Oldsmobile launched the 442 in 1964 to deliver a more thrilling experience behind the wheel, so the carmaker tried to focus on the performance side of the car from the very beginning.
The base engine was the 330 L79 fitted with a four-barrel carburetor and developing 310 horsepower. However, the carmaker also focused on other essential upgrades, offering better handling with a heavy-duty suspension package, a dual exhaust system, special wheels and tires, and a dual snorkel air cleaner.
The 1965 model year pushed Oldsmobile's strategy a step further, dropping the 330 and introducing a new 400 big-block engine with 345 horsepower. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual, but Oldsmobile also offered its famous two-speed Jetaway automatic unit as an option.
The strategy worked, as the carmaker sold a little over 25,000 units, with the convertible accounting for approximately 3,500 units.
eBay seller vipa57 has recently listed on the auction site one of the best 422s I've seen lately. The car has been sitting for several years, they claim, but it remains an incredibly solid project. I won't comment too much on what the eyes can see because you can inspect most details in the photo gallery, but it's worth knowing the car comes with a cracked windshield and a solid frame.
The engine under the hood is a 455 big-block unit. It's not just any 455, but the creation of Chet Wilson, mostly known for competing in midgets with a Ford V8-60. He eventually opened an engine shop with his son Jerry, and this 455 is one of the projects he worked on. The V8 runs properly without any smoke, and eBay claims you should be able to take it for a spin on their property.
A massive V8 under the hood of a 442 is the perfect choice, especially when touched by an engine master. It's a great point to begin a restoration, as you won't have to deal with the typical project car problems, such as rusty metal. You'll have to contact the seller for a detailed list of what needs to be fixed on this otherwise intriguing project.
The vehicle isn't road-worthy and requires other repairs, but its condition is still impressive. It's unclear if the car is still complete, but it doesn't look like any big parts are missing. As a result, this 442 seems to be an easy project, so the digital battle on eBay should get fierce in no time.
The top offer right now is $2,000, but the owner configured a reserve. It's still in place at the time of writing, and it's unclear how high the bidding must go to trigger. Meanwhile, you can see this 442 in person in Ronkonkoma, New York.
The 1965 model year pushed Oldsmobile's strategy a step further, dropping the 330 and introducing a new 400 big-block engine with 345 horsepower. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual, but Oldsmobile also offered its famous two-speed Jetaway automatic unit as an option.
The strategy worked, as the carmaker sold a little over 25,000 units, with the convertible accounting for approximately 3,500 units.
eBay seller vipa57 has recently listed on the auction site one of the best 422s I've seen lately. The car has been sitting for several years, they claim, but it remains an incredibly solid project. I won't comment too much on what the eyes can see because you can inspect most details in the photo gallery, but it's worth knowing the car comes with a cracked windshield and a solid frame.
The engine under the hood is a 455 big-block unit. It's not just any 455, but the creation of Chet Wilson, mostly known for competing in midgets with a Ford V8-60. He eventually opened an engine shop with his son Jerry, and this 455 is one of the projects he worked on. The V8 runs properly without any smoke, and eBay claims you should be able to take it for a spin on their property.
A massive V8 under the hood of a 442 is the perfect choice, especially when touched by an engine master. It's a great point to begin a restoration, as you won't have to deal with the typical project car problems, such as rusty metal. You'll have to contact the seller for a detailed list of what needs to be fixed on this otherwise intriguing project.
The vehicle isn't road-worthy and requires other repairs, but its condition is still impressive. It's unclear if the car is still complete, but it doesn't look like any big parts are missing. As a result, this 442 seems to be an easy project, so the digital battle on eBay should get fierce in no time.
The top offer right now is $2,000, but the owner configured a reserve. It's still in place at the time of writing, and it's unclear how high the bidding must go to trigger. Meanwhile, you can see this 442 in person in Ronkonkoma, New York.