The 1977 model year marked the final chapter for Oldsmobile’s rear-wheel-drive Colonnade-body 442s, and while these later cars don’t always get the spotlight, they’re increasingly rare to find in original, running condition. This example, listed here on craigslist in Huntersville, North Carolina, is a genuine 442 with its original 350 V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission. The seller notes it’s currently registered, driven occasionally, and comes with plenty of paperwork documenting its history and upkeep.
Finished in a driver-quality condition, this 442 runs well and has seen recent mechanical care, including a new battery, master cylinder, front brake calipers, and brake lines within the past two years. The 350 V8 and automatic transmission remain in place and functional, offering that classic Oldsmobile torque and relaxed cruiser attitude. It may not be a tire-shredder, but this Cutlass has the bones of a dependable and collectible personal luxury coupe.
Inside, the interior has been redone but still needs finishing touches—most notably the front seat belts. The center console and automatic shifter are present, and overall, the cabin looks usable with room for small improvements. The gas gauge recently stopped working, but it still has power to it, which might be a simple fix for the next owner.
With its numbers-matching engine and trans, this is more than just an average Cutlass. It represents a true 442, Oldsmobile’s long-running performance package that evolved through the muscle car era and into the personal luxury segment of the late ’70s. This one isn’t built to be flashy, it’s built to be driven and enjoyed.
The seller mentions the trunk needs some TLC, but the floors are solid, and the overall structure appears sound. For someone looking to get into the classic car world with something unusual, complete, and road-ready, this 442 could be a rewarding place to start. It’s an honest car with a bit of muscle-era lineage that still flies under the radar.
Would you preserve this original driver, or take it further with period-correct upgrades?
Really like this car 👍 Rocket 350 and Hydramatic = easy cruising. All it needs is a nice quiet dual exhaust. And a new owner 😎
Rocket or standard Chevy? Wouldn’t it say Rocket on the air cleaner if it was an Olds? What year did they get in trouble for doing that? Personally, I think the Chevy 350 is the best way to go anyway. I wish I had bought an Olds in those years then got a check from GM as I had been lied to about the V8 under the hood. Lawyers, what can I say that hasn’t been said before?
It’s an Olds 350…if you look at the pictures, you will clearly see that.
My dad and I rebuilt a ‘76 version of this, black/silver as my senior year project in 1990, was a nice cruiser but NOT efficient lol, I have fond memories of this car!!
Nice one, nut it’s showing signs of rust at the bottom of the rear wheel wells, and missing the flexible bumper fillers. Take care of these details and it would really be sharp! GLWTS!! :-)
Never liked these, not a muscle car,more for my grandfather, 350 maybe 175hp, single exhaust. Sticker package. Would would 442 mean for this car? Not 4 Barell, 4 speed, dual exhaust. Four tires, four seats, 2 headlights?
After ’73 when the 4 speed option was discontinued, 442s, lost the old advertising idiom. More of a decal package as you stated. But that being said, the latter colonnade years cars are good drivers and the Olds 350 is pretty bullet proof. As long as you don’t mistake one for a heyday muscle car, and if maintained, these are good cars that can provide many years of reliable cruising. Cost a helluva lot less than their earlier in the decade cousins too.
Exactly.
It probably has a 4bbl carb. That’s not unusual. With a rebuild and a mild cam, a little more compression, and dual exhaust, it would run very nicely.
What would 442 stand for in this car. ? 4 tires, 4 seats, 2 headlights?
4 headlights, 4 Wheels, 2 doors i imagine?
Seller has it listed at $13,400 or best offer.
Add dual exhaust and a 4 barrel carb and it is almost a 442!! Still a nice car!
Was in love with my ’65. Sad the 442 devolved into this.
All the US manufacturers devolved into it.
Too much rust and other issues for 13K… I dont think, you will find the rear bumper fillers so easy. As this is not such a desireable model, I would gues 8K would be correct to sell the car.
If Olds called it a 442 then that’s what it is, gentlemen. In ’64 the RPO B04 was 4bbl, 4-speed and dual exhaust with a 330 V8 under the hood. And most of them 4-door F-85s as it was essentially the police car package. Given that the Cutlass was the highest selling domestic name plate in 1976 says that people really didn’t care about the ponies. This is a good looking car that could be made whole again by the right owner.
It’s a 431. 4 barrel, 3 speed, single exhaust.
why not show the trunk issues? are they that bad? no swivel buckets just the salon style seats. i think its more of a 7500.00 car with the issues. trade for a snap on tool box. why looking at the condition of the engine bay the seller would not know how to use them anyway
I love the swivel bucket seats. That was a great innovation. It was an Oldsmobile thing.
Chevy and Olds had them. These are the reclining seats from a Salon. Also very nice.