Photo: Craigslist
The 1966 model year didn't bring significant improvements to the 442 lineup, as Oldsmobile focused mostly on changes in the engine department.
The 442 could be had with the L78 engine option, which was available as a 400ci unit with 350 horsepower. It was fitted with a single four-barrel carburetor and was the perfect choice for most of the nearly 22,000 442 buyers in 1966.
However, Olds knew customers expected more power from the 442, so the 1966 version was offered with two new optional choices.
The car could be ordered with two optional 400ci engines: the L69 – fitted with three two-barrel carburetors and rated at 360 horsepower – and the famous W30, which produced a similar output.
The 1966 Oldsmobile 442 posted on Craigslist earlier this week is an example that's been a lot lately, including decades of sitting and an electrical fire.
It all started with the car ending up abandoned during the '70s, but despite the long tenure off the road, it still has solid floors and minor rust. You wouldn't normally expect a car sitting for five decades to come with good metal, but the 442 somehow survived the test of time.
However, the more concerning part is the cabin. The 442 was involved in a fire, as an electrical problem produced major damage to the dashboard. The next owner will need a new dash and windshield, though the cabin overall requires a lot of work, too.
The good news is that the 442 retains the main selling points of a solid restoration candidate. One of the best things about this "real 442" (the owner's own words) is the low mileage of the complete and matching-numbers mill. The original unit is still in the car, and the odometer indicates just 37K miles. They are all original, as the car spent the last decades in the same spot. However, it's unclear if the engine starts and runs, but given the many years of sitting, I can only hope that the mill turns over. You should inspect the car in person to get a full picture of the engine, and make sure you thoroughly check out the cabin, too.
Restoring this 442 isn't an easy business, especially as the cabin is almost wrecked and requires an insane amount of work. A 1966 442 requires professional restoration skills, as a real 442 is rare, as most examples you come across today are clones based on the Cutlass.
Fortunately, the owner knows that selling a 442 in such a rough shape isn't easy, so their expectations aren't high. The car carries a $4,500 price tag, and you can see it in person close to Dublin. You'll need a trailer to take it home, considering the rough shape.
However, Olds knew customers expected more power from the 442, so the 1966 version was offered with two new optional choices.
The car could be ordered with two optional 400ci engines: the L69 – fitted with three two-barrel carburetors and rated at 360 horsepower – and the famous W30, which produced a similar output.
The 1966 Oldsmobile 442 posted on Craigslist earlier this week is an example that's been a lot lately, including decades of sitting and an electrical fire.
It all started with the car ending up abandoned during the '70s, but despite the long tenure off the road, it still has solid floors and minor rust. You wouldn't normally expect a car sitting for five decades to come with good metal, but the 442 somehow survived the test of time.
However, the more concerning part is the cabin. The 442 was involved in a fire, as an electrical problem produced major damage to the dashboard. The next owner will need a new dash and windshield, though the cabin overall requires a lot of work, too.
The good news is that the 442 retains the main selling points of a solid restoration candidate. One of the best things about this "real 442" (the owner's own words) is the low mileage of the complete and matching-numbers mill. The original unit is still in the car, and the odometer indicates just 37K miles. They are all original, as the car spent the last decades in the same spot. However, it's unclear if the engine starts and runs, but given the many years of sitting, I can only hope that the mill turns over. You should inspect the car in person to get a full picture of the engine, and make sure you thoroughly check out the cabin, too.
Restoring this 442 isn't an easy business, especially as the cabin is almost wrecked and requires an insane amount of work. A 1966 442 requires professional restoration skills, as a real 442 is rare, as most examples you come across today are clones based on the Cutlass.
Fortunately, the owner knows that selling a 442 in such a rough shape isn't easy, so their expectations aren't high. The car carries a $4,500 price tag, and you can see it in person close to Dublin. You'll need a trailer to take it home, considering the rough shape.
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