1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Tribute

Description

If you're an Oldsmobile fan, what would your ultimate Olds look like? How about a stunning 1971 442 wearing bright yellow paint from a Rallye 350 and packing a thundering 455 cubic inch big block. Of course, a few mods like front disc brakes, a Hurst dual-gate shifter, and a little more horsepower never hurt, and the result is a brutal 442 tribute that looks and drives like you've always imagined.

The riveting yellow paint isn't for everyone, but if you're an Olds fan, you'll recognize it right away. Between the stripes, the twin-nostril W25 ram air hood, the wing, and the dual trumpets in the rear bumper, this 1971 Olds has every visual trick Oldsmobile used to get buyers into the showrooms. And they all work quite well to make one of the most eyeball-grabbing pieces of muscle we've ever offered. The work is extremely well done by a guy who knows Oldsmobiles inside and out so it looks the way the factory might have built it back in '71. Admittedly, it's not subtle so don't expect to keep a low profile, but if it's attention you crave, this car will do it better than most. The paint and bodywork are quite good and the paint has been protected with PermaFinish, so it's extremely low maintenance. Other goodies include LD taillights, brand new red W-30 inner fenders, and hood pins to give it a dominating look in the other guy's rear-view mirror.

An equally large sum of money was lavished on the interior of this Olds, and gives the black buckets an almost-new look. It's quite correct and a nice contrast to the arrest-me-yellow bodywork, but there's no question you're sitting inside a performance car. The optional Rally Pack gauges include a Tick-Tock-Tach in addition to the standard stainless-faced dials, all set into a handsome woodgrained dashboard and assisted by a set of auxiliary gauges under the dash. A 4-spoke steering wheel looks properly sporty and a Hurst dual-gate shifter manages the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, the only automatic gearbox stout enough to handle Oldsmobile's biggest big block. Even the vintage-looking AM/FM/cassette radio is new and powers fresh speakers throughout the interior. The trunk is outfitted with a reproduction mat as well as a custom cover for the full-sized spare.

The reason you build a 442 tribute like this is horsepower, and lots of it. The 455 cubic inch Oldsmobile V8 packs a tremendous punch thanks to modifications like a performance cam, Holley Street Avenger 4-barrel carburetor on an Edelbrock intake, and long-tube headers, just in case you were feeling light on torque. Those red inner fenders make for a dramatic presentation and it's dressed up with lots of chrome for impact. MSD supplied the ignition system and the twin Magnaflow mufflers end in stainless trumpets under the rear bumper. Front and rear sway bars, front disc brakes, and a trick aluminum cover for the W27 10-bolt rear end mean that this Olds is built for fun, not static display. Color-coordinated Super Stock II wheels always look best on an Oldsmobile and wear new BFG radials all around.

The comprehensive restoration has left this 442 as far more than the sum of its parts. A lot of spares and original components come with the car, too, so if it's more radical than you'd prefer, you can take it back a notch. But who would do that when this car is so much fun as it sits? Call today!