Oldsmobile 442 History
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The Oldsmobile 442, four-four-two, was one of the larger muscle cars that were produced between the years 1964-1971 with some reappearances. It was born out of competition with other muscle cars like the Pontiac GTO, Ford Thunderbird and Mustang, AMC Javelin and Chevy Camaro. This car is distinct because it never sported the fastback or pony car styling that dominated the late 60s and early 70s.
The 442 package option was initially known as the “B09 police apprehender” and the 4-4-2 comes from the four barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission and dual exhaust system. In 1964 this optional package was available with the F-85 and Cutlass models. The 0-60 time was 7.5 seconds and the Quarter mile was 15.5 seconds. 2,999 were sold this first year, partially because it was launched ¾ of the way through.
1965-1967 there were few changes made to the style and improvements made to the engine performance. Several new engine options were added in these years. Oldsmobile 442 sales were impressive with 25,003 in ’65, 21,997 in ’66 and 24,833 in ’67. 1967 also saw the best performance so far for the Oldsmobile 442 with 0-60 in 6.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds
The Oldsmobile 442 became its own model in 1968 and remained so until 1971. Oldsmobile partnered with Hurst Performance to improve performance and cosmetics as well. Performance was not as good with these newer models, and despite this, at least 33,000 were sold in 1968 with very minor changes occurring in 1969.
1970 was the year of the 455 V8; standard in Oldsmobile 442s. This incredible vehicle was touted in prominent car magazines and was the pace car for the Indianapolis 500. The quarter mile was times at an incredible, at the time, 13.7 seconds.
As with all General Motor’s engines in 1971, the Oldsmobile 442 lost some performance with the quarter mile time of only 15.2 seconds.
In 1972 the Oldsmobile 442 was once again relegated to being an optional package. This time the changes to the body included huge 5 foot doors and an additional several hundred pounds in body weight. Americans grew tired of these giants and production ceased.
Though the Oldsmobile 442 was lost as the muscle car enthusiasts knew it, there have been a handful of market reappearances. A limited edition 442 was available from 1978-1980. The name was also seen again from 1985-1989 as an option for the Cutlass supreme.
The Oldsmobile division of General Motors no longer exists and any hopes of a modernized retro Oldsmobile 442 drove away with it. The Oldsmobile 442 is one of the classic muscle car treasures to be enjoyed at every opportunity.
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 68 72 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 HEATER BOX HEATER CORE  US $40.00
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 68 72 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 F85 EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL US $15.00
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 68 72 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY US $8.00
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 68 72 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY US $15.00
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 68 69 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 WIPER TRANSMISSION US $5.00
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 1968 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 442 F85 SIDE MARKER LIGHT US $5.00
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 JADA BIGTIME MUSCLE 1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 BLUE US $2.99
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 56 FORD F100 TRUCK 63 THUNDERBIRD 69 OLDSMOBILE 442 US $3.99
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 Lane 1972 Oldsmobile Olds 442 Convertible Viking Blue US $127.50
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 1971 1972 OLDSMOBILE F 85 442 PARTS CRASH SHEETS US $7.99
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 1970 OLDSMOBILE F 85 442 CUTLASS PARTS CRASH SHEETS US $7.99
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 1970 1971 OLDSMOBILE 442 F 85 PARTS LIST CRASH SHEETS US $7.99
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 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Parking light lens LH NOS US $31.55
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 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament 1969 Hurst Oldsmobile 442 US $4.99
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 Jo Han Oldsmobile 442 1970 built kit US $16.32
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 1967 OLDSMOBILE Brochure442F 85CUTLASSTORONADO98 US $12.99
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 Greenlight 1972 Oldsmobile 442 Pace Car Green Machine US $15.71
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 1964 1965 OLDSMOBILE 442 MUNCIE FACTORY SHIFTER LINKAGE US $125.00
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 Greenlight SC 7 1972 Oldsmobile 442 Green Machine NR US $22.50
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 HIGH LIFT COIL SPRINGS 442 72 71 70 69 68 Oldsmobile US $79.04
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