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!
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