Description
The Oldsmobile 442 was a muscle car produced by Oldsmobile from 1964 to 1980. The name 442 was originally derived from the car’s features: a 4-barrel carburetor, a 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts. The 442 was initially offered as an option package for the F-85 and Cutlass models, but it became a standalone model in 1968.
The first generation of the 442 was introduced in 1964 and was based on the F-85 compact car. It was available as a two-door hardtop or convertible and came with a V8 engine with a 4-speed manual transmission as standard. In 1965, a new 400 cubic inch V8 engine was added to the lineup, and the car’s reputation as a muscle car was cemented.
In 1968, the second generation 442 was introduced and was based on the intermediate-sized Cutlass model. It was available with a range of V8 engines, including a high-performance W-30 option that featured a cold-air induction system, special camshaft, and revised cylinder heads. The 442 continued to be a popular muscle car throughout the 1970s, but the oil crisis of the late 1970s forced Oldsmobile to reduce the size of the engine and power output.
The Oldsmobile 442 was discontinued in 1980, marking the end of an era for the classic American muscle car. However, its legacy lives on, and the 442 remains a highly sought-after collector’s car today.
