1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

Description

If you like your muscle cars a little more grown up than the usual Chevelles and winged GTOs, then you've probably already considered Oldsmobile. Cars like this 1966 Cutlass 442 offer the same big engine thrills as those other models but with more polish and sophistication. This one also packs a gorgeous interior, a strong-running 455 cubic inch V8, and a look that will set it apart everywhere it goes.

For an adult's car, this 442 hardtop has a very elegant look and the burgundy paint is a big part of it. It's beautifully done and the color will elicit questions at fueling stops about what color it might be, as onlooker seem to be taken with the big, burgundy coupe. Crisp body lines are a highlight of the 1966 Cutlass, and the sharp crease running along the tops of the fenders make a subtle yet effect styling statement. Finish quality is very good, with a slick finish that shines up beautifully and looks deep enough to swim in, but not so perfect that you'll be afraid to drive it. Oldsmobile designers weren't afraid to use chrome, even on their top performance model, so the bumpers, the grille surround, and side trim are all bright metal that sparkles against the darker paint. Although only an original build sheet will 100% verify the 442 trim package in these years, this is a 5V stamped car from the Lansing plant, proving it's authenticity to us, and to most Olds connoisseurs. Correct 442 badges have been installed in the blacked-out grille, on the quarter panels, and on the deck lid, subtle reminders that this is not your grandfather's Oldsmobile.

The tan interior is the jewel in this car's crown, a beautifully finished driver's compartment that shows you why you should own an Oldsmobile instead of a Chevy. Rich materials and beautiful patterns make it look far more luxurious and expensive than its price would suggest and the work was done quite recently so it's in excellent condition. The seats and door panels are soft ultra-leather and the carpets are new, and with some burgundy highlights on the dash and steering wheel, there's a great contrast that looks fantastic. The factory gauges cover only the bare minimum, so a set of Sunpro under-dash auxiliary gauges were installed and there's a factory-installed AM/FM radio just above them. The instrument panel's bright face is original and is probably the only item inside that shows the car's age, as even the trunk features a new mat and full-sized spare tire that's never been used.

The first "4" in 442 stood for the 455 cubic inch V8 under the hood. With plenty of torque, moving the big coupe is effortless, and rather than pinning you back with explosive acceleration, this one moves like an electric locomotive with a feeling of inevitability about it. It's wonderfully detailed with Oldsmobile Gold paint on the block, chrome valve covers, and an Edelbrock intake manifold to brighten things up. A Holley 4-barrel carburetor and HEI ignition system enhance power and reliability, but it's still stock enough to be easy to maintain and it'll drive anywhere, anytime. The underside is painted body color, which highlights the satin black frame, and even the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was painted to blend in. A Flowmaster dual exhaust system gives the big Olds a distinctive voice and there's a new gas tank hanging out back. Classic Magnum 500 wheels look right on just about anything of the period, including this Cutlass, and they wear fresh blackwall radials for a performance look.

We like this car a lot. It's attention-getting without being too flashy and it backs it up with solid performance. There's a lot invested here but the price is a bargain. Call today!