Pontiac wasn’t the only GM division to have a mid-size muscle car starting in 1964 (GTO). Chevrolet had the Chevelle SS (which got a 396 V8 in 1965). Buick had the Gran Sport. And Oldsmobile had the 442 (later 4-4-2). The latter was either an F85 pillared coupe or a Cutlass hardtop/convertible with the 442 option (it didn’t become a series of its own until 1968). This 1965 Cutlass Holiday Coupe is said to be a 442 but the seller doesn’t offer us much proof, either in words or photos. But it’s a nice-looking car available in Miami, Florida, and here on eBay. The bidding has reached $11,600 but the reserve is unmet.
Until 1965, the biggest engine you could get in the 442 was a 330 cubic-inch V8. But the cuffs finally came off and a 400 V8 producing 345 hp and 440 lb.-ft of torque became standard fare. A 3-speed column-shifted manual transmission with a floor-shifted 4-speed optional. The seller says this car has a manual but doesn’t say which nor does he/she provide any interior photos to check it out. Other touches that came with the 442 in 1965 were chrome body side scoops (which we see), chambered dual exhaust pipes, and bucket seats (in the Cutlass version), which we can’t validate on this auto.
The 442 was a popular option in ’65 and found 25,000 buyers. The upscale Cutlass hardtop or Holiday Coupe was scooped by 14,700 performance-driven people, and more than half of them went with the 4-speed. We don’t know much about this car other than the seller has owned it for at least five years and the machine is drivable but doesn’t venture out very often. The indicated mileage is 107,000.
There might be more than eight bids on this Olds if the seller had more inclusive photos (landscape, not portrait), and some description of what the car has been up to for 57 years. From a couple of the photos, the paint doesn’t quite match on the passenger rear quarter panel, so at least that paint is likely not original. And one photo oddly shows the trunk lid completely off the car with no explanation as to why. The backup lights seem to be missing, but you wouldn’t have to take the trunk off to fix them.
Nice work, Russ! That’s a tough ad for sure, all vertical photos (ugh), and basically zero information.
Thanks, Scotty. You have to wonder sometimes if they really don’t want to sell the car and sabotage their own efforts on purpose.
Russ, my money is on his wife told him to sell it…
Neat car. Too bad the average Craigslist chain saw comes with better pictures and description. Thanks for the write-up Russ! With the earlier 4-4-2s, people forget how stout the hot 330 was, but the 400 really got the excitement ball rolling. Love the color too.
I had a ‘64 briefly in the ‘80s, the thing was a rocket. Reminded me of a big Z28… peaky motor, great close ratio 4-speed, solid body.
My “across the ally” friend, who’s brother had the 427 Ford, this was his 1st car, except an automatic. We, as kids, were bombarded with that “442” catch phrase, thinking they were really something special, and later they were, but when we actually saw one, it was amazing how bare bones the car was. The only mention of a “442”, was the badges on the side and trunk, and one above the glove box. This car, I believe, has a 3 speed on the column, that blows the whole “442” moniker out of the water, but in ’65, they changed the meaning to “400 cube, 4 barrel, 2 exhausts”, as opposed to the original, “4 speed, 4 barrel, dual exhaust” and a column 3 speed was offered. Judging by the basic nature of this car, I’m sure that’s what it has. This car was in direct response to the GTO, which in ’65, wasn’t much fancier. It’s a great find, when musclecars were in their infancy.
Alley,, and a 2nd comment, I don’t have to log back in,,,
These like the early GTO’s were built on the concept of “stuff a big engine in an intermediate body and go fast. As far as options you could go striped down to loaded depending on your pocket book.
Actually, the first GTO was “stuff a big engine (389) in a small body” (Tempest).
65-67 GM A body. Olds had the field covered by a bunch.
It has bucket seats. You can see the top of the driver’s seat back through the rear window in the last photo.
Good catch, I think these had 3 or 4 speed floor shift.
First photo appears to have a NY plate. Perhaps this car is a snowbird, now living in Florida? The picture showing trunk lid removed appears to have a buffer laying on the floor next to vehicle. Perhaps the a DIY buff job that was inconsistently applied is the reason for discrepancies in paint color?
65 442 base manual was 3sp. 4sd optinal. Automatic was 2sd jetaway
It could be column manuel. Also could be ordered on base F85. Not until 67 the 442 option only came as the Supreme.
Nice car but the lack of details and photos is a little disturbing. That and the fact the seller has 1 positive feedback.
I had a ‘65 Cutlass with the 400, four speed and bucket seats – a 442 without the nameplates. Way too much car for a H it 19 year old, but I lived through it. That car ate starters.
Had a new 65 442 when I was 18. What were my parents thinking? State patrol visited my house when I outran a state patrol Plymouth. Found out you couldn’t outrun a radio.
Mine did too until I figured out how to shim them properly.
I was told the first year 400s ran the exhaust too close to the starter. I wish you had lived next door. You’d have saved me some bucks.
I have parts for 65 442 if interested let me know I have lower molding not all some good grill. 400 engine with 66 tripower motor has about 4000 miles rebuilt hood and trunk lid
My 2nd car back in 1979 a Cutlass version in convertible form. A 330 with floor shift auto, ac, power brakes, steering windows, drivers bucket, and tilt wheel. In the early 80s the engine tired and I put a 425 from a 65 98 luxury sedan in it. The car was much faster than the 340 409 64 impala I also had at the time. Sadly living in the northeast took it toll and by 2009 the car needed a full restoration. Trunk. Floorplan and so on. I relocated in 2010 at which time I could not ship it and it along with a bunch of other things I had for ions went to the shred. I remember starting it up and pulling it from the building I kept them in.