Oldsmobile 442

Oldsmobile's factory took a cue from the Hurst/Olds and gave all 4-4-2s a 455-cubic-inch V-8 as standard equipment for 1970. The engine was complemented by a facelift that shelved the 4-4-2's blackout grille in favor of a series of bright vertical bars. Also, the taillamps now numbered four instead of two and were moved to within the rear bumper unit. (more…)

1970 1970 saw the introduction of the Olds 455 V8 as the standard 442 engine. Output was 365 hp and 500 ft•lbf, with a 370 hp W30 option available. The 365 and 370 hp (272 and 276 kW) power ratings were conservatively underrated at a lower rpm. Both engines are believed by some to produce 410 to 420 hp (306-313 kW). It was the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 race in 1970, along with the Cutlass Supreme.  (more…)

1967In 1967 the 442's styling and base engine remained the same, but the optional automatic became the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, replacing the two-speed Jetaway. Disc brakes were newly optional for the front wheels.  (more…)

1964The 442 was born out of the rivalry between Pontiac Division and Oldsmobile. It started as a swift response to the Pontiac GTO, which had proved to be an unexpected success midway through the 1964 model year. (more…)