Pontiac created a sensation when it introduced the GTO, which many would argue was the first muscle car. Oldsmobile responded quickly, releasing the 4-4-2 in 1964. It featured performance credentials with a focus on a luxurious motoring experience. This 1964 Old 4-4-2 F-85 is a beauty, loaded with desirable factory options. It presents impressively, with the seller’s image gallery confirming that it is rust-free. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Olds listed here on eBay in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The seller set their BIN at $39,900 with the option to make an offer.
As would prove the case with Ford’s Mustang, Pontiac caught the opposition unaware when it unveiled the GTO. The competition was soon scrambling to join the muscle car party, including marques within the General Motors empire. Oldsmobile introduced the 4-4-2 in 1964, with the model designation said to represent its key features: a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual transmission, and a dual exhaust. This first-year example will turn heads, courtesy of its Provincial White paint and contrasting Black vinyl top. The wheels and glass sunroof appear to be later additions. Otherwise, this classic is essentially as it left the factory. The seller provides an excellent selection of close-up images, and while they reveal minor cosmetic imperfections, the vehicle still presents extremely well as a driver-grade classic. The comprehensive underside shots confirm that this gem is rust-free, and with the trim and tinted glass in good condition, things look extremely positive to this point.
Oldsmobile released the 4-4-2 with an extremely short lead time. That left little opportunity for mechanical development, although the 330ci V8 slotted under the hood produced a factory-claimed 310hp. That figure was lower than what buyers received from an entry-level Pontiac GTO, but still placed it firmly in muscle car territory. A four-speed M20 manual transmission was standard fare, as were significant suspension upgrades for improved handling. This 4-4-2 scores power-assisted steering and brakes for a more effortless driving experience. No information is provided regarding how this classic runs or drives. However, the seller links their listing to this YouTube video. We hear the V8 running, and it sounds as smooth as silk.
If you ever doubted Oldsmobile’s desire to combine performance with comfort, one glance at this 4-4-2’s interior should put those doubts to rest. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a console-mounted tachometer, a sports tilt wheel, an AM/FM radio, a rear defogger, and leather trim. The presentation is extremely impressive, with no significant flaws or imperfections. The seats look supple and inviting, there is no wheel wear, and the dash is spotless. Even if the buyer elects to address any exterior flaws, they won’t need to spend a dime inside this classic.
Although it was a rushed release, the 1964 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 sold in sufficient numbers to justify continued production beyond the first year. After selling 2,999 vehicles in 1964, the tally rose to 25,003 in 1965, confirming the company’s faith in its muscle car. This first-year example is a gem, and the seller’s BIN figure looks competitive compared to recent successful sales. I believe this Olds will find a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
Dandy bigtime. Dr Olds put together an awesome pkg here. Cool car that looks in stunning condition. 🏁👍
Is this one of those restorations that you see in car auctions up on blocks with mirrors and lights underneath? Those are the only cars from the 60s and early 70s that you see with every available option. I think the addition of the moon roof takes away from a car that presents as original.
I don’t care for that vinyl roof treatment – does not look like a factory effort. I love the car other than the roof. Whether factory or aftermarket, it doesn’t work for me. I grew up in an Oldsmobile family in the ’50s/’60s (parents had 46, 55, 59 and I had 50, 54, and 57) and these were the holy grail for us.
This was a factory vinyl top. I like the sporty feel with these.
The sunroof, not so much. Someone cut that in. Fix that and this would be a worthy addition to any garage ( mostly mine, I’m thinking)
That “halo style” vinyl roof was a factory roof, BUT, not used by Oldsmobile. That was a roof typically found on the Buick Skylarks of that era. My guess, installed on the car by whoever installed that sunroof.
This is NOT a factory vinyl top. Factory tops covered the sail panels and from drip rail to drip rail. They extended sightly below the lower rear window trim, and forward to the windshield. The sunroof is also not factory. The Super Stock wheels went into production in 1968, far from having Hurst wheels as claimed by the seller. The four spoke steering wheel was introduced in 1970. I’m pretty certain that power door locks were not available, the rear window defroster switch bezel is I believe from a later model, same with the AM FM radio. Lots of incorrect items, but not out of line for the times. Most are more than acceptable except for the sunroof/vinyl top.
This has all of the earmarks of a car built in the 1980’s or early-90’s. When aftermarket sunroofs were in vogue and many owners would install every convenience options they could get their hands on. A build much later than that would have stayed away from the sunroof and added front disc brakes. I think the price is really aggressive, I give the seller credit for showing what looks like cracking Bondo and other flaws. This looks to be an older restoration, even though it’s probably led a pampered life for decades, time will catch up to it and some of the techniques common at that time. The wheels and steering wheels appear to be from the 1970’s, the Hurst stickers on the center cap are a nice touch.
Steve R
In 1964 my 8th grade home room teacher, Mrs. Weber had red one that she daily drove to school. Needless to say she was a pretty cool teach, the 442 was the coolest car in the teachers parking lot. Don’t recall for sure but I think it was a 2 tone with a white roof, but it definitely made an impression on this 14 year old motor head.
Oldsmobile’s power locks in 1964 were vacuum operated, and were not available on mid-sized models. Leather wasn’t available, either (unless it’s really vinyl and the person who wrote the eBay ad doesn’t know the difference). Makes you wonder how many of the car’s other desirable options were added during restoration. It might not matter to some, but to me, a car loaded with options from the start is greater than one with options added years later.
Not intended as a comment on this particular car, but I had two cars professionally inspected a couple of years ago by a professional, and he turned them both down. I prefer sellers who seem to use pictures that show flaws as well as assets. As I remember GR just shows the good stuff.
neat car and looks to be possibly a real 442 but would want some kind of proof. the car has been ruined with cutting that hole in the roof for a sunroof. i think that a real bad move and may hold most buyers back. i know i wouldn’t buy it
I’m a big fan of these 1st year 442’s, would have been around 1970 I was 10, a friend’s dad down the block had a white one with red interior, bucket seats, console, 4 speed, black steel wheels with raised white letter tires & loud dual exhaust! Crazy thing is I remember it like it was yesterday, rode in it many times & it was a pure thrill for a young kid!
I think this is a fake 442. There are no 442 badges anywhere on the body. This is just a 1964 F-85 with a 4-speed
If you look at all the pictures in the detailed listing the seller has close ups of the 442 badges on both front fenders & deck lid! Darn sure looks like a legitimate 442 to me!
Badges are there, but are also easily added. Real or not I’d pass based on the …uh…”improvements.”
The sole & dubious factor as to this being an authentic 442 is the incorrect placement of the front fender callout(s). They’re much lower than the factory placement. (https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1964%20Oldsmobile/1964%20Oldsmobile%20442%20Information%20Sheet/image1.html)
How many badges do you need on one car? And what is it a cutlass or an f85 cause it can’t be both! Understand first year was an add on one of the other! But not both on one car! Lol! What monster creation!
Hemmings has a really good write about these 1st year 442’s, yes it is a F85 Cutlass 442, also know as the B09 option!
They destroyed a beautiful car with that big hole in the top. Now it’s not worth half of the price.