History

The Oldsmobile 442

The 442 started life as an option package on the '64 Oldsmobile Cutlass, and become an independent model between '68 and '71, only once again to become an option package in the 1970s. The '64 package was created to allow Oldsmobile to get in on the success of the newly introduced Pontiac GTO and was essentially the police package re-branded into the 442 (four-barrel, four-speed, dual exhaust). The new 442 package would run you about 285 bucks. Over the years the fate of the 442 would ebb and flow. Highlights of which include a few of the following changes.

Come 1965, the 442 designation would come to mean 400 cubic inches, four-barrel, dual exhaust. 1966 would see the introduction of the L69 three two-barrel carb package and the W30 air induction package. 1968 saw the 442 become its own model and would also introduce the Hurst Olds package. In 1970 the 442's standard engine became the 455. In 1872, the 442 was once again an optional package rather than a model and the 350 became the standard engine (with the 455 an available option).

The year 1973 saw the 442 begin to diminish, and the 442 package became an appearance and handling option. Many of the 442 pieces of equipment still existed but had to be ordered separately. Slowly, the V8s gave way to V6s throughout the years and the 442 would be little more than a cosmetic upgrade. Eventually the 442 would find itself as a package on the front-wheel-drive 1990 and 1991 Cutlass Calais and 442 would finish its life meaning 4-cylinder engine, 4-valves per cylinder, and 2 camshafts. A rather sad end to a proud muscle car heritage.The Flickr photo sharing community has a large collection of 442 photos from many years and includes photos of many different option groups. This 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 by "w302nv" is one of many: