Oldsmobile 442 455 cubic inch V8 1970
General description :
Real-deal 442 with a 4-speed! Matching numbers 455 cubic inch V8, correct fiberglass ram air hood, rear wing. Older frame-off restoration in very good condition. Runs and drives superbly, big torque, but still Oldsmobile smooth.
The 442 remains one of the most under-rated muscle cars of the era. Maybe it’s because Oldsmobile is no more and the name no longer resonates like it once did, but after driving a few of these big block pieces of luxury muscle, I always come away impressed. This 1970 Olds 442 is a genuine 442 with what appears to be its original engine—nice! It was treated to a frame-off restoration perhaps 15 years ago and as a collector car, hasn’t accumulated many miles since then. It’s been driven and enjoyed as intended, but its days as a daily driver are long over. Instead, it has mellowed into a high-quality driver that can be shown with pride at casual gatherings where the gold paint and bold black stripes make a purely 1970s statement. With the 442’s standard fiberglass hood with ram air and the optional rear wing, not to mention the prominent ‘442’ emblems on the flanks, it won’t be overlooked. It does wear W-30 badges although this is not a real W-30 car, but the difference in performance is modest and it puts this car in an altogether more friendly price category. Bodywork is nicely done, the doors fit well, and the only real demerit is some surface cracking on the nose of the hood where someone in the past perhaps slammed it a bit too hard. This is a grown-up’s muscle car and looks the part.
The black vinyl interior is very nicely trimmed and accurately replicates the textured vinyl used on the 442s. It’s an upscale look that contrasts nicely with the stripes and rear wing, suggesting that you got a little extra luxury with your Oldsmobile muscle. The burled walnut instrument panel adds to that effect, and the brushed stainless steel gauge faces certainly look upscale. A console with a 4-speed is a great find in a car like this, and less than 25% of the 1970 442s were built with 4-speeds, making it a relatively rare bird. Of course it carries a Hurst shifter—is there a closer relationship than that of Hurst and Olds? There’s also a factory AM radio, but this car is light on options, which suggests that the original owner cared mostly about the important stuff: going fast. The headliner is a little wrinkly, but the flash makes it look worse than it is and in person it’s quite presentable, so don’t think too hard about it. It also includes a fully finished trunk with matching SSII wheel and correct spatter-finish paint.
The 455 cubic inch V8 is stamped with the last seven digits of the VIN and is correct for this car. The engine bay is dominated by the ram air setup atop the carburetor, which does indeed snap closed when the engine fires, so it’s working correctly. Corporate blue engine enamel replaced the usual gold in 1970, and offers a nice contrast to the satin black inner fenders and firewall. The big V8 starts easily, idles smoothly, and with a mountain of torque on tap, it moves the relatively lightweight Cutlass without much effort at all—this sucker is fast! The block is a correct 396021 F casting, the heads are E castings, and even the alternator is the right unit. It remains completely stock, so no questionable modifications and it even runs the original carburetor and exhaust manifolds.
Underneath, the 4-speed manual transmission is a replacement Muncie M20 that shifts beautifully and delivers power to a bulletproof 12-bolt rear end with what we believe are 3.73 gears on a limited slip. The floors are solid and clean with no signs that the car has been patched up or cut, and the Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds spectacular. It also includes power steering, front disc brakes, and a rebuilt front suspension to preserve that peerless Oldsmobile ride quality. And the stance is exactly right, crouching over those factory SSII wheels and fat 235/70/15 BFG radials.
Documentation includes an original owner’s manual.
The 442 is often overlooked, which explains why it’s so much less expensive than a Chevelle. But one drive and you’ll be hooked on the Rocket Division’s brand of luxury muscle and the comfort that comes standard. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=1349
1970 Oldsmobile 442 455 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $46900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Oldsmobile Model : 442 Model Version : 455 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1970 Sub type : Coupé Location : Ohio
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About Oldsmobile
Ah, Oldsmobile, the very name conjures up images of classic American automobiles and the open road. Let's embark on a leisurely journey through the annals of automotive history with this venerable brand.Our story begins in 1897 when a man named Ransom Eli Olds founded the Olds Motor Vehicle Company. He wasn't the first to build cars, but he was a pioneer in mass production techniques. In 1901, Oldsmobile introduced the "Curved Dash" Olds, widely considered one of the first mass-produced automobiles in the United States. It was simple, reliable, and affordable, making it accessible to the masses.
Fast forward a few decades to the 1930s, and we encounter one of Oldsmobile's most iconic creations, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88. This was a car that not only looked cool with its sleek design but also packed a punch under the hood. The Rocket 88 featured a powerful V8 engine, earning it the nickname "the first muscle car." It was a true American classic, a car that epitomized the spirit of the open road and the freedom of post-war America.
As we approach the 1950s, Oldsmobile continued to innovate. The Oldsmobile Fiesta, introduced in 1953, was notable for being one of the first cars to feature a fully wraparound windshield, a design feature that would become a hallmark of the era. It also showcased the brand's commitment to luxury and style.
But perhaps the zenith of Oldsmobile's excellence came in the 1960s with the Oldsmobile 4-4-2, a car that was both sporty and practical. The 4-4-2 stood for 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts. It was a muscle car for those who wanted power without sacrificing comfort. It was the embodiment of the American muscle car era.
Then there was the Oldsmobile Cutlass, a car that became an American institution. It was a family sedan, a sports car, and a luxury car all rolled into one. The Cutlass was reliable, comfortable, and versatile, making it one of the best-selling cars in American automotive history.
Sadly, as the years went by, Oldsmobile faced challenges, and the brand that had once been a symbol of American automotive innovation and excellence ceased production in 2004. It marked the end of an era.
But the legacy of Oldsmobile lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the classic American automobile. It's a brand that gave us some of the most iconic cars in automotive history, a brand that embodied the American dream of freedom, mobility, and style.
So here's to Oldsmobile, a name that will forever be associated with the golden age of American automobiles and the enduring spirit of adventure on the open road.