Vehicle Description
Real-deal 442 with a 4-speed! Matching numbers 455 cubic inch V8,
correct fiberglass ram air hood, rear wing. Older frame-off
restoration in very good condition. Runs and drives superbly, big
torque, but still Oldsmobile smooth. The 442 remains one of the
most under-rated muscle cars of the era. Maybe it's because
Oldsmobile is no more and the name no longer resonates like it once
did, but after driving a few of these big block pieces of luxury
muscle, I always come away impressed. This 1970 Olds 442 is a
genuine 442 with what appears to be its original engine-nice! It
was treated to a frame-off restoration perhaps 15 years ago and as
a collector car, hasn't accumulated many miles since then. It's
been driven and enjoyed as intended, but its days as a daily driver
are long over. Instead, it has mellowed into a high-quality driver
that can be shown with pride at casual gatherings where the gold
paint and bold black stripes make a purely 1970s statement. With
the 442's standard fiberglass hood with ram air and the optional
rear wing, not to mention the prominent '442' emblems on the
flanks, it won't be overlooked. It does wear W-30 badges although
this is not a real W-30 car, but the difference in performance is
modest and it puts this car in an altogether more friendly price
category. Bodywork is nicely done, the doors fit well, and the only
real demerit is some surface cracking on the nose of the hood where
someone in the past perhaps slammed it a bit too hard. This is a
grown-up's muscle car and looks the part. The black vinyl interior
is very nicely trimmed and accurately replicates the textured vinyl
used on the 442s. It's an upscale look that contrasts nicely with
the stripes and rear wing, suggesting that you got a little extra
luxury with your Oldsmobile muscle. The burled walnut instrument
panel adds to that effect, and the brushed stainless steel gauge
faces certainly look upscale. A console with a 4-speed is a great
find in a car like this, and less than 25% of the 1970 442s were
built with 4-speeds, making it a relatively rare bird. Of course it
carries a Hurst shifter-is there a closer relationship than that of
Hurst and Olds? There's also a factory AM radio, but this car is
light on options, which suggests that the original owner cared
mostly about the important stuff: going fast. The headliner is a
little wrinkly, but the flash makes it look worse than it is and in
person it's quite presentable, so don't think too hard about it. It
also includes a fully finished trunk with matching SSII wheel and
correct spatter-finish paint. The 455 cubic inch V8 is stamped with
the last seven digits of the VIN and is correct for this car. The
engine bay is dominated by the ram air setup atop the carburetor,
which does indeed snap closed when the engine fires, so it's
working correctly. Corporate blue engine enamel replaced the usual
gold in 1970, and offers a nice contrast to the satin black inner
fenders and firewall. The big V8 starts easily, idles smoothly, and
with a mountain of torque on tap, it moves the relatively
lightweight Cutlass without much effort at all-this sucker is fast!
The block is a correct 396021 F casting, the heads are E castings,
and even the alternator is the right unit. It remains completely
stock, so no questionable modifications and it even runs the
original carburetor and exhaust manifolds. Underneath, the 4-speed
manual transmission is a replacement Muncie M20 that shifts
beautifully and delivers power to a bulletproof 12-bolt rear end
with what we believe are 3.73 gears on a limited slip. The floors
are solid and clean with no signs that the car has been patched up
or cut, and the Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds spectacular.
It also includes power steering, front disc brakes, and a rebuilt
front suspension to preserve that peerless Oldsmobile ride quality.
And the stance is exactly right, crouching over those factory SSII
wheels and fat 235/70/15 BFG radials. Documentation includes an
original owner's manual. The 442 is often overlooked, which
explains why it's so much less expensive than a Chevelle. But one
drive and you'll be hooked on the Rocket Division's brand of luxury
muscle and the comfort that comes standard. Call today!Harwood
Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional
inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
