1964 – 1973 Oldsmobile 442 History
Introduction: There are those who claim that it was Oldsmobile that created the first muscle car when it stuffed its hot new fullsize Rocket V8 into its midsize model to create the Olds 88 and Super 88 series back in 1949. But it wasn’t until 1964 that Oldsmobile would return to the concept, encouraged by the success of the Pontiac GTO. Oldsmobile was the first GM division to follow Pontiac’s lead, and began to offer fullsize muscle in its midsize Cutlass model.
The package included the top engine available from Oldsmobile, a 330 cid V8 with the police package. It was named the Oldsmobile 442 package, originally signifying the engine’s 4 barrel carb, 4 speed manual transmission, and dual (2) exhausts. Although the specifications would change through the years, the name stuck. Although never the fastest or the best seller of the GM A-bodies, the Oldsmobile 442 was known for its balanced performance, exceptional handling and the “W” and Hurst editions that would come out in later years.
1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: Oldsmobile was the first to respond to Pontiac’s GTO by taking the best engine they had, a 330 cid V8 modified with all available police issue equipment including a dual-snorkel air cleaner and premium quality rod and main bearings. The package included a 4 barrel carburetor, 4 speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts, which gave it the name of Oldsmobile 442. The package also included heavy-duty shocks, springs, and a rear stabilizer bar. The Oldsmobile 442 package was technically available on all Oldsmobile midsize cars, including the cheaper F-85 and more luxurious Cutlass, except station wagons (it was therefore possible to have a four door 4-4-2). Due to a late introduction and a confusing promotion campaign, only 2,999 Oldsmobile 442’s were sold in 1964. This would soon change.
Production:
Holiday 2D Hardtop: 2,999
Engines:
330 V8 310bhp @ 5200 rpm, 355 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
Performance:
330/310: 0-60 in 7.4 sec, 1/4 mile in 15.6 sec @ 89 mph.
1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: Oldsmobile finally got the 442 package right for 1965. They eliminated four door models and made it optional on all two door F-85s and Cutlass models. The previous engine was replaced with a new 400 cid engine, generating 345bhp and 440lb-ft. The name now signified the 400 cid engine, 4 barrel carb, and dual exhausts. The package included heavy duty issue shock absorbers and springs, battery, clutch, front and rear stabilizer bars, fat tires, and 4-4-2 badges. Marketing was much more youthful and organized, and sales improved to 25,003. Critics pronounced the Oldsmobile 442 as one of the best handling of the intermediate muscle cars and an all-around balanced performer.
Production:
Holiday 2D Hardtop: 21,535
Convertible: 3,468
Engines:
400 V8 345 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
400/345: 0-60 in 5.5 sec, 1/4 mile in 15.0 sec @ 98 mph.
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Cutlass
Comments: 1966 saw new sheet metal for the Oldsmobile midsize line, and a new option under the hood. The F-85 and Cutlass models had a pronounced hump over the rear windows and large C-pillars that extended beyond the rear windshield. The base engine was tuned to generate an extra 5 bhp, but the big news was the introduction of Oldsmobile’s first tri-carb option since the late 1950s. This boosted output to 360 bhp and the transition between the carbs was smooth. A long list of options were available including five transmissions and eight axle ratios. Handling remained top-notch due to suspension upgrades and critics again proclaimed the 4-4-2 as the most balanced muscle car. Oldsmobile also quietly made available a new performance option only for the triple carb engine that consisted of an air-induction system, front bumper openings and internal engine modifications. The option was known as W-30.
Production:
2D Coupe: 1,430
2D Sport Coupe: 3,937
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 10,053
Hardtop Coupe: 3,827
Convertible: 2,750
Engines:
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(3×2 bbl) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
Performance:
400/350: 0-60 in 7.1 sec, 1/4 mile in 15.5 sec @ 91 mph.
1967 Oldsmobile 442 Cutlass
Comments: No sooner had Oldsmobile released its tri-carb setup, GM banned such setups for all of its divisions. Undaunted, Oldsmobile introduced two new engine options for its 442 Cutlass. The first was option L66, the “Turnpike Cruising package” which included a detuned 400 cid engine with a two-barrel carb. Of greater interest to enthusiasts was the return of the W-30 package. This “forced air induction system” included special air ducts, fan shroud, camshaft, heavy-duty springs, chrome valve covers, and an air induction air cleaner that had huge hoses connecting it to special air induction slots above and below the parking lights. The Oldsmobile 442 package was now only available on the higher price Cutlass models, which combined comfort and performance.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 5,215
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 16,514
Convertible: 3,104
Engines:
(L66) 400 V8 300 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 2600 bhp.
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(W-30) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
Performance:
(W-30) 400/360: 0-60 in 6.7 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.98 sec @ 95mph.
1968 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
Comments: 1968 would prove to be a dramatic year for the 442. For the first time, the 442 became its own model, still based on the Oldsmobile A-body midsize platform. For 1968, all GM A-body two doors lost three inches of wheelbase and gained shapely new sheet-metal. Although both the standard and Force Air induction engines sported an increased stroke and decreased bore (the opposite of general practice), their displacement and power ratings remained the same. The Force Air engine now had air intakes positioned under the bumpers while the Turnpike Cruiser engine was detuned slightly.
The big news for enthusiasts was the introduction of the Hurst/Olds. The prototype had been designed as a one-off by Jack “Doc” Watson for his boss George Hurst, the designer of the Jaws of Life and the most respected name in transmissions. Watson took a 442 and dropped in the 455 cid V8 from the Oldsmobile Toronado. Encouraged by the success of the transplant, Jack Watson was able to convince Oldsmobile executives to authorize a limited run of Hurst/Olds. All Hurst/Olds featured Force Air systems and Turbo Hydromatics with Hurst Dual-Gate shifters and came in only one color combination, Peruvian Silver with Black accent stripes and rear-deck panel. Only 515 were produced for 1968, and they are highly prized today.
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Production Numbers and Engine Options
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 4,282
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 24,183
Convertible: 5,142
Engines:
(L66) 400 V8 290 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 425 lb-ft @ 2600 bhp.
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm. (Manual transmission)
400 V8 325 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm. (Automatic transmission)
(W-30) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 390 bhp @ 5000rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
(Hurst/Olds) 455/390: 0-60 in 5.4 sec, 1/4 mile in 13.9 sec @ 103 mph.
1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
Comments: 1969 saw the introduction of several “W” options on the Oldsmobile 442 which sported a new grill design. The W-30 option returned with its Force Air induction, and below bumper intakes. A new W32 option replaced the “Turnpike Cruiser” option and incorporated a detuned Force Air induction engine. This was joined by the W-31, which was available on several F-85 and Cutlass models. This package incorporated a 350 cid small block with a special carb, valves, and camshaft. The Hurst/Olds returned, with a new regal gold and white color scheme, outrageous hood scopes and the 455 cid V8 that was detuned slightly from 1968.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 2,475
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 24,193
Convertible: 2,933
Engines:
(W-31) 350 V8 325 bhp @ 5600 rpm, 360 lb-ft @ 3600 bhp.
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. (Manual transmission)
400 V8 325 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. (Automatic transmission)
(W-32) 400 V8 350 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(W-30) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5400 rpm, 440lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 380 bhp @ 5000rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
(Hurst/Olds) 455/380: 0-60 in 5.9 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.03 sec @ 101 mph.
1970 Oldsmobile 442
Comments: 1970 saw the lifting of GM’s ban on engines greater than 400 cid installed in midsize cars. Although Oldsmobile had gotten around that rule in 1968 and 1969 through the Hurst/Olds, this now enabled Oldsmobile to offer its 455 cid V8 in all 442s. The Hurst/Olds was dropped from the lineup and wouldn’t reappear until 1972. The Oldsmobile W-30 hit its performance peak and included a balanced and blueprinted 455 V8 with a hotter cam, performance carb, low-restriction exhausts and the Force Air induction system which utilized two prominent scoops on the hood.
The W-30 package also included a lightweight fiberglass hood, plastic inner fenders, aluminum differential carrier and cover, and less sound insulation in an attempt to cut weight and improve performance. The W-30 option was offered only on Cutlass models, but a new option, the Rallye 350, was offered. Powered by a 350 cid engine, the smallest displacement Oldsmobile muscle car sported the most outrageous exterior, which was only painted in a very bright yellow. Even the bumpers and wheels were painted yellow. This would be only a one year option as the performance market would collapse after 1970.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 1,688
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 14,709
Convertible: 2,933
Engines:
(Rallye 350) 350 V8 310 bhp @ 4200rpm, 490 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm.
455 V8 365 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(W-30) 455 V8 370 bhp @ 5200 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
Performance:
(W-30) 455/370: 0-60 in 5.7 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.2 sec @ 100mph.
1971 Oldsmobile 442
Comments: 1971 saw the beginning of the end for all muscle cars, and the 4-4-2 was no exception. To comply with a GM decree that all engines must be able to run on unleaded fuel, all engines saw a drop in compression and a corresponding drop in power ratings. This was further compounded by the move to rate engines with all accessories attached (the “net rating”) which lead to some drastic changes over the previous “gross” ratings. The standard 455 dropped to 270bhp net (340bhp gross) while the W-30 dropped to 300bhp net (350bhp gross). The W-31 and Rallye 350 were dropped, and the Hurst/Olds was still unavailable, but the W-30 was still available for the enthusiasts, and sported the familiar Force Air induction system and the 1970 hotter cam.
Production:
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 6,285
Convertible: 1,304
Engines: (SAE Net)
455 V8 270 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(W-30) 455 V8 300 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 410 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
(W-30) 455/300: 0-60 in 6.5 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.8 sec @ 98 mph.
1972 Oldsmobile 442 Cutlass
Comments: The 4-4-2 reverted back to an option on the Cutlass models for 1972 as the market turned away from gas guzzling, high insurance cost muscle cars. The 4-4-2 package became just a handling and appearance package available on any V8 Cutlass and included a heavy-duty suspension, wheels, and appearance items. For those who still craved performance, the W-30 option was still available, with its Force Air induction 455 V8 and enthusiasts cheered the return of the Hurst/Olds, although it was nothing like the 1968-1969 models. The Hurst/Olds was only available in Cameo White with black and gold accents and could be order with numerous luxury options.
Production:
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: ?
Convertible: ?
Engines: (SAE Net)
350 V8 160 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 275 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm.
350 V8 180 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 275 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
455 V8 250 bhp @ 4200 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 300 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
(W-30) 455 V8 300 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 410 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
NA
1973 Oldsmobile 442 Cutlass
Comments: 1973 saw a drastic change to the shape of the Cutlass as it gained all new sheet-metal and a new euro look. The 4-4-2 package was now labeled as the W-29 option and was only available on the Cutlass and Cutlass S coupes. The package included the same handling and appearance items as the year before. The W-30 option was dropped from from the lineup leaving only the Hurst/Olds to carry the performance banner.
The Hurst/Olds came in Cameo White or Ebony Black with gold stripes and a white vinyl roof. But the fancy trim couldn’t hide the loss of 50bhp as the 455 was further detuned to meet increasingly tough emission standards. Hurst/Olds models would be built in 1974, 1975, 1979, 1983, and 1984. But none of the successors could match the power of the originals. Oldsmobile withdrew from the performance market after 1973, and although the 4-4-2 name would later resurface on numerous models in the next two decades, none of them could match the sheer brute strength of the true muscle car models of the sixties and early seventies.
Production:
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: ?
Convertible: ?
Engines: (SAE Net)
350 V8 180 bhp @ 3800 rpm, 275 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
455 V8 250 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 250 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm.
Performance:
NA
