The Olds 4-4-2 (aka 442) was Oldsmobile’s response to the successful 1964 Pontiac GTO. As Pontiac had created a performance car from the Tempest/LeMans, Olds would do the same with its F-85/Cutlass. Though not quite as popular as the Pontiac, demand was enough for the 4-4-2 to become a series of its own for 1968-71. That period includes the seller’s car whose VIN and cowl tag confirm it as an original 4-4-2. However, it’s in rough condition and restoration will require lots of vision (and money). Only two bids have been cast so far at $2,550 here on eBay, and – if you can beat that number – you might be able to pick it up in Winder, Georgia.
4-4-2 production wouldn’t crack 20,000 units in 1970 as demand for mid-size muscle cars was stabilizing. Three-quarters would be the “Holiday” hardtop coupe including the seller’s car. Oldsmobile went all out in promoting the performance elements of the 4-4-2 that year by making the 455 cubic inch V8 standard equipment. You could upgrade the 455 to include a Ram Air induction, which would increase horsepower from 355 to 370.
The listing for this vintage Oldsmobile indicates the seller has had the car for about a year. So, the condition you see it in now was probably that when he/she got it. Time and Mother Nature have not been kind, nor has its prior ownership given all the body damage that’s present and the auto’s general state of neglect. There’s no title, so a notarized bill of sale will have to suffice, and the seller will accept payment in almost any form, perhaps even gold doubloons.
No attempt has been made to verify whether the engine’s numbers matching and the seller doesn’t know if it’s a 400 or 455. If it’s the former, then a swap would have been made at some point. It has an automatic transmission, but its status is unknown. We’re told the light blue paint (two-tone or vinyl top?) is a hard-to-find color, but replacing some of the sheet metal will be needed. New floor pans should be on the shopping list, too, as the rust blight has likely consumed them. Is this a restoration project that could work for you?
Rough? This is ruff, dog.🐕
Well the AC system looks to be intact, the rest of the car not so much
To me its a total loss! I would waste my retirement years on this one!LOL
Egads, to think ions ago I scraped one that was flawless compared to this with a busted engine.A 455 4 speed 3:73 posi car. That cars rear and boxed arms still lean against the wall of my one garage. This car here needs shredded.
I had a 70 442 convert in silver with a dark blue convertible top and the bright blue interior like this one. Low option car, no AC, automatic, console. One of the nicest looking color combinations out there. Fast, no, but torque for weeks! This guy is really a sad sight.
Add says its drivable. Air up the tires and drive it the 2500 miles home. Or maybe I will just look for one in better condition closer to home.
It’s drivable?? Sure, if you’re capable of levitation!
2500 actually not a bad price, concerning the market. It is heiliarus that people on here think after 50 years, you are going to find a perfect specimen that rolled off the factory assembly line, for mere pitence. Those days are long gone, and what you are seeing on these car sites are the FINAL gasp of what is left of the greatest muscle cars to every roll off the American assembly line! In 2 years max, they will all be gone, then you will have to go to a Haggard auction and pay 5 or 6 figures to touch one of these classics, if your lucky and can afford it. Laugh now cry later!
Well, levitate this bad boy home and restore it!
That is exactly the type of project car I love to dive into. The 70 – 72 Cutlass S has a striking style that I have been a huge fan of since I was 10 years old. I may consider a 500 mile trip to Georgia to see this diamond in the rough. It’s the perfect project for my taste.
I have fixed worse. It does take time and you have to keep enthusiasm going. As I get older the rougher ones I pass on. Love a nice 442 when it’s finished.
This one came with a painted darker blue roof from the factory. Most had vinyl tops, of course, so it’s cool to see one like this still around. A buddy in high school had a gorgeous ’71 Cutlass S in silver with a blue painted top and blue interior.
I respectfully disagree about a painted top… the roof panel is rusted virtually everywhere, perforations and large holes which are commonly associated with vinyl tops of the era. If you look at the right front A-pillar, you can see remnants of the vinyl top material that still remains, there is also material remaining over the passenger door. The factory didn’t bother to paint the roof body color, it saves paint and a few cents and time per car. They also do not finish the leadwork at the quarter to roof panel joints very well as it is not visible under a vinyl top. This car needs a ton of work but most importantly a roof, the sail panels of the quarters if not complete quarters, the panel at the base of the rear window, likely the trunk floor, parts of the inner wheelwells, probably floor pans, etc. The rust at the front of the roof will make you question the condition of the cowl as well. HUGE project, likely a parts car.
I’m just going by the body tag that lists two different paint codes for upper and lower body. Vinyl and convertible top codes were single digit letters.