It might have been a “Youngmobile” as Olds opined 52 years ago but today it is solidly an Oldsmobile and a pretty desirable one at that, a 1968 442 Holiday Coupe. Located in Cheney, Washington, this GM “A” body bruiser is available here on craigslist for $7,500. Thanks to Pat L. for this tip!
Over the years the debate raged-on regarding what 442 really stood for. Initially, it was four (4) barrel carburetor, (4) four-speed transmission and (2) dual exhaust (though that got misaligned if the car had an automatic transmission as it would be a 4-2-2!). By ’65, with the move to a 400 CI engine, that worked its way into the nomenclature (though the pesky automatic transmission issue was still there). Whatever the case, 442 stood for Oldsmobile performance just as GTO did for Pontiac or GS did for Buick or SS396 did for Chevrolet. This example is a two-door hardtop (sans post or “B” pillar) and called a “Holiday Coupe” as opposed to a two-door post coupe or two-door sedan referred to by Olds as a “Sports Coupe”. I always thought Olds got the names logically reversed but then what’s in a model name I guess. It is curious that Oldsmobile produced the two different body styles for as long as they did. The doors and glass are different between the two body styles and that complicates the manufacturing process and adds cost to an extent. And Olds wasn’t alone with this feature as Pontiac, Chevrolet and Buick participated in the process to some extent as well. Not to be forgotten, there was a convertible version too and that body style required another set of specifics.
This 442 is wearing its original “Scarlet” red finish and faded it is. Nevertheless, it doesn’t look too bad, it’s passable, just typically dull. There are some small “rust spots” as the seller refers to them but the one image presented looks more like a rust hole. No worries though, the seller states that he has replacement panel(s) that come with the sale. And rust in a 50-year-old + GM “A” body is to be expected, it goes with the territory. As long as the rot is manageable and not structural it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Beyond the rust, some missing trim and a broken grille, the exterior, from what can be seen, looks sound. The accompanying pictorial isn’t very complete, however.
Under the hood, the seller claims, “Engine and transmission have been gone through and it runs great.” What does “gone through” mean? That’s a real pet peeve! Does it mean the engine/transmission was taken apart, given two thumbs up and reassembled? Does it mean a top end rebuild? Does it mean a bottom end rebuild? Does it mean just a fluid change? A tune-up? Or a quick engine repaint? The reality of what was done, assuming something was, needs to be stated in some level of detail. If this runs great engine is the original, it would be a 400 CI V8, good for 325 gross HP. A non-automatic transmission version netted 350 gross HP. There was also a 360 HP version available that utilized a forced-air set-up known as W-30. And to my surprise, a low compression two-barrel carburetor equipped version of the 400 engine that produced 290 gross HP and netted the buyer a credit. I knew that Pontiac had a similar arrangement with the GTO but learning this about a 442 was a new one on me. The seller adds that he also has a second carburetor available with the sale.
There is only this one image of the interior included in the listing and you can’t tell much about it from glancing at the back seat. And the backseat back-rest looks like something out of a taxicab so there’s no telling what’s going on in there. And while we’re at it, the back-rest of the front bucket seat looks like it too has been given the full livery treatment too. There is not a word of reference in the listing regarding the interior. There also appears to be a dash pad cover visible in the lead picture so that’s an item that may need attention too.
There you have it, a collectible Oldsmobile with a reasonable price and reasonable mileage assuming 86K miles is correct. This 442 has possibilities but it has unknowns too that need to be answered. The unknowns (the interior, underside, engine specifics) could be problematic but this Olds may also turn out to be a diamond in the rough too, don’t you think?
I always liked the name “Holiday” as Olds used ir. What was that supposed to mean? That every time you drove it it was a holiday? Or that it was supposed to be a garage queen that you were only supposed to drive on holidays?
Anyway, this one looks like it’s seen a lot of holidays, many consisting of long nights partying. Going to definitely need a lot of work to bring back, though the price seems pretty good if it’s in decent shape.
The engine is either incorrect or it was repainted in the wrong color, it should be a bronze color. Gold was used on the 350 engine. Personally, I prefer the slight updates of the 69 over the 68 version. The CL ad leaves more questions than answers. This one definitely requires a close inspection.
Having had a 64 Olds 442, the only way you could get it was 4 Spd., 4-Bbl., Dual Exhaust! The engine was a 330 C.I.displacement, with a HP rating of 310. I have all the pictures of it in my computer, along with the photos of my ’69 442 W-30, with a 4 Spd, rated @ 365HP. When I took delivery of the ’69, the invoice on the window had a red stamp across it saying, ‘Not Recommend for Street Use’!
I had a 69 W-30 4 speed convertible, out of all the cars I have owned, this is the one that I wish I still had. Autumn Gold, saddle interior and top, with matching hood stripes.
To clarify the original writeup, the RPO L65 Turnpike Cruiser option with the regular fuel 2bbl 400 motor was not a credit. Buyers had to pay an extra $236.97 for the privilege of getting 35 fewer HP and a Bonneville-friendly 2.56:1 rear axle.
Joe:
If that’s the case my research source must be inaccurate – it explicitly referenced that engine as a savings, as in reduced price, over the standard 400-CI, 325 HP engine.
JO
Jim,
From the 1968 Oldsmobile Salesman’s SPECS booklet. Note RPO L65.
http://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Oldsmobile/1968_Oldsmobile/1968-Oldsmobile-Salemens-Specs/1968_Oldsmobile_Salesmens_Specs-07.jpg
Actually, if you look closely at that page, the $236.97 charge for the Turnpike Cruiser option is apparently the cost of the mandatory TH400 – RPO M40 is exactly the same $236.97 charge. Of course, that means that the L65 2bbl motor was neither a credit nor an extra charge by itself.
Joe:
Yes, I just found that same document, thx for digging it up.
I relied on an Oldsmobile enthusiast’s site and obviously it was wrong – though a credit would make logical sense. Why would someone pay so much more for so much less? I can’t imagine a high take rate for that option. Your point suggesting that the optional cost just covers the automatic transmission makes sense though.
JO
Jim,
The message there is that interweb fan sites are not reliable sources of information. Just sayin’… ;-)
Who knew you could get radial tires as an option in ’68? Option LP2 (205R14 Radial tires) was only available on the Turnpike Cruiser.
Yup. The Turnpike Cruiser was intended to be the high mileage model (with a 400 cu in engine!). Radials, 2.56 axle, 2bbl carb.
Was Dr.Olds still a year or two away ?
1969 was his first appearance.
I would love to buy this 442, love the styling ,would rather have a 69 no vent window, but still would take this one if it comes in anywhere near the price it is at now
Meant for speed and hard acceleration in a high profile youthful ride, aimed directly at the GTO at least at first, that two barrel rig everyone’s talking about seems so out of character. Flopped in the goat too.
Nice menacing weathered old muscle machine here. Leave it rough throw on some raspy sounding exhaust and it’s a tribute 1970’s high school ride all over again.
It’s perfect just the way it is!!! Buff the paint do the mechanicals and drive the tires off it!!!
Agree with Tim but just MUST do that interior at least.