1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

Description

Perhaps you've noticed that Oldsmobile 442 prices have been on the rise lately. Genuine 442s are bringing astronomical figures at auction, which makes cars like this 1971 442 tribute the smart choice for the Oldsmobile fan who likes to drive. Beautifully and accurately finished, this big block ragtop looks and acts every bit like the street predator it is, all for about half the price of a real one.

Cameo White with gold stripes was a color combination made famous on the 442 pace car model, but this car looks every bit as good without the extra ornamentation and decals that come with it. Straight bodywork makes the white paint look fantastic, with good gaps and a shape that's impossible not to love. More chiseled than the Chevelle, the Cutlass shows off a neat crease along the top of the quarters, a shape echoed by the tips of the trunk-mounted spoiler for a nice touch. Hood pins and scoops make this ragtop look exceptionally aggressive, an impression reinforced by the hardware underneath. Gold stripes highlight those big scoops, plus the flared fenders, giving the Cutlass ragtop a long, low look. Plenty of bright chrome was part of the package (this is an Oldsmobile after all), as are the blacked-out grilles that were standard equipment in 1971. Correct 442 badges in all the right places complete the illusion, and it'll take an expert to prove this isn't a real-deal 442 at the next cruise night.

Oldsmobiles have always offered first-class interiors, and the bright white buckets in this 442 ragtop are no exception. Beautifully restored with crisp dress whites and contrasting black carpets, the interior looks fantastic. The door panels, dash, and center console are highlighted by woodgrained appliques that help warm up the performance car interior, and again, correct 442 badges were installed as necessary. Desirable options like factory A/C, a power top, and a clever AM/FM/CD stereo that looks almost original (except for the big thumping subwoofer in the trunk, that is) make this a wonderful summertime cruiser doesn't know the word "compromise." A 4-spoke steering wheel reinforces the sporty attitude and the shiny stainless-faced instruments look downright awesome. There's a new white power top, complete with glass rear window and the trunk is nicely finished with the aforementioned subwoofer and CD changer as part of the package.

For performance, it's pretty hard to beat Oldsmobile's 455 cubic inch V8. In HO trim, even in 1971, horsepower was an impressive 340 with enough torque to affect the earth's rotation. This one, with its upgraded Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carburetor, probably runs every bit as strong as the most potent factory-built machine. It's also dressed up with a chrome air cleaner and valve covers, along with reproduction decals and turquoise engine paint to add a bit of authenticity. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission that always seems to find the right gear when you mash the throttle, and a brand new exhaust system ensures that it always sounds awesome when you do it. Color-matched Oldsmobile Rallye II wheels and 245/60/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials round out the 442 look in grand style.

The 442 is legendary, and with so few running around, this impressive tribute is bound to get more than its fair share of admiring glances. But it's the driver who will really benefit, because it's simply a blast to drive. The particular car has received a full frame-on restoration with over $60,000 invested into the build. Little touches, like brand new bumpers, all new rubbers and weather seals, and an original W25 Ram Air Hood, not a reproduction, puts this car over the top! Call today!