for the time period. Wish I still had it.
In early ‘84 I purchased a factory 4 Speed ‘78 Calais in Bethel Park, PA. off of the original owner. Carmine Poly with Black Buckets, no console with a blue Chevy 305. No A/C or power windows or sunroof. Plain Jane.
It did have the Gauge package.
In ‘85 I dropped an entire ‘69 SS 396 Chevelle drivetrain in, even with the 305 motor mounts and Chevelle headers, (I had to move the shift tower back for the Muncie). I installed quiet mufflers, (installing my own “O” hole in the crossmember for the pipe, total PITA).
I soon sold the car and joined the Air Force after High School, losing track of the car. I later restored a ‘70 SS 454 Chevelle, but this Calais became my favorite because it was so sedate. It did have the factory black mag wheels with Olds center caps I never saw again.
The only external mods were the chrome “396” numerals up near the headlights and a ‘69 Camaro grafted hood-scoop on a aluminum hood which I first cut out a hole for the air cleaner.
*Never saw another Calais exactly like it with the all black interior.
Where can I find one
Is this car still forsale
How much