For Sale: 1971 Oldsmobile 442 in Ft Worth, Texas

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!