The 442 was launched as Oldsmobile’s mid-size muscle car in 1964. But the 1960s came and went and performance cars fell out of favor due to higher insurance premiums and tightening emissions controls. So, by 1977, the last year of the “Colonnade” editions of the 442, the cars offered relatively little speed compared to the decade before. This ’77 442 is a yard find that the seller describes as having rust and being a “hobby car”. Little else is known about the vehicle. Our thanks to “Lothar… of the Hill People” for this tip!
One distinction the 1977 442 had was it kept the NASCAR sloped nose from the prior year, while the rest of the Cutlass models used an upright snout. We don’t know which engine is in this 442 because the seller doesn’t pop the hood for photos. It could be anything from a 231 cubic inch V6 (borrowed from Buick) up to the 350 and 403 V8s (the latter being a new Olds motor). The 455 had moved on to the history books.
If this car has either the 350 or 403, your only transmission choice was an automatic (Turbo-Hydramatic). If it had been ordered with a 260 V8, a manual transmission was available. Inside the passenger compartment, a bench seat was standard, but you could opt for buckets (we don’t know the case here, either, as the seller doesn’t crack the doors open). About the only thing else we know is that the engine turns over (but does it start?). So, this mystery car of sorts can be found in Green Lake, Wisconsin, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000. Anyone up for taking a chance?
I had a Cutlass of the same year. Let’s say it rhymes with “gutless”. I’m sure the 4-4-2 was no better, more like a 4-4-0.
Definitely wouldn’t buy this car for speed but still a very nice driving car when newer. Although the right vision and lots of money could turn this 442 into a fine automobile
A proper Olds powerplant is in order. 350 Rocket w cam. 🚀 would do nice👌
I had a ‘77 Cutlass, the Salon trim which had the same underpinnings as the 442, suspension wise. Mine had the 350 Olds and THM 350 with a super tall axle, a 2.41 I think. In that era, it was no better or worse than other car’s performance wise and was a very comfortable and capable car on the road. In fact a friend with a ‘77 Trans Am with a base 400 and automatic was not much quicker and a helluva lot less spacious and comfortable. A Cutlass with the V6 or the 260 was sluggish and dull, the 350 or 403 is a much more pleasant experience.
They sure don’t stir the imagination. What they lack in performance they make up for in hatred.
no title is the kiss of death. make it a parts car at this point.
Could it get much worse? $500 car at this point.
missing title, not that big of a deal.. especially if the seller is the last registered owner.
for those that know, the car is desirable, in my opinion is good looking.
Ive been wanting one, must have power widows, and it doesnt matter what engines in it, ill build my own.
Nice find, im inclined to inqute further. Its very straight and original; a good deal actually.
It looks like one person designed the front clip and another person “designed?” the rear end and Mickey Mouse glued them together!