General Motors went all-in on mid-size muscle cars in 1964/65. That included the pioneering Pontiac GTO, Chevy Chevelle SS 396, Buick Gran Sport, and the Oldsmobile 442 (aka 4-4-2). Though cars bearing the 442-brand continued to appear through 1991, many consider the 1974 model year as being the last of the true muscle car (the last available with a 455 cubic inch V8). The seller (a dealer) has a sweet ’74 442 with the 455 that looks like a first-class survivor sans one repaint. Located in Gladstone, Oregon, this Cranberry muscle machine is available here on craigslist for $22,500.

A redesign in 1973 ushered in the era of the “Colonnade” Oldsmobile – no more pure hardtops (but the doors had frameless glass). The ‘74s were little changed except for bigger bumpers in the back to match the cowcatchers that were added up front the year before (Federal mandate). While most of the ‘74s had a 350 CI V8 as standard (180 hp), an unknown number came with the 455 CI (230 or 275 hp, depending on the source). A Turbo-Hydramatic was now the only transmission choice.

About 7,200 442s were produced in 1974 as muscle cars had largely grown out of favor. All but about 250 of them were built on the Cutlass S Coupe body style. The seller-provided VIN properly decodes as having the W-30 455 engine, and we’re told the mean machine is numbers-matching. The car’s mileage isn’t noted (odd for a dealer), and a bundle of photos is provided except for the 455 (also odd for a dealer).

The upholstery, including the swivel bucket seats, is said to be original, and the Cranberry Poly paint looks like a quality redo. If there is or was any rust on this Oregon-plated car, we certainly can’t tell. The seller conservatively rates this Olds as being a “clean driver,” though it might be a tad nicer than that. If you don’t have to have the tire-screeching common with 1960s muscle cars, would this 442 nicely fit your lifestyle? BTW, thanks for the tip, “Curvette”!