Vehicle Description
1969 Oldsmobile 442 Coupe
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.
For consignment, a modded 442 now with a Chevrolet 402ci V8 that
our consignor states has been bored out to 409ci, but no
documentation exists. It has coke bottle styling, tubbed wheel
wells to accommodate larger tires, and a fiberglass lift forward
front end with a large hood scoop. It's been caged and sports
Centerline Wheels with large rear slick drag rear tires. Drop the
hanky toots.
Exterior
From the dual headlight and split front grille configuration I see
menacing for this car and not boding well for any competitions
future well being. Nice chrome frames an egg crate grille in black
and on the beak is a 442 badge. Exaggeratedcoke bottle styling with
new rear quarter panels is all factory Oldsmobile designed, but
that is where the original car ends and the modification takes
over. The entire front end of this car flips forward for easier
wrenching, and when down sports a menacing hood scoop. Factory
trimmings are still surrounding the glass and a gracefully sloping
rear line has vertical tail lights which span the border between
the trunk lid sides and the rear bumper below. The bumper is an
essential part of the overall look as it has rounded over corners
to match the edges of the rear quarters. The "look" continues with
the tires which wrap 15-inch Centerline polished artillery-esque
style wheels. The fronts are wrapped in thin 165/80R15's and in
back some 32.0/14.5W-15 Hoosier drag slicks are now mounted on. All
rubber is from the 34th week of 2016. The front flipping hood is an
awesome addition and tastefully done with just a hint of a line
where it lifts off the front quarters.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see plenty of tuck and roll black vinyl
with an arm rest removed center for the actuator. The interior has
been caged, and there is a removable angle pipe for easier access
to the seats. The front bucket seats are now high back bucket
racing seats with 5 point belts. The passenger bucket shows some
wear off of the back in the vinyl edging. Between the seats is an
ATI shifter. More racing mods for the dash in the form of a large
shift light and the AutoMeter tach covering the original
speedometer, and other deep set gauge clusters remain in the black
padded dash. A Craig aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette radio is now
installed and below the burl applique horizontal strip on the dash
bottom, are a trio of gauges for trans temp, volts and engine
vacuum monitoring. Next to this are two more gauges for oil
pressure and water temp. A couple of extra toggles are here as well
and a warning light just next to the water temp gauge far drivers
right. Also hanging in the vicinity of an under dash red light is a
Craig 10 band graphic equalizer to get these tunes to belt out just
right baby bear. Black carpeting floods the floors and the back
seat has been long removed for weight loss. A black factory
headliner is still installed and is squeezed above the roll
cage.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a Chevrolet 402ci V8 with our consignor stating
it has been bored to 409 cubed. This mill has been fitted with a
.610 lift solid camshaft and on top is a Holley 4-barrel
carburetor. A TH400 3-speed automatic tranny on back. The rear now
has 4.88 gears and a spool to spin the rear fatties. The engine is
aided on the exhale with race mufflers. I also note a MSD Digital 6
Plus ignition is powering the mill.
Undercarriage
As one would expect, the underside shows some racing mods like a
fuel cell replacing the original tank, and some steel plating to
help with the underside aero effect. Solid stamped steel floor pans
are on and the racing exhaust is nice and new looking and ends
under the floor pans. Power disc brakes for the front, and rear
provide the stopping power both courtesy of Wilwood. Independent
coil springs are upfront and ladder bars with coil overs are on the
back.
Drive-Ability
Certainly a quick starter, and smooth runner. Nice power as I went
through the paces, and this car is mainly to make a straight line
in less time than anyone else in its class. All functions were
working in the order they should.
A muscle car that is a step above the GTO's and Chevelles with its
upscale trimmings, textures and lightweight materials used. Similar
coke bottle design, but done in a tasteful way, and with the deep
red paint and muscle under the hood, this car is definitely a fast
shot right down the track.
344879M408934
3-Oldsmobile
44-442
87-2 Door Holiday Coupe
9-1969
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
408934-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 69 33687-1969 Cutlass Holiday S Coupe
BDY LAN408676-Lansing Body #
TR 940-Black Vinyl Buckets
PNT 52-Crimson
06A-1st Week June Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
