More than just a muscle car, the Oldsmobile 442 added style, sophistication, and a dose of luxury to the classic formula. Now, Jay Leno is behind the wheel of this gently restored example from 1966 in the following episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.
On loan from the Audrain Auto Museum in Newport, Rhode Island, this 1966 Oldsmobile 442 looks fantastic, with the latest restoration requiring just a few touch-up details here and there.
“This is a rare car,” Jay starts the video. “Originally, 442 was four-barrel, four-speed, dual exhaust. This one has three two-barrels on it,” referring to the triplet of two-barrel Rochester 2GC carburetors. Topping the 400 cubic-inch V8 engine, output when new from the setup was rated at 360 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque, meaning this slab of classic American metal has the power to match the looks.
Output is routed to the rear wheels by way of a four-speed gearbox. But, as Jay points out, the Oldsmobile 442 was about much more than just performance.
“Oldsmobile is a bit different than [the Pontiac] GTO,” Jay explains. “This is more of a luxury, fast car, in the sense it has power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning.”
Like so many General Motors fans, the Oldsmobile 442 conjures memories of high school for Jay, and the exterior restoration underlines the nostalgia with beautifully executed paint, chrome, and detailing (even though minor issues, like moderately loose sideview mirrors, remain).
Of course, that restoration was extended to the powertrain and drivetrain, which means this 1966 Oldsmobile 442 drives as good as it looks. As such, after going over the exterior, interior, engine, underside, and extensive documentation for this car, Jay slides behind the wheel and takes it for a spin around Los Angeles. Hearing the V8 engine wind out and seeing the classic lines back on the road is a treat, so hit play and watch it all go down for yourself.
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Comments
You’d think with all his money, Jay could afford some new clothes. LOL
He’s the real deal and has nobody to impress. Go watch the Kardashians!
With all his money, he can do whatever the hell he wants . . . so he spends it on cars. Good for him.
Well Jay the is a beautiful rare car,it makes me remember my 1969 SD 396 Beaumont with 350 hrs. & Muncie 4 speed. Not likely you,very heard or seen one. Like the short pieces put on here but don,t see much on the TV anymore. Take care!
Beautiful car!!!! Always liked Oldsmobile.
It was a bummer when GM nuked Olds and then Pontiacs. Always drive one or the other. 😔😔
Beautiful! I have a 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado in fantastic shape. Curved back window and less than 6000 miles! Anyone interested?
What the f**k. 66 442 is what we are talkin about. A 78Toro,seriously!
What’s the price, where are the photos?
Please send pictures and a ball park figure of how much you would like for the vehicle.
Thanks for the memories Jay. Excellent.
I have a 64 442 convertible love it have had it over 30 years
In 1964, the Pontiac GTO was available from the factory with the 389 engine and tri-power, rated at 348 HP. Then in 1965 the GTO was available with a tri-power, and was rated at 360 HP., the same as the Olds 4-4-2 was rated with their 400 cubic inch tri-power engine. None of the GTO’s were ever shipped with the “tri-power in the trunk”. All of the 1966 GM Muscle cars were GREAT, but the SS396 Chevelle was available with 375HP, a 4 speed, and a 4.10 posi. That was one bad Muscle Car.
i’ve got a 66 Olds 442. We’ve been working on it for almost 2 years. To make it a better driver we added a 5 speed tranny and an aluminum drive shaft. would’ve liked to had a 455 cu in. Car wasn’t original in color exterior or interior. It’s now silver with a black and white interior. The engine is getting a fresh rebuild at .60 over. Got rid of the 4bbl quadrajet and added 750 Holley. Waiting on the cam, Kept the 4.10 rearend. No air and AM radio. Can’t wait to drive it.
I was the proud owner of a 1966 Olds 442 2 door sedan with tri-power, Hurst close ratio fourspeed. Best car l ever owned. It had an Oldsmobile 400ci not a Buick 401ci. Engine.
After they started selling more automatic’s, they switched to 400 cid,4bbl carbs,and dual exhaust not only could those cars haul the mail, they were comfortable and smooth on the highway. And a beaumont? Love those cars.kind of a mixture of chevy and pontiac, and you could drop a 427 right in there we had a service station in the 60’s-70’s.. I can still give you a 016 gap in a set of points by eye! Both the olds and some buicks could really put a hurting on you lol. Still have my old motors manual from 71, and the really impressive one was always the 327. That little engine could put out 370 hp stock. About 15 less than a 440 six bbl( or pak) and a lot lighter
As knowledgeable as Jay is I can’t believe he doesn’t know that in the 60’s each division of GM had their own engines exclusive to that division. He kept repeating that he thinks his 65 Buick grand sport with a 401 is the same 400 in this Oldsmobile. I love Jay but that’s a thought that a novice would have.
Jay as always a pleasure to watch your reviews. You are a true ” car guy” take care
Still a boneheaded comment, how could he think a 400 engine in a Buick or Pontiac is the same engine in an Oldsmobile?
Love that car and your knowledge about cars great show Jay keep up the great job
1978 Oldsmobile Toronado for sale. Less than 6000 Miles. Curved back window. Great shape.
the 4-4-2 logo was originally exactly as shown on this car, each number was a different color. later in the 60’s Dr. Olds came out in the Oldsmobile advertisements. They featured the “W” machines and then the Hurst/Olds followed.
I had a new 1969 H/O and for anyone, especially an eighteen year old, it was an incredible car. Loved it then, lots of memories now.