Real-deal 442 with a 4-speed! Matching numbers 455 cubic inch V8, correct fiberglass ram air hood, rear wing. Older frame-off restoration in very good condition. Runs and drives superbly, big torque, but still Oldsmobile smooth.

The 442 remains one of the most under-rated muscle cars of the era. Maybe it’s because Oldsmobile is no more and the name no longer resonates like it once did, but after driving a few of these big block pieces of luxury muscle, I always come away impressed. This 1970 Olds 442 is a genuine 442 with what appears to be its original engine—nice! It was treated to a frame-off restoration perhaps 15 years ago and as a collector car, hasn’t accumulated many miles since then. It’s been driven and enjoyed as intended, but its days as a daily driver are long over. Instead, it has mellowed into a high-quality driver that can be shown with pride at casual gatherings where the gold paint and bold black stripes make a purely 1970s statement. With the 442’s standard fiberglass hood with ram air and the optional rear wing, not to mention the prominent ‘442’ emblems on the flanks, it won’t be overlooked. It does wear W-30 badges although this is not a real W-30 car, but the difference in performance is modest and it puts this car in an altogether more friendly price category. Bodywork is nicely done, the doors fit well, and the only real demerit is some surface cracking on the nose of the hood where someone in the past perhaps slammed it a bit too hard. This is a grown-up’s muscle car and looks the part.

The black vinyl interior is very nicely trimmed and accurately replicates the textured vinyl used on the 442s. It’s an upscale look that contrasts nicely with the stripes and rear wing, suggesting that you got a little extra luxury with your Oldsmobile muscle. The burled walnut instrument panel adds to that effect, and the brushed stainless steel gauge faces certainly look upscale. A console with a 4-speed is a great find in a car like this, and less than 25% of the 1970 442s were built with 4-speeds, making it a relatively rare bird. Of course it carries a Hurst shifter—is there a closer relationship than that of Hurst and Olds? There’s also a factory AM radio, but this car is light on options, which suggests that the original owner cared mostly about the important stuff: going fast. The headliner is a little wrinkly, but the flash makes it look worse than it is and in person it’s quite presentable, so don’t think too hard about it. It also includes a fully finished trunk with matching SSII wheel and correct spatter-finish paint.

The 455 cubic inch V8 is stamped with the last seven digits of the VIN and is correct for this car. The engine bay is dominated by the ram air setup atop the carburetor, which does indeed snap closed when the engine fires, so it’s working correctly. Corporate blue engine enamel replaced the usual gold in 1970, and offers a nice contrast to the satin black inner fenders and firewall. The big V8 starts easily, idles smoothly, and with a mountain of torque on tap, it moves the relatively lightweight Cutlass without much effort at all—this sucker is fast! The block is a correct 396021 F casting, the heads are E castings, and even the alternator is the right unit. It remains completely stock, so no questionable modifications and it even runs the original carburetor and exhaust manifolds.

Underneath, the 4-speed manual transmission is a replacement Muncie M20 that shifts beautifully and delivers power to a bulletproof 12-bolt rear end with what we believe are 3.73 gears on a limited slip. The floors are solid and clean with no signs that the car has been patched up or cut, and the Flowmaster dual exhaust system sounds spectacular. It also includes power steering, front disc brakes, and a rebuilt front suspension to preserve that peerless Oldsmobile ride quality. And the stance is exactly right, crouching over those factory SSII wheels and fat 235/70/14 BFG radials.

Documentation includes an original owner’s manual.

The 442 is often overlooked, which explains why it’s so much less expensive than a Chevelle. But one drive and you’ll be hooked on the Rocket Division’s brand of luxury muscle and the comfort that comes standard. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.