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Engine Upgraded: 1967 Oldsmobile 442

The 1967 Oldsmobile 442 was a potent muscle car capable of pinning its driver back in their seat if they floored the gas. It offered enough performance to satisfy most people, except the owner of our feature car. They wanted more…a lot more. Therefore, they pulled the original motor and slotted something more potent into the empty space. After having their fun, they’ve elected to pass it on to a lucky new owner. The 442 is listed for sale here on eBay in Greenville, South Carolina. Bidding sits at $26,300, although this is short of the reserve.

The 1967 model year was the final for production of the First Generation 442. The new model that emerged the following year marked a complete styling change that made the classic appear larger and more imposing. This 442 presents well in Ebony Black, although the seller admits it isn’t perfect. If considered purely as a driver-quality car, it has no pressing needs. The paint shines nicely, with no significant defects or problems. One of the shortcomings of black paint is that it makes panel imperfections glaringly obvious. That isn’t an issue with this car, nor does rust appear to be one to cause sleepless nights. None is visible externally, and the single underside shot suggests this Olds could be rust-free. The chrome and trim offer a striking contrast to the dark paint and is in excellent condition for a survivor. The glass is flawless, and while I don’t believe the wheels are original, they suit the car’s character perfectly.

Lifting the hood reveals where things become serious with this Oldsmobile. It rolled off the line equipped with a 400ci V8 and a four-speed manual transmission. With 350hp at the driver’s disposal, it would have stormed the ¼ mile in an impressive 14.4 seconds. However, this car should now blow that figure ten feet in the air. What occupies the engine bay is a bored 455 with a capacity of 462ci. Thanks to the addition of an upgraded Crower camshaft, “C” cylinder heads, a Holley 750 Double Pumper, and other goodies, it churns out 435hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. The power still feeds through a four-speed but finds its way to the road via a 4.10 12-bolt rear end. I think the driver would quickly become acquainted with the world of the 13-second pass in this beast. It runs and drives well and is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner. Purists will be pleased to learn that the numbers-matching 400, intake, crank, and Quadrajet are included. That could allow them to return the car to its factory specifications. If we’re talking about maximizing the investment potential, that’s positive news.

One aspect of this 442 that requires nothing is its interior. The black upholstered surfaces are free from wear and physical damage, while the same is true of the carpet and headliner. The dash, pad, and console are spotless, and there are no signs of crumbling plastic. The seller added under-dash gauges to monitor the V8’s health, but the buyer could remove these to achieve a factory appearance. The dash features a radio blanking plate, but the original AM radio is included if the next owner wishes to refit it.

What would be your plan of attack if you found this 1967 Oldsmobile 442 in your garage? Would you continue to enjoy it as it stands, or would you swap its original V8 into the engine bay as its creators intended? I’d probably enjoy it as-is for a while, but the lure of a numbers-matching status would eventually prove impossible to resist. Your view could be different from mine, and I respect that. Regardless of its future, this Olds offers its new owner an entertaining driving experience. Isn’t that what owning a classic car should be all about?

Comments

  1. Avatar nycbjr Member

    This is my favorite body style for the 442, clean unassuming…. Menacing!

    Like 18
  2. Avatar Blyndgesser

    I love the idea of a “gentleman’s muscle car”—the 442, GS400, and similar cars have always been more appealing to me than the stripped out “speed above everything else” cars. Likewise, I’ll take a Cougar over a Mustang, or a Firebird over a Camaro.

    Like 16
  3. Avatar Shuttle Guy Member

    These have such large open wheel wells a guy could really put some “meats” on these.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar FrankD Member

    Yup! Probably the best year for the 442.

    Like 6
  5. Avatar Carbob Member

    I really like this vehicle just the way it is. It checks all the boxes for me. Big power, 4 speed manual, full size, triple black and any deviations from stock are tastefully done and add to the appeal for me. Plus you won’t likely see another one at cars and coffee. I’m thinking that this is still got another 10-15K to go before it meets the reserve. GLWTS!

    Like 8
  6. Avatar bigbird

    WoW, it is a nice one. Hate to say it but this would be a Sunday and car show driver. The 4.10 and at least 91+ octane will cost a bunch to go anywhere. That said it, is a very clean, and well put together car.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Chuck Dickinson

    Actually, it’s only ‘double black’, paint and interior. There is no VT.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar David Albright

    By any chance did this come out of Sport Chevrolet in Maryland back in the late 70’s, early 80’s? The manager, Skip Smith, owned the exact car and did a 455 swap as well, before he sold it. A beauty either way!

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Carbob Member

    VT? Wether double or triple I love the black in and out. Red stripe tires are a neat touch although not available in 1967 best I can remember. I think that this car would be a treat to own. Personally I wouldn’t have a hard time cruising this beauty on a weekend outing and to heck with the cost of fuel. I’m going to be kicking my own rear end for not going after this. But no garage space and location of the car is restricting me.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar William R McDonald

    Beauty! Clean and simple, Wish I had the cash!

    Like 0

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