The 1964 model year was a big one for General Motors. Four mid-size muscle cars would be born, including the 4-4-2 over at Oldsmobile, a performance extension of the Cutlass. In 1968, the 4-4-2 became a separate series as opposed to an option, a status it would retain through 1971. Only about 1 out of 7 4-4-2s would be convertibles in ’68, so one of them is rare today. That includes the seller’s well-worn drop-top, which has been downgraded from stock in the engine department. Located in a garage in Byron Center, Michigan, this non-running project will require a lot of effort to return to its former glory. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8,800.
While a 400 cubic inch “Rocket” V8 was standard in the 1968 4-4-2, it was now based on the 455’s stroke, so that torque peaked at lower RPMs than in 1967. This change propelled the muscle cars to a quarter mile in the low 15-second range. The ones with the W-30 package, which added more horses, shaved another couple of seconds off that feat. There is no discussion that the seller’s car was ever so equipped.
This Olds is one of 5,142 convertibles built in ’68 with 4-4-2 badging (said to represent a 4-barrel carburetor, a 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhaust pipes). We don’t know what happened to the original engine in this car, but its place has been taken by a 350 V8 that doesn’t run and is in “rough shape”. To help with the overall project, a full set of original wheels is in the trunk, and new rear quarter panels have been acquired.
The rest of the car is left to the photos to describe. What’s there as well as what’s not. Chances are, you will keep the body shop busy with this one, in addition to a bit of work for the upholstery folks. Given the treatment most late ‘60s performance cars received, how many of these 4-4-2 convertibles could be left, even in rough condition like this one? A salute to “Zappenduster” for another cool tip!
Sad, probably blew the motor…
I own a 68 442 convertible. I replaced the original 400 with a 455 and best change I ever made. Mine was a rough original runner and has been upgraded and improved over the 41 years of my ownership. I gave $1,200 for mine. One of the best purchases I ever made! Buy it, fix it and make memories!
Not seeing $8800 bucks given its condition. This poor ’68 needs a lot of work.
The seats aren’t original, either. A car with black interior got black door cards. This car originally had white seats.
They appear to be 69 seats.
not seeing the 4spd thing. i have never seen 1 with stick on the column but it could have been built that way. i see a bench seat auto missing the original motor. too much to pay for what has happened to it and missing the 400. it’s a 442 and a convert but has had its a** handed to it. i see 2500k
Exactly It has a column shift handle. Where’s the 4 speed?
Like a lot of muscle cars, it is a victim of abuse. The rust doesn’t help its case. The bucket seats and the wheels in the trunk are worth 1800…..
Car presents physical features of a 442 as well as another model in the production line so a personal inspection is required here.
I believe the original 4-4-2 badging ment to represent 4 barrel, 4 speed, dual exhaust. But by 68 that changed to 400, 4 barrel, dual exhaust. My guess is this is the original engine to this car, and replacing grill, hood and seats doesn’t make it a 4-4-2
Greg with all due respect those wheels in the trunk are nowhere worth 1800.00. you would be hard pressed to get 500.00. they are not even correct for a 68.
He did say seats and wheels. Seats will bring 800 to 1000 so that leaves the wheels at 1000 to 800. Best way to make out on this one is to part it out unless your a 442 enthusiast!
A 2bbl 350 with drum brakes and no AC. Doubt the VIN indicates a 442 (4467), so this is likely just a trashed Cutlass ragtop.