One of GM’s most popular muscle cars has always been the 1970 Oldsmobile 442. This example is also one of the rarest, as it is one of only 96 produced for the 1970 model year, and it will soon be crossing the auction block.
In 1970, General Motors lifted the cap on fitting engines over 400 cubic inches of displacement into midsize cars. Oldsmobile promptly took advantage of this and stuffed the 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 in their 442. It was “as large a V8 as ever bolted into a special-performance production automobile.”
This Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with the W-30 option package, which added the “Select-Fit” engine components, a W25 fiberglass hood which provides outside air induction through functional air scoops, a low-restriction air cleaner, a Winters aluminum intake manifold as well as a longer-duration, higher-lift cam. The big V8 is connected to a heavy-duty, close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, which is rowed with a Hurst Competition shifter. Look underneath the car to find front disc brakes, full dual exhaust and the desirable W-27 aluminum differential cover on the rear axle. The Rocket 455 was rated at 370 horsepower and an eye-watering 500 pound-feet of torque. Rear tires were doomed.
This Oldsmobile 442 is resplendent in glossy Twilight Blue with white stripes. Chrome bumpers and trim look to be in very good condition, with no signs of pitting noted. The stainless trim has been well polished. Fourteen-inch Super Stock I wheels are shod in Goodyear G70-14 Polyglas tires. The white vinyl convertible top is bright and without the wrinkles that usually indicate having spent too much time in the “down” position. The convertible back window is clear and clean. All four headlights appear to be correct T-3 units.
Under the hood of the Oldsmobile 442, the correct red inner fenders are present. The detailed engine bay is home to the potent Rocket 455. Components and finishes all appear to be factory correct. The foam surround on the air cleaner still stands as it should to create a positive seal.
Inside the Oldsmobile 442, black bucket seats show well, with little sign of use. Bolster wear that is so common on these muscle cars is nearly nonexistent. The chrome shifter is topped by a black shift ball. A Custom Sport four-spoke steering wheel tops the fixed column. Simulated burled-woodgrain trim adorns the dash, doors, and console. A push-button AM radio with eight-track player resides in the dash. Rubber Oldsmobile floor mats protect the black carpets.
This Oldsmobile 442 is accompanied by the Protect-O-Plate, pre-delivery checklist, notarized certificate of authenticity, and the build sheet. It will be on offer at the Mecum Auction in Glendale, AZ, March 18th-20th.
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Comments
From the peak of muscle car era
I agree. I always wanted a 442 when I was kid. Also my opinion is Oldsmobile always had best quality of all the GM brands. I wish Olds and Pontiac were still around. But I guess this is progress in progress??????????
A classic car beautifully styled. Does 0-60 in 5.5 sec at 10 mpg combined. A V6 Camaro does the same with double the mpg and an engine half as big!
And costs 5x as much.
I get where your coming from Pierre. I have a 1975 Cutlass Supreme (I know not even close to the same category as the 70 442) that brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. When I drive my brothers CTS, with its over 100 more HP V6 and better gearing, i get that same feeling. What i do notice different is the CTS is mostly invisible but i am constantly getting looks and comments about the Cutlass.
RARE MUSCLE CARS!
Can’t even imagine that they had the knowledge back in those muscle potential days. Sure miss those HOT ROD days.
The grilles need to be aligned/fit better.
Good eye.
About 15 years ago I got a ride in a properly restored true w32 version of this car, it was wild.
Picked up a new 1970 442 Sherwood green Holiday Coupe upon returning from Vietnam in Nov 1969. It was stolen Sept 24, 1982, never to be seen again. Still trying to get over the loss 38 years later
That really sucks…
I picked up a new 1970 Sherwood Green 442 upon returning from Vietnam in Nov 1969. It was stolen Sept 24, 1982, never to be seen again. I’m still trying to get over the loss 38+ years later.
My ultimate favorite car. I own a 1986 442 since new with 50k on it. It has far more sentimental value then monetary value. Once they are gone, they are gone.
I had a 1970 Olds 442 – W30. It was gray with a spoiler. I loved that car but my allergies don’t. I sold it. Wish I had not. The guy I sold it to took the spoiler off and painted it blue. The last thing I told him was not to make changes to it as it would be worth a lot of money. He must have thought I was some stupid female. Well look at it now, I wonder how I can find that car and get it back.
Back in the gas guzzling era we had a 72 tornado 455 engine that got 15 miles to the gallon in the city a full tank of gas which was 18 gallons to from Philly to Manassas Virginia we still had a little under a half a tank of gas left I have a Chevy pickup with a 324 engine in it an avalanche that gets 8 miles to the gallon and that’s where the full tune up new wires plugs oil change the whole bit truck runs great but the gas mileage sucks
The car I learned to drive on the road was a 71 Chrysler 300, 440-4 727 9 1/4′ posi rear. My Grandad took me out for a three hour drive and I was the driver, I was 14, It was a huge fast monster that flew to 100. I my driving test in my parents 1970 cutlass 350-2bbl. light green, dark green, I could not find a decent 442 in 74 @ a good price, so I bought a 68 GS 400-4 auto conv.red/black auto, a few cars later in college,I found a 70 cutlass conv, 350-4 factory aluminum intake, four core radiator, 4sp close ratio, 433 posi. disk brakes, tick toc tac, sport mirrors boxed HD suspension. Blue/White/White, all manual, brakes & steering. I never knew exactly what it was, but it was fast to 100 and close to red line. wish I kept that one