Vehicle Description
With the unprecedented success of the GTO, Oldsmobile was quick to
get in on the early muscle car action with the 442. By the time
this 1968 Oldsmobile 442 was built, the big A-body bruiser had
already established itself as a formidable performer, but one for
grown-ups, and as such, it offers things like A/C, a sophisticated
color combination, and a great ride.
Ivory is this 442's original color, but someone in its past made
the proper choice to switch to basic black, and that sinister hue
makes it the perfect prowler on the streets. Oldsmobile wanted
their muscle car to stand out, of course, but they didn't want to
make too much noise (that would come in 1970, of course). So, in
addition to the black paint, this one sports a red stripe on the
front fenders and some 442 emblems to make it stand out. Fans will
spot it instantly and there's simply nobody who can argue that the
Olds isn't a great-looking car from any angle. The paint has a few
years on it and it's holding up well and has a great shine that
makes it ideal for local cruises where you can really drive the
car. The front end is a familiar Oldsmobile look, the chrome and
trim is shiny, and the black vinyl top adds a touch of
sophistication to this imposing bruiser.
Black-on-black, is there really anything better on a muscle car
with optics like the 442? The bucket seats look to be wearing
recent seat covers that fit well and accurately reproduce the
originals, but things like the door panels and dash appear to be
original, and look great too. Buckets with a console and shifter is
the way to go and the design is very sophisticated, again
illustrating Oldsmobile's customer base was more grown-up than
those over at Chevy and Pontiac stores. Three round pods house the
instruments while the secondary controls are in a panel underneath,
and just check out the cool rotary switches for the headlights and
wipers. Two Auto Meter auxiliary gauges are mounted under the dash
to further monitor the engine's vitals, factory A/C remains fully
functional with upgraded R134a refrigerant inside, and the original
AM radio is still in the dash, although it's accompanied by an
8-track unit mounted below. Plush carpets, a full-sized back seat,
and a big trunk with a full spare round out the list of desirable
features on this Cutty.
The only motor you could get in your 442 was a 400 cubic inch V8,
running right up against GM's 400-cubic-inch limit for intermediate
cars. We've pulled the numbers and can confirm that the block is in
fact the car's original, numbers matching engine. The big Olds V8's
calling card is torque, and it gets this handsome coupe moving
without ever working hard, barking out a wonderful baritone from
the twin trumpets out back. Bright gold paint makes the 442's
engine look special and options like power brakes and power
steering make it easy to drive even with all that cast iron over
the front end. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was optional
and seems like the right choice in a luxury-themed muscle car like
this, and it feeds a tough 12-bolt rear end out back. The 15-inch
Super Sport wheels have been painted to match the bodywork and then
fitted with a set of 225/75/15 BFGoodrich white-letter radials.
This 442 has been a favorite among in-the-know enthusiasts for
decades, and now it's time for you to enjoy one of the most
under-rated muscle cars of the era. Call today!
