Oldsmobile 442

        When General Motors first released the Oldsmobile 442 in 1964 as an option package for the

F-85s and Cutlasses. In 1968, they first made the 442 a standalone vehicle. The 442 was a highly sought-after muscle car model that was produced by Oldsmobile it was known for its enhanced performance, handling, and styling, positioning it a direct competitor to the Pontiac GTO. 

    

        Originally a trim package on the F-85 and Cutlass models, the 442 in the name stood for three things: A four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and some dual exhaust outlets. The first generation of the Oldsmobile 442 only lasted for three years from 1964-1967. It was available in a two-door coupe, and four-door sedan configurations it's still a highly valued and sought-after car by collectors. The 442 name was also used on the Cutlass Supreme, and the Cutlass Calais models with a different performance package. In 1964, the available engine was a 330 cid V8, but starting in 1965 Oldsmobile put a 400 cid big block under the hood, it quickly earned a reputation for itself as the most balanced muscle car available.

        For 1968-1969 Oldsmobile 442s, power remained the same, with the W30 option boasting the superior 360 horsepower version through the ram-air modification. In 1970, a floor-mounted three-speed Hurst manual gear shift, heavy-duty suspension, and the "Rocket 455" cid V8 became standard.