Limited Production: 1986 Oldsmobile 442

The Oldsmobile 4-4-2 (aka the 442) was a muscle car produced by the GM division between 1964 and 1987. Its last run as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle was in 1985-87 after Oldsmobile and Hurst had parted company following the 1983-84 Hurst/Olds. Not as potent as they once were, the cars were still respectable by the performance standards of the day. This 1986 442 is quite presentable, although not in perfect condition (i.e., the interior is showing some wear). Located in Staten Island, New York, the auto is offered via a no reserve auction here on eBay, currently holding at $5,100.

In 1985-86, the 442s were based on the sporty and luxurious Cutlass Salon platform. They came with a beefier suspension package (F41) as well as a 5.0-liter 307 cubic inch V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Production was limited to 3,000 units in ’85, 4,273 in ’86, and 4,208 in ’87 (then as a Cutlass Supreme). After a brief hiatus, the 442 name returned for a time on the front-wheel-drive Cutlass Calais, but it wasn’t the same automobile by then.

The seller’s car has not been a garage queen all its life. The odometer reading is 88,000 miles but we’re told the vehicle is mechanically sound and ready to go. Everything works as it should, including the factory air conditioning. The car came equipped with T-Tops and there are no leaks to be found. The green/gray paint was reapplied a few years ago and looks great although there is a scuff or two here and there and just a hint of a rust bubble starting by the passenger side door. The car does not have the decals normally associated with the 442, but the seller has located a set on eBay that he will have shipped to the buyer.

If there is a weakness here, it’s with the burgundy interior. It is showing some wear, particularly on the driver’s seat and carpeting, but we’re talking about a 36-year-old-car that’s been around the block its fair share of times.  All-in-all, this Olds seems like a solid car for which ones like it are getting harder and harder to come by. The car comes with an Experion AutoCheck Vehicle History Report which tells a positive story. These were neat machines that didn’t have the quirky Lightning Rod shifter system like their immediate predecessors.

Comments

  1. Avatar Big_Fun Member

    This 442 has a few parts off of an earlier model – the reverse lamps, with the red reflector section, was used in ’81-’84. ’85-’88 would be all clear. A few other parts (steering column, visors) are from another car.
    Nice to see the starting price realistic on a T-Top car.

    Like 5
    • Avatar JCA Member

      Not so sure about that positive Autocheck story. If you read the history report, you’ll see that the car briefly lived in the Bronx, NY where it was promptly stolen and likely stripped of all of the parts you mentioned…

      Like 2
  2. Avatar GuernseyPagoda

    I used to love these. This one is suspect to me. I have never seen a car that presents as a “I would drive it anywhere car”, that is missing the gas pedal. Good luck adjusting your foot.😄

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Boatman Member

    Who authored this one?

    Like 3
  4. Avatar Stan

    Shame the General never allowed the 350 they deserved in these bodies. The Monte and the Cutlass.
    How cool a rocket olds 350 would be here. At least they all got the 3.73 gearset i believe.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Rigor Mortis

    So much nicer than a Buick T-Type.

    Like 4
  6. Avatar Frank D Member

    For the age not in bad shape. Muscle car status has passed for this year 442.

    Like 0

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