When the Pontiac GTO debuted in 1964, the initial production run was supposed to be just 5,000 units. However, demand was so strong, more than 32,000 GTOs were built for the 1964 model year. Other GM divisions took note of the strong sales and wanted to cash in on the new muscle car craze. Oldsmobile’s answer was to create a performance package for the Cutlass. It was called the Oldsmobile 442.
The Oldsmobile 442 began with the B09 Police Apprehender Pursuit pack. This came with six-inch wide wheels shod in redline tires, a more aggressive cam, and a heavy-duty suspension. In addition to the Police Apprehender Pursuit package, the Cutlass got a four-barrel carb, four-speed transmission, and dual exhaust, hence the 4-4-2.
For the 1968 model year, the Oldsmobile 442 became its own model. It happened at the same time GM’s entire A-Body platform received a total redesign. The body was more rounded and sculpted, with a curved beltline, wider front and rear track, but with a shorter wheelbase. Coupes sported a fastback roofline.
The 1970 model year brought with it some mild appearance changes to the Oldsmobile 442. The grille featured vertical silver bars, front rectangular parking lights moved to the front bumper, and taillights had vertical trim. The most important thing that happened for the 1970 442 was the introduction of the Olds Rocket 455 Big Block engine. GM had removed the limitation on displacement of 400 cubic inches on mid-size passenger cars, and thus Oldsmobile stuffed the biggest thing they could under the hood. Then combined with the W-30 package, the result was a 370-horsepower beast that laid down 500 pound-feet of pavement wrinkling torque. For the true Olds fans among us, it should be noted that the 1969 Hurst/Olds had the Rocket 455. Oldsmobile had been able to skirt the GM rule about displacement by saying it didn’t apply to specialty packages, much like John Z. DeLorean had done with the 1964 Pontiac GTO.
Our feature 1970 Oldsmobile 442 has been the subject of a frame-off restoration. Finished in brilliant Rally Red with black stripes over a black vinyl interior, this 442 is equipped with the all-important W-30 package. According to GM, this includes the fiberglass forced air induction hood, special air cleaner, the Winters aluminum intake, side stripes, lightweight body insulation, manual front disc brakes, raised white-letter tires, and W-30 emblems. Only 1,542 Oldsmobile 442s were built with the W-30 package and automatic transmission. This 442 is also equipped with its original Rocket 455 engine, Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission, Sports console with Hurst Dual Gate shifter, G80 3.91 rear gear, heavy-duty radiator, Deluxe pushbutton radio, B1 Phonic rear speaker, and Soft Ray tinted windshield. Included in the sale are photos of the restoration, a window sticker, two build sheets, new vehicle warranty and owner protection plan, owner’s manual, original Oldsmobile accessories literature, and the Protect-O-Plate.
This highly original 1970 Oldsmobile 442 coupe will cross the Mecum Auctions block at their Kansas City event taking place December 5th through the 7th.
Comments
Boy, the chances GM took with out-there styling back in those days. When competition was minimal, unlike today’s oversaturated market.
I always liked the 442 and always said Olds had the best overall quality of all the GM brands. Its a one of a kind car. I hope it gets big money at auction.