Vehicle Description
Fast and sophisticated, this 1971 Oldsmobile 442 isn't like most
muscle cars. Yes, it does carry a thumping 455 cubic inch V8 and
yes, it's dressed in some aggressively designed bodywork, but the
combination of the slick black paint, black vinyl top, and
comfortable black interior (that's right, this is a rare and highly
sought-after black-on-black-on-black muscle car) remind us that
buying an Olds was an entirely different experience.
First off, yes this indeed a real-deal, Code '44' Cutlass 4-4-2
(Oldsmobile used the dashes on everything but the car's actual
badges after 1968). And even though those three illustrious numbers
originally designated a 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual
gearbox, and 2 (dual) exhaust (although some contend that the '2'
actually denotes a limited-slip rear end), there are LOADS of 4-4-2
examples that were equipped with automatics, just like this
gorgeous street brawler. Born with Code 19 Ebony Black paint and a
Code B Black vinyl roof, this slick Cutty was treated to a faithful
restoration where it received a dialed-in, top driver-quality
respray that still looks great today. A 4-4-2 specific stripe kit
breaks up the black finish, with a white stripe that splits the
hood, an outline pinstripe between the rear bumper and decklid, and
a lower-body profile line that runs from fender-to-quarter - all of
which emphasize the subtle curves and sexy creases of this
beautiful design. In a sea of Chevelles and GTOs, this 4-4-2 stands
out, looking both contemporary and brutal, it seems to ignore the
usual standards and goes off on its own path toward American
legend. Showing up in this car garners tons of attention, although
it's still a rather subdued street tough, with the hood louvers,
black grille with silver surrounds, silver headlight bezels, round
parking lights in the front bumper, and horizontal taillights
topping the list of appearance upgrades for 1971. As a real-deal
442 (code 44 in the VIN), those badges were installed honestly and
the aggressive look is all factory-issue, calmed by the
sophisticated, gentlemanly nature of the Code B Black vinyl roof.
Nice chrome sparkles against the paint, wheel arch trim highlight
the flared fenders, and the brightwork around the vinyl roof adds
just enough flash to the blacked-out curb appeal.
The Code 930 Black Vinyl bucket seat interior is also full factory
spec, including the handsome and comfortable front seats that are
split with a cool console, a set-up that is basically a must-have
if you're looking for a 4-4-2. Oldsmobile's added luxury is evident
throughout, from the woodgrain on the door panels, console, and
dash, to the somewhat more expensive-feeling vinyl used on the
seats, to the comfortable list of options. There's hardly any wear
on any of the soft parts, so the car looks and feels quite fresh,
and the headliner and plush carpet match nicely, giving the 4-4-2 a
warm, welcoming feeling from top to bottom. Included among this
car's features is factory air-conditioning that's been upgraded to
use R134a refrigerant, which is always a great sight inside a dark
car. The original AM radio is remarkably still in the dash and
quite operable, and even comes augmented with a period-perfect
8-track player that was either special-ordered or added on by the
dealer before this Cutty hit the showroom floor in '71. And despite
the fastback profile, there's a good-sized trunk with plenty of
space inside even with a full-sized spare stowed there, too.
Powering this Cutty is a thundering 455 cubic inch V8, and while
new rules and lower octane fuels knocked a few horsepower off the
top in the early '70s, the mountainous torque this big block
produces delivers the performance you expect out of a 4-4-2. The
engine bay is clean and obviously shows signs that it was carefully
and accurately restored/maintained through the years, with bright
corporate blue engine enamel, a correct 442 decal on the
dual-snorkel air cleaner, and all original equipment everywhere you
look inside the engine bay. It barks to life with that distinctive
Oldsmobile sound and with the help of an Edelbrock 4-barrel carb
eagerly pulls the slick hardtop coupe around without ever seeming
to work very hard. A heavy-duty TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission has no problem keeping up and the 10-bolt rear end
still plants the power, so this Olds can both shake some egos at
red lights or cruise down the highway at higher speeds. The chassis
isn't detailed for show, but it's actually very clean and hides
nothing, ready for another round of cruising the streets with the
help of front and rear swaybars, upgraded shocks, power steering,
and power front disc brakes. And if a little throaty rumble gets
your blood going, the upgraded Flowmaster dual exhaust system will
certainly get you excited. Perennially attractive Oldsmobile Rally
wheels are color-matched to the body and carry 235/30/14 BFGoodrich
white-letter radials at all four corners that finish the look
perfectly.
The look, the pedigree, and the power all work together to make one
of the most compelling Oldsmobile muscle cars we've featured. Call
today!
