Not to be outdone by Pontiac’s hot GTO, Oldsmobile souped up its popular mid-sized Cutlass, making the 4-4-2, originally designating 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed transmission, and dual exhaust. By 1967 the package had evolved from the original warmed-up 330 cid (5.4L) V8 to a 400 cid (6.6L), and automatic transmissions became available, to the joy of amputees everywhere. According to ClassicOldsmobile, this 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass in Fillmore, Utah may or may not be a real 4-4-2, but it does come with what looks like a 4-4-2 engine block and a body tag crudely welded to the body that does not rule out the possibility of it being a 4-4-2. At least six bidders here on eBay have elevated the market value of this Oldsmobile beyond $2000. Thanks to reader Larry D. for spotting this drop-top Olds.
The only engine picture in the listing shows the block code beginning in “39” and ending in “E” that should designate the 4-4-2-only 400 cid V8. At 350 HP and a stout 440 lb-ft of torque, according to Topspeed, this motor (assuming it’s salvageable) would prove entertaining whether this is a real 4-4-2 or not. The 1968 Cutlass went to a sportier-looking body style, but there’s something brutal and intimidating about this ’67 model.
Maybe our GM experts can identify the automatic transmission in the trunk. From the factory it would have been a new-for-’67 three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 with the interesting Switch-Pitch torque-converter that delivers a super-hard launch, almost like engaging an extra low gear. As with most convertibles, this Olds shows rust holes in lower regions where rain water gathered.
This is as close a look as we get to seeing the interior, and the seller describes the original color combination as white paint with black vinyl top and upholstery. The mixed bag and unanswered questions may explain the tepid bidding, but let’s hope someone powers through all that and gets this classic on the road one way or the other. Would you restore this rag-top Oldsmobile or buy one already done?
This car definite needs a lot of work, but still for the current price it’s doable. Will make a nice convertible when finished whether or not if it’s a real 442. At worse it will make a nice donor for one with better credentials.
God bless America
I’d like to see some pictures of the underside, but if solid this would a great winter project of a desirable car. Good Luke to both buyer and seller
“To the joy of amputee’s everywhere”. Really. So one pedal is going to make up for the trauma we’ve endured? I’m sure you were making an attempt at being cute, or clever. Didn’t work. This article is highly offensive to disabled people everywhere, and should be to all others.
Yeah, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it myself.
Bad taste & very poor attempt at humor
It’s a Lansing car that does not have the correct 5V code on the cowl tag. It is NOT a real 442. There is no fuzz on this. Bid accordingly.
I advised the seller on eBay that his car appears to not have the louvers in the hood and the d/s headlight door is from a Cutlass which had a wider grille bar. Those two pieces are difficult to source so it’s possible that it had front end repairs done with what was available. It also does not indicate “5VY” or “5V” on the cowl tag which was present on many ‘67s (just “5Y”). Not sure about the tranny; could be Jetaway. The shift indicator on the console should indicate whether it had 2 speeds (Cutlass) or 3 speeds (442).