The 4-4-2 (also 442) was Oldsmobile’s version of a mid-size muscle car. It was produced between 1964 and 1987, or as long as rear-wheel-drive was still applicable to these intermediate automobiles. By 1972, some of the beef had begun to fall off these cars and the 442 was available with 350 and 455 cubic-inch engines. Likely equipped with the former, this ’72 442 looks to have been sitting out in a field for many moons and will require towing along with a full restoration. Located in Paola, Kansas, this once-proud Cutlass derivative is available here on craigslist for $8,000. Another interesting tip brought to us by Chuck Foster!
There are two generally accepted definitions of what 4-4-2 or 442 means (pronounced one number at a time). One is for a four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual, and dual exhaust. The other is for a 400 cubic inch V8, the four-barrel carb, and the twin exhaust. It was usually an option on the F-85 or Cutlass for most of its life, but from 1968 to 1971 the 442 was a series of its own. Production numbers peaked in 1968 at around 37,000 copies, but by 1972 output has slipped to around 10,000 units. Rising insurance costs followed by the detuning of engines for lower emissions, and eventually higher fuel prices did in these hot performers that bloomed in the late 1960s.
Apparently, this car seen here is available only for a brief period, with the seller listing it on a Sunday and saying he/she would only be around until Tuesday. The photos show it surrounded by a fairly new Porsche and a boat on a trailer, with the Oldsmobile clearly the most forlorn. The copper paint has seen better days, there is the appearance of rust in a few places, and it may have had a vinyl top that peeled off (white would have been a nice contrast). For the most part, the interior looks like you’ll have to start over.
When you ordered a Cutlass in 1972, you specified option W29 which was for the 442 package. We’re guessing there’s a 350 V8 lurking under the hood, which would have come in production numbers greater than the 455. What it will take to revive this car is anyone’s guess, but you’re going to need tires that will hold air to remove it from its perch (you don’t want to drag the car through the dirt). BTW, the title is MIA, so that might be a negotiating point.
Always liked these. But with no underside pix (sitting in a grassy field for any length can’t be good..), no piece of the interior that is salvageable, no mention whether the engine will even cycle and no title, it’s of no interest.
Ton of money for a likely crusty bottom. These cars rotted out by 1977. Ask me how I know.
You are absolutely correct. I bought a 72 Supreme in 79 just for a Winter Beater for $750 it already had huge holes in it and a rusted out trunk lid. but it ran good and I kept it for another 5 years.
72 were a mere shadow of former 442 this looks like a 350 single exhaust auto on the column bench seat 442 which yo me is a cutlass with badges and better suspension
This one is just plain sad and 8k is about ridiculous but there a but for every seat right????
I’d give him $8000 for the Porsche, maybe $80 for this.
Excellent parts car!! has some options it has that you wouldn’t think it would have… Factory tach and gauges, and hood lock also.
…and power trunk release, correct SSII wheels, disc brakes and what looks to be a complete factory AC setup.
My 71 cutlass was Fathom green paint white vinyl roof, and white bucket seat console automatic. The hood on your same as my Cutlass S or sport. 442 used a fiberglass dual snorkel.
Nice survivor, priced a little high, but within ball park reason within this market place. Go find another one, good luck!