The Oldsmobile 442 option package was introduced as an option package for the Olds Cutlass in April of 1964. The 4-4-2 name came from the four-barrel carb, four-speed transmission, and dual exhaust that were included in the package. The 442 was based on Oldsmobile’s B09 Police Apprehender Pursuit package that added twenty horsepower, a hotter cam, upgraded suspension, redline tires on six-inch-wide wheels, fender badges and more. The Oldsmobile 442 remained a Cutlass option package until 1968, when it became a standalone model in the Oldsmobile line.
The following year, the standard transmission on the Oldsmobile 442 would be a three-speed manual, with an optional two-speed automatic or four-speed manual available. The Oldsmobile advertising materials would indicate the 4-4-2 moniker was so named for the 400 cubic-inch engine, four-barrel carburetor, and dual exhausts.
Our feature Oldsmobile 442 Holiday Coupe has been the recipient of a comprehensive restoration, and has covered just over 1,700 miles since completion. It has been refinished to a high standard in lustrous Sierra Mist (it was a GM color before it was a soft drink). Chrome bumpers appear to have been re-plated, and stainless trim is well polished. Chrome Cragar Super Sport wheels are shod in deep radial rubber.
This 442 has been modified for better performance and drivability. It is fitted with a 455 cubic-inch Olds V8, high-energy coil, polished Offenhauser valve covers, a modern 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission, a Ford nine-inch rear differential with 4.11 gears, Hooker Competition Headers that feed into a three-inch custom exhaust, four-wheel disc brakes, and Vintage Air climate control. The brake fluid reservoir has been swapped for a polished billet unit.
Inside, the Oldsmobile 442 has been fully restored. The high-back bucket seats have new black vinyl covers and stainless trim. The dash appears to have had a new padded cover. The stock speedometer remains, but a performance tach has been fitted. The stock steering wheel has been swapped for a custom four-spoke polished unit with a stitched, padded rim. The carpet is deep black with no signs of fading or wear.
This Oldsmobile 442 took Best in Class honors at the 2017 Oldsmobile Nationals. It will cross the auction block at the Mecum Auctions Glendale, Arizona, sale taking place March 16th through 19th.
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Comments
Great looking car. I always thought that Oldsmobile had the best overall quality of all the GM bands until they were shut down. I wish they were still around.
Me Too, Mr. Tony, Me Too ! 🙂 – I Love Oldsmobile’s ! 🙂
I owned a 67’ Vista Cruiser and loved it.
Always want a 67’ 442 with that same
color but with a 4 speed.
My Dad always had Oldsmobiles. The only car he would buy.
When I got out of high school I bought a 1966 442 convertible. I drove that car as a daily driver for years. Love that car wish I still had it
Beginning 1964 myself , my Dad , my wife and her mother ending 1998 total of 21 Oldsmobile’s .. We would still own today if they were not discontinued …
Bk in hs my family owned a 65 F85 wagon which was bought jan of 66 new I immediately adopted in it in 1970 after getting my license. man do i ever miss that car did everything asked of it perfect cruiser & was just a 330 ho w a large two bbl (my dad had connections) practially nothing in minnie mouse club (smallblock class cars in our uptown town 327 4bbl ss chevelles & the like could touch it
Nice car. Too bad it’s not a 4 speed.
I just love the lines of the 66 over all the other years Olds produced the 442. I loved my 66. Had 4spd 4:11 gears put a in 2″ lift spindles and traction bars, wicked fast, could eat 396 Chevelle and 440 Cudas, monster torque, one of those rides I wish I still had of all my rides. Beautiful car.
My parents ordered a 68 fully loaded for around $2,700. I bought it from them for $75 in 1975 and sold it to my brother for the same three years later when it wasn’t “cool” anymore. What I’d give to have it now…
I owned a 1972 Olds Cutlass S which I purchased new. However, I ordered the ram-air hood, super stock 11 wheels(body colored)rally gauges,duel exhausts,buckett seats,console,posi,sport steering wheels, 8 track tape player. sport mirrors etc. It was a dark green(can’t remember the colour name)with a litter green vinyl roof and the litter green colour on the top pf the fibreglass hood. So it looked a lot like a 442, albeit, with out the 442 badges & the trumpet exhaust. Never drove it in the winter. Really loved that car. Wish I still owned it. My Brother, Gary, owned a 1963 Olds Starfire convertible, also. Awesome machine it was, too!