Vehicle Description
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible
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 4-4-2s 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"s. By 1968 badging
was shortened to simply "442", but Oldsmobile brochures and
internal documents continued to use the "4-4-2" model
designation.
This consignment, born on the third week of June 1965 in Lansing,
Michigan, 4-4-2 convertible has remained original throughout the
years and 3 ownership tenures. The first owner only enjoyed this
Olds for 2 years, the second caretaker held onto it for 36 years
and our consignor's tenure has been 19 years. A mostly original
car, (1 repaint and new quarter panels hung), has always been
garage kept and is about as close as one can get stopping by the
Oldsmobile dealer in 1967 and perusing the latest trade ins.
Exterior
Very good is the buzzword on this respray of the factory hue,
Forest Mist. Laser straight steel panels, no rust, miles deep paint
with only a few inclusions and plenty of chromed trimmings just
mirror-like. Utilizing the original design front grille with its
large central horizontal bar with O L D S M O B I L E badge,
flanked by dual headlights and a lower pristine bumper to announce
your arrival (as if they wouldn't hear you!). Also screaming out
mainly to your eyes are some just above the rocker trim pieces that
run fore to aft, and wheel well surrounds that are smooth and dent
free, On the rear quarter is a mini hockey stick cove surrounded by
chrome and a centrally located 442 badge. Not to be outdone is the
long and straight hood, with a chrome trim spear that wraps around
the front of the hood as it dives toward the grille, then races
rearward to the windshield...just peachy. Window surrounds are
great, and a shout out to the soft top, which is black canvas with
a slightly wrinkled plastic rear window...snappy! On back is the
two-bedroom apartment sized sleek trunk, a rear panel with a
central aluminum trimming and 2 horizontal tail lights under the
trunk and fender created cove. Dual exhaust peek out the bottom
from just under the nicely chromed rear bumper. Correct wire wheel
covers with faux spinners display in 14" format and are wrapped
with raised white letter BF Goodrich rubber. Let's say a whistle
and a bell!
Interior
Nice black carpet with a Hurst shifter growing from the hump
provides the groundwork for this interior. Good condition black
vinyl low back bucket seating in front, and a bench in back fill in
the passenger compartment. These seats are finished with smooth
bolsters and vertical tuck and roll inserts appear original with
only minor wear. The original beautiful 2 spoke steering wheel, and
near factory dash, show off themselves to the seats, and the
passengers who sit in them. A black padded topper works as an
eyebrow over the factory gauge cluster which resides within a
chrome bezel. Knobs, pulls, the AM radio and heater slides are
residing in brushed aluminum panel and just above is a perforated
chrome panel and 442 badging. An original 60's interior with all
that Olds charm.
Drivetrain
A 400ci V8 topped by a 4bbl carburetor takes up residence between
the fenders and displays in traditional Oldsmobile gold. This block
sports the correct 442 casting number for 1965, 389298B. Bolted to
the back of this gold mill a correct Muncie M20 4-speed manual
transmission. Putting the horses to the ground is a 10-bolt 3.55
geared rear axle. A well sorted and restored engine bay for this
boulevard bruiser with supple hoses and clean and concise
wiring.
Undercarriage
Original and unrestored is the best way to describe this underside.
The frame and suspension have a liberal coating of surface rust but
the floors remain clean with minor surface rust, patina and factory
undercoating. No invasive rust is noted nor are any signs of floor
pan replacement seen. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners and a
dual exhaust system with mis-matched mufflers is noted. Giving us
the famous Oldsmobile ride is an independent front suspension with
coil springs and a 4 link with coil spring rear suspension.
Drive-Ability
A fine runner and great cruiser. All the power options work save
for the radio and we did note the battery light stays on with the
engine running and gets brighter with engine RPM. All else is just
working swimmingly.
A beautiful execution of a cosmetic restoration, with a respray of
the factory color, the original drivetrain and all the cues to
determine a true 442 from this year. 4-barrel carburetor, check...4
speed manual transmission, check...dual exhaust, check...correct
engine number, check...correct rear control arm mounting
holes...check, and if you still have some apprehensions, come in
and press the pedal to the floor and remove all doubt. Hello
1965!
VIN DECODE
338675M383745
3-Oldsmobile
38-Cutlass V8 (442 Option Available)
67-Convertible
5-1965
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
383745-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
06C-3rd Week June Build
ST 65 33867-1965 Cutlass V8 Convertible (442 Option Available)
BDY LAN9771-Lansing Body #
TR 950B-Black Vinyl Buckets
PNT J2-Forest Mist, Black Top
W-Tinted Windshield
2L-4 Speed Floor
4V-?
5F-?
W-Custom Deluxe Front Seatbelts
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.
