Oldsmobile 442





There are those who claim that it was Oldsmobile that created the first muscle car when it stuffed its hot new fullsize Rocket V8 into its midsize model to create the Olds 88 and Super 88 series back in 1949. But it wasn't until 1964 that Oldsmobile would return to the concept, encouraged by the success of the Pontiac GTO. Oldsmobile was the first GM division to follow Pontiac's lead, and began to offer fullsize muscle in its midsize Cutlass model. The package included the top engine available from Oldsmobile, a 330 cid V8 with the police package. It was named the 4-4-2 package, originally signifying the engine's 4 barrel carb, 4 speed manual transmission, and dual (2) exhausts. Although the specifications would change through the years, the name stuck. Although never the fastest or the best seller of the GM A-bodies, the 4-4-2 was known for its balanced performance, exceptional handling and the "W" and Hurst editions that would come out in later years.



DIRECTORY

OVERVIEW
HISTORY
PICTURES
TECH