Except for Cadillac, all the auto divisions of General Motors had a mid-size muscle car in 1964. At Oldsmobile, it was the 4-4-2 (later 442). The name was a play on the car’s set-up, i.e., “four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts.” The second-generation A-bodies arrived in 1968, which included the 4-4-2, which was now a series of its own (instead of an option on the Cutlass). The seller has a two-owner ’68 edition with less than 31,000 miles, and it appears to be as original as they come. Located in Shadyside, Ohio, this beefy classic is available here on eBay for $94,900. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
Engine displacement in 1968 stayed the same at 400 cubic inches, but with several iterations offered. The starting point was a non-Ram Air 4-barrel carburetor that produced 325 hp with an automatic transmission (manuals got you 25 horses more). Speed wasn’t an issue, even with the basic arrangement, capable of doing 0 to 60 mph in seven seconds and the quarter mile in a quarter of a minute. So, the 4-4-2 was just as capable as the Pontiac GTO, which started the whole fuss at GM.
A broker is calling the shots on the sale of this car. Which may explain the less-than-grand photos (only four in total and not crystal clear). We’re told the car is unmolested and unrestored, and its two owners have only put a combined 30,800 miles on the clock. The paint, 58 years old now, is red and in good shape, including the white wrap-over stripe, and the red bucket seat interior appears to be up-to-snuff. It’s been garage-kept, well-maintained, and driven by non-smokers.
Other than consumables, everything here may be factory, right down to the AM radio. We’re told the 1968 chrome trim looks as nice as the day the Olds was assembled. Options were few, and it appears as though power brakes weren’t on the MSRP, nor was factory A/C. The asking price here is top dollar, but Hagerty says six figures is possible for special examples. This car is clearly “not your father’s Oldsmobile.”
Nice looking 68!! Love this year 442 as I had a 68 that was Jade Gold with the same fender stripe. I took meticulous measurement of that stripe to replicate it. There are 2 locations for the front fender 442 emblems because of the stripe and no stripe cars.
Love the red/red this car came with!!
Anytime I see any ’68 Cutlass or 442, I think of my Mom. The only car my Dad ever surprised her with was a ’68 Cutlass 2 door hardtop, burgundy black vinyl top and interior. It was the only car she got a speeding ticket in too. ( Which she was very embarrassed about). ’68’s are a are a favorite of mine too. She passed away and truth be told whenever I see one it takes me back. This one looks great love the stripes.
The car has been for sale for years. I think it may have been featured here on BF previously as well. Pics are always the same, poor quality, but at the asking price, it’s kinda a moot point, because it will continue to be for sale for years to come until the seller comes back to Earth.
Well , if that’s true , the clock is ticking because the market for these is not getting any better. I don’t think there’ll be a total collapse, but I think they’ll be either stagnant or see a steady decline in prices as the primary market for these cars diminishes, similar to what happened to 1950s cars.
That’s why personally, I would buy one with more mileage for less money. That way I could drive it and enjoy it, versus paying a big premium for a blue chip that I couldn’t drive very much without fear of diminishing the investment value.
Pie in the sky price for a base model 442. For that money, you could find a good W-30 4 speed and have something unique.
I had a 69 Cutlass Supreme 350 ci. My “buddy” asked if he could take it for a ride. 3 days later a saw a tow truck leaving my driveway getting off the bus from work. So car will not start, or turn over. Get it on jack stands and I noticed the arm of a piston hanging out of the oil pan…. My “buddy” got me another motor, and I got a different buddy… Nice write up.
Another Cutlass overly priced . Next
Had a 1969 442 trailer queen last year, numbers matching etc same colors frame off ten years ago and I sold it for $48,000 last fall so I would say he’s a little high by a lot.