Vehicle Description
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Hardtop
The "4-4-2" name, (pronounced "Four-four-two"), derives from the
original car's four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual
transmission, and dual exhausts, (some maintain that the '2'
indicated positive traction rear differential). It was originally
written "4-4-2", (with badging showing hyphens between the
numerals), and remained hyphenated throughout Oldsmobile's use of
the designation. Beginning in 1965, the 4-4-2's standard
transmission was a 3-speed manual along with optional 2-speed
automatic and 4 speed manual, but were still badged as 4-4-2. By
1968 badging was shortened to simply "442", but Oldsmobile
brochures and internal documents continued to use the "4-4-2" model
designation.
For consignment, most likely one of the nicest examples of the 66
Olds 442 out there. The list just goes on and open as to the extent
this car has been restored, and it all shows with a nearly concours
example. This consignor has brought us several gems from his
collection, and this one is a shining example bathed in Burgundy
mist with a vinyl top, flying buttress B pillars, a 400ci V8, and a
great factory look.
Exterior
The WOW factor is strong with this car all bathed in the factory
correct Burgundy Mist. A small area of rust bubbling can be seen on
the trunk lid but otherwise the car appears as rust free. On top a
burgundy vinyl textured top looks like new. Chrome plating was
extensive and all encompassing with bumpers, side vents, and
brite-work. From its laser straight panels to the flying buttress
rear window pillars, big tail lights on either corner, dual exhaust
and gaps that are very consistent, it is a quality job that has
been performed well. 15 inch Magnum 500 style wheels are all
wrapped with wide oval redline tires. All very good condition for
this exterior. Also the tri tone 442 badging is a real plus and
direct from the factory.
Interior
Upfront the original dash has been restored to show condition. This
consists of two round gauges, one a speedo and the other a series
of warning lights in the second circle with a centrally located
clock. These sit on the horizon of an aluminum strip running the
gamut of the dash above and some dark ribbed vinyl molded perfectly
to make the lower portion of the dash. All on this dash are looking
excellent as they did off the showroom floor in 1966. Right down to
the factory radio which works! Note the steering wheel fronting
this factory dash is pristine. In the center console we see a Hurst
floor shifter and just under the dash is a factory manifold vacuum
gauge. All the black interior coverings, and door panels have
vertical tuck and roll vinyl, and these seats front and back are
stunning when viewing them as a whole. Black carpeting in perfect
form covers the floors Above is a tight and perfect headliner.
Drivetrain
The correct totally rebuilt 400ci is looking just wonderful in its
bronze painted splendor. On top is a single 4-barrel carburetor
which is not original to this car. A T10 4-speed manual
transmission throws power rearward to a 10-bolt 3.55 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Spotty slight surface rust peppers this undercarriage, but no
invasive rust is seen anywhere. Suspension is independent coil
springs for the front, and a 4 link with coil springs for the rear.
Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
As expected, what looks like a nice show car also runs like one as
well. She fired right up and idled that we could barely hear it.
Off to the test track where it performed beautifully, with a quick
response to the pressing of the gas pedal, bias free panic
stopping, and excellent cornering with those red liners. Everything
was working just perfectly and when we got back, we were that
impressed, we hung out inside and listened to the sound of the AM
radio! (Ahhh life at the Classic Auto Mall, where it does not get
any better than this)
I cannot think or see anything honestly that would detract from the
value of this beautiful showroom quality car from 1966. With the
442 option, get in turn the key and put a smile on your face as you
think about where you will put your trophies in the future! Main
street never looked so appealing with NOT your grandfather's
Olds.
VIN DECODE
338176M111559
3-Oldsmobile
38-Cutlass V8 Holiday Coupe (442 Option)
17-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
111559-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.