The Pontiac GTO bowed in early September 1963 for the 1964 model year. The initial sales target was for 5,000 copies per year, but it sold like hotcakes, with 32,450 GTOs selling the first year of production. The other GM divisions wanted to get a piece of those sales with performance versions for their individual mid-size A-body coupes and convertibles. This led Olds to introduce the Oldsmobile 442 as a trim level on the Cutlass and F-85.
The Oldsmobile 442 was introduced in April 1964 as a mid-year model. The 4-4-2 name was derived from the four-barrel carb, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhaust. Based on the B09 Police Apprehender Pursuit Pack, the 442 option gained twenty horsepower courtesy of a more aggressive camshaft. The package also included a heavy-duty suspension, six-inch-wide wheels with redline tires, and 442 badges. In 1968, the 442 would become its own model.
The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 would be the most powerful production year, as federal emissions and fuel economy standards, combined with insurance companies reticent to insure younger drivers on increasingly powerful factory muscle cars, would force manufacturers to curb their chase for horsepower. GM saw the 1970 model year as an opportunity to shoot for the moon, and thus removed their internal corporate rule limiting mid-size passenger cars to 400 cubic inches. With the ceiling removed, each of the GM divisions elected to stuff the largest production engines they had under their respective mid-size performance offerings.
For Olds, this meant stuffing the 455 cube Rocket V8 under the 442’s hood. The 455 was rated at 365 horsepower and a massive 500 pound-feet of torque. For those astute enough to opt for the W-30 package, power was bumped to 370 horsepower (although a bit of tuning would net you north of 400 ponies), the W-25 fiberglass hood with functional air induction, an easier-breathing air cleaner, aluminum intake, and a more aggressive cam. Available transmissions included a three-speed automatic or a heavy-duty close-ratio four-speed manual. It’s worth noting that the Hurst/Olds Cutlass had been equipped with a 455 in 1969, but any Cutlass could be ordered with the Big Block in 1970.
For the 1971 model year, Oldsmobile 442 cosmetic changes included round front parking lights, horizontal taillights, a black grille with bright trim, and bright headlight bezels. Compression dropped for 1971, but the 455 still managed to make 350 horsepower.
Our feature 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is one of only 1,304 convertibles built for the model year. It is finished in bright orange with a white vinyl power soft top over a white vinyl bucket seat interior. It is powered by its original 455 cubic-inch engine and Turbo Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission. The 442 is equipped with power steering, power brakes with front discs, power windows, power locks, the factory stereo, cowl-induction hood, and dual exhaust with the chrome trumpet tips.
This 1971 Oldsmobile 442 convertible will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Kissimmee, Florida event taking place January 2nd through the 14th.
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Comments
Nice car!
There’s orange, and then there’s orange. This is the latter.
Nothing like an Olds❣️