Photo: wootownrobert/eBay
Introduced in 1964 as a competitor for the performance-oriented Pontiac GTO, the Oldsmobile 442 quickly became one of Oldsmobile's most successful nameplates. As a result, the company kept it in continuous production through 1980.
Like most intermediates from the era, the 442 moved away from the muscle car market when the Malaise Era kicked in. The 1973 redesign brought smaller V8 engines to the lineup, joined by an inline-six and a V6. The fourth-gen model (1978-1980) shifted to small-block engines only in the V8 department.
The 442 was discontinued without a direct replacement at the end of the 1980 model year, but Oldsmobile revived the nameplate in 1985. It was based on the Cutlass Supreme model, which featured G-body underpinnings. The latter were shared with the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and Pontiac Bonneville.
The G-body was short-lived, though. Oldsmobile dropped the model after only three years and 11,481 units sold. The 442 made one final return as a version of the Cutlass Calais from 1990 to 1991, getting the axe after only 3,993 examples were delivered. The final-generation 442 was also the only iteration to feature front-wheel drive.
So, while the 1980s 442 wasn't particularly noteworthy (the Hurst/Olds version wasn't even part of the lineup), it was the last of its kind with an RWD layout. And now that G-body cars have become full-fledged classics, the 442s, Regals, and Monte Carlos from the era are getting more and more attention.
Well, if you're in the market for a G-body that doesn't need a restoration and it's still a relatively low-mileage rig, this two-tone coupe might be the Olds you've been looking for.
Located in Wooster, Ohio, this black over silver 442 comes with only 45,196 miles (72,736 km) on the odometer. And not only is it rust-free, but it's also in surprisingly good condition for a vehicle that's more than 30 years old as of 2023. The paint looks nice all around, and the gold accents are still visible, giving the 442 a unique touch.
The interior provides even more proof that this Olds had a good life. The upholstery is clean, all the trim is still there, and the entire cabin feels highly original. This 442 also left the factory as a highly equipped order, featuring A/C, power windows and locks, a six-way driver's seat, remote mirrors, and cruise control.
What's more, it is fitted with one of the rarest Oldsmobile options from the 1980s. Specifically, this 442 was ordered with an electric sunroof. This feature was called the Astro Roof at the time and found its way on only a few vehicles. Of the 4,208 cars sold that year, only 201 left the assembly line with the Astro Roof. That's less than 5% of the total production, making it rarer than the era's T-top vehicles. And needless to say, fewer than 201 are still around, and only a few have been maintained in such good condition.
The Olds is going under the hammer at no reserve. The auction is up for nearly two more days, and bidding has reached $10,700. For reference, 1987 442s in Good condition are valued at around $15,000, while low-mileage, highly original examples are known to fetch more than $25,000.
The 442 was discontinued without a direct replacement at the end of the 1980 model year, but Oldsmobile revived the nameplate in 1985. It was based on the Cutlass Supreme model, which featured G-body underpinnings. The latter were shared with the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and Pontiac Bonneville.
The G-body was short-lived, though. Oldsmobile dropped the model after only three years and 11,481 units sold. The 442 made one final return as a version of the Cutlass Calais from 1990 to 1991, getting the axe after only 3,993 examples were delivered. The final-generation 442 was also the only iteration to feature front-wheel drive.
So, while the 1980s 442 wasn't particularly noteworthy (the Hurst/Olds version wasn't even part of the lineup), it was the last of its kind with an RWD layout. And now that G-body cars have become full-fledged classics, the 442s, Regals, and Monte Carlos from the era are getting more and more attention.
Well, if you're in the market for a G-body that doesn't need a restoration and it's still a relatively low-mileage rig, this two-tone coupe might be the Olds you've been looking for.
Located in Wooster, Ohio, this black over silver 442 comes with only 45,196 miles (72,736 km) on the odometer. And not only is it rust-free, but it's also in surprisingly good condition for a vehicle that's more than 30 years old as of 2023. The paint looks nice all around, and the gold accents are still visible, giving the 442 a unique touch.
The interior provides even more proof that this Olds had a good life. The upholstery is clean, all the trim is still there, and the entire cabin feels highly original. This 442 also left the factory as a highly equipped order, featuring A/C, power windows and locks, a six-way driver's seat, remote mirrors, and cruise control.
What's more, it is fitted with one of the rarest Oldsmobile options from the 1980s. Specifically, this 442 was ordered with an electric sunroof. This feature was called the Astro Roof at the time and found its way on only a few vehicles. Of the 4,208 cars sold that year, only 201 left the assembly line with the Astro Roof. That's less than 5% of the total production, making it rarer than the era's T-top vehicles. And needless to say, fewer than 201 are still around, and only a few have been maintained in such good condition.
The Olds is going under the hammer at no reserve. The auction is up for nearly two more days, and bidding has reached $10,700. For reference, 1987 442s in Good condition are valued at around $15,000, while low-mileage, highly original examples are known to fetch more than $25,000.
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