OLDSMOBILE 442 1968-71

T he “Four-Four-Two” was born in 1964 and quickly gained a reputation for muscle. It was called 442 because of its combination of four-barrel carb, four-speed tranny and dual exhaust.

By 1968, it was restyled with a nicely flowing body and cozier interior, and given a tweaked 400 cubic inch engine, which incorporated a slightly increased stroke and slightly decreased bore – providing a bit more torque and better emissions.

By 1970, a 455-cubic-inch engine found its way into the 442, providing an even more ungodly amount of horsepower and torque. Special derivatives of the 442 during this period included the W30 and Hurst/Olds – both fiercely competitive pavement pounders that were built in limited numbers.

While many enthusiasts dream of owning a W30 and Hurst/Olds, the standard 442 is a great example of high-performance motoring. –Larry Sanata

SPECS:
Price: $8,500 to $167,000
Engine: SOHV V-8
Horsepower: 325-390
Torque: 425-500 (depending on engine)
Top Speed: 115-120

Photos and VIDEO at right, including burnouts and track footage. Images: John Kyros at the GM Media Archive.