455 Powered: 1977 Oldsmobile 442

It is fair to say that by the mid-1970s, vehicles wearing badges previously reserved for iconic muscle cars were anything but muscular. Take this 1977 Oldsmobile 442 as a prime example. Its engine bay once housed a 350ci V8 providing performance that could best be described as mediocre. However, the seller wished to relive the glory days, consigning the 350 to a corner of their workshop and slotting in a built 455. The car is solid and wears its original paint, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a car with genuine performance credentials.

The 1977 model year marked the end of the line for the Third Generation 442. Its successor would continue the prevailing market trend of downsizing as manufacturers chased improved fuel economy. This is a final-year example that the first owner ordered in Ebony Black. The seller claims the paint is original, and a close inspection reveals a selection of chips and imperfections consistent with a classic that has been driven and enjoyed as its creators expected. However, with no significant panel imperfections and the paint holding a healthy shine, the new owner could choose between preservation and what should be a straightforward cosmetic restoration. The car’s cause is aided by its apparent lack of rust. The exterior is clean, and the underside shows no evidence of problems beyond minor areas of non-penetrating surface corrosion. The trim and wheels look excellent, and the glass is crystal clear.

The two interior shots provided by the seller paint a generally positive picture. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are in good order, with no evidence of wear or abuse. The dash and pad are spotless, and the console has avoided the scratches and scrapes that typically accumulate with use. The seller added a modern CD player for in-car entertainment, along with a significant collection of aftermarket gauges. These are a wise investment because they allow the driver to monitor the health of the beast lurking below the hood.

This 442 demonstrates how significant the impact of emission regulations was on vehicle performance during the 1970s. The first owner ordered this classic with a 350ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. The 350 delivered 170hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the Olds to cover the ¼-mile in a leisurely 19.2 seconds. Even the mildest auto-equipped version of the 1970 442 could complete the same journey in 14.5 seconds, which is the type of figure that is worthy of a genuine muscle car. The seller decided to right that wrong with this classic. The 350 is now nothing but a distant memory. Its rightful place in the engine bay is occupied by a 455ci powerplant that is anything but average. Built to W-30 specs with a few upgrades, it churns out 370hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. That should place a low-14-second ET within the driver’s reach without raising a sweat. Oldsmobile marketed the ’77 442 as a muscle car, and this one is worthy of that tag. The seller didn’t simply bolt in a more powerful engine and hope for the best, because they added a new 2½” dual exhaust, an aluminum radiator, a new fuel tank, and a range of other parts to maximize performance and reliability. It has only clocked around 5,000 miles since the build ended and is a turnkey classic that the new owner could drive home.

Those of us who lived through The Malaise Era can confirm what a miserable time it was. Vehicles that had built their legendary status as genuine muscle cars could do little beyond converting fuel into noise. This 1977 Oldsmobile 442 rights that wrong, and is a car that would undoubtedly get the driver’s attention whenever they floor the gas pedal. The seller listed it here on Craigslist in Mooresville, North Carolina, with an asking price of $15,000. That figure is in the ballpark for a vehicle of this caliber if it featured an original 403 under the hood. Modified classics write their own rules in these circumstances because they are worth what someone is willing to pay. Do you find the price reasonable, or do you have another figure in mind?