When compared to some of the other Oldsmobile 442 offerings throughout history, the car was just a shadow of its former self by 1986 in the performance department, especially thinking back to the early days when a big block could still be stuffed under the hood. However, by mid-eighties muscle standards, the 4-4-2 was actually a pretty decent package, and this 1986 Oldsmobile 442 here on eBay in Port Hueneme, California seems to be a well-maintained example. So far, the bidding has reached $12,655, but there’s no reserve, so the most optimistic contender will be driving this cool Olds home.
The exterior of this 442 presents beautifully, and I’d sure be proud for this one to be sitting in my driveway. However, there are a couple of things to take into consideration, such as the seller mentioning that the 46,000 miles on the odometer are unconfirmed. It’s also labeled as a survivor, but at some point, the seller thinks it got a new paint job. The good news is that the body seems to remain in excellent condition, and the respray appears to be of high quality, so there probably isn’t much left that the future owner will need to address outside.
Oldsmobile fitted the 442 with a high-output 307 engine in 1986, but unfortunately, it was only good for 180 horsepower. However, it probably felt somewhat faster, as 3.73 gears were installed in the back, along with a 4-speed automatic. Both the rear end and transmission are said to have been serviced recently, and there are also new mufflers plus fresh shocks installed. If the mileage claim is accurate, hopefully, the drivetrain still has plenty of good service left.
The interior is stated as all-original, with one upgrade being the custom leather-wrapped steering wheel. All of the gauges are said to be functioning properly, with only the cassette deck stated as not working and the A/C not currently blowing cold air. For being close to the four-decade mark, this 1986 Oldsmobile 442 seems to still be in fine condition, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the price keeps climbing before this sweet Olds finds a new home. What are your thoughts on this one, and how much would you be willing to spend here?
Despite it not being a true 4-4-2 in any sense of the word, it’s a good looking car and I like it. If it has a stiffer suspension go along with the full gauge set, then I’m in!
So why is this not a true 442?
442 = 4 barrel carb
4 speed trans (it’s an automatic)
2 dual exhaust
That’s what he means by technically it’s NOT a “442”
Mikey, that designation only lasted 1 year, 1964, when the only engine/transmission package available was the 330/4spd. Starting in 1965 442 stood for 400, 4bbl, dual exhaust. As early as 1971 or 1972 a 350 was made the base engine for the 442. At which point it basically stoop for whatever Oldsmobile needed it to be for a particular package they wanted to sell. By the time the car featured above was made, the 442 was a mere shadow of its original, same can be said of the Hurst Olds.
Steve R
It has a 4 speed automatic a 4barrel carb and dual exhaust
They meant 4 speed manual in the original
According to Wiki, The 4-4-2 was revived in 1985 on the Cutlass Supreme due to the demise of Olds and Hurst collaboration. Olds wanted to offer a performance vehicle to the public. The name was now defined as referring to the car’s four speed 200r4 automatic trans,four barrel carb, two exhaust. The W42 model replaced 83-84 Hurst/Olds, retained the same 307 cu in LG8 V8. The shifter was mountied on the floor in a console and the upgraded F41 suspension package was included.3000 produced the first year, sold quickly, 4273 for 1986,4208 for 87, So this is a true 4-4-2 of the 5th generation
Maybe just a shadow of what was the 442, but very nice anyway. At that price though, I’d look for a garden variety Cutlass Supreme of the same year. That engine can be built to perform and you’d have a sleeper.
simple 6 liter LS swap, and then its a real 442.
Dr Olds approves. 🏁 The nod to the steeper gears really helps out here. No casette, no big deal. AC would be really nice to have on board.
The 403 olds from a 79 trans am is a drop in then with the quadrajet and dual tail pipes you have a modern 442. This was one of the last carbureted V8 engines of this era and with the 4 speed auto and 3:73 gears should be a lively runner.
Why do they try to sell it with the AC not working??? Even if the evaporator core is leaking, it would be quite easy to fix. Not like most newer cars where you have to pull the dash to get at it.
Maybe because in Port Hueneme the seller didn’t need functional AC so he never bothered to fix it.