1967 Oldsmobile 442

Description

Like most muscle cars of the late-60s, the Oldsmobile 442 had a bewildering array of options and powertrains. For the 1967 model year, one of the most potent pieces was the 442 with the W-30 equipped that's found in this handsome ragtop. Nicely restored in 2009, it remains a high-quality piece that's got the horsepower to embarrass some seriously potent machinery.

The GM A-body never looked better than when wearing the Oldsmobile rocket emblem. Straight, clean, with a stylish kick-up behind the doors, it's what all muscle cars aspire to look like. Finished in sizzling code R Spanish Red, it's definitely not the wallflower type. As you'd expect for a car at this level, the bodywork is quite nicely done with good gaps and doors that fit just right. It shows some signs of use and you really can't blame a guy for wanting to take this car out on a sunny afternoon, but the impact is still quite impressive when you see it for the first time. White pinstripes highlight the peaked fender line and small '442' badges in the grille and on the deck lid are the only ways to warn the unwary that this isn't your father's Olds. A close-up look will reveal the ram-air scoops flanking the parking lights, but they're virtually invisible on the road, which is just how the Oldsmobile engineers wanted it. The chrome appears to be a combination of original and refinished equipment, with only the taillight bezels showing some age. Nevertheless, this is a really good-looking car!

The red bucket seat interior is prototypical muscle car. Add a center console with a Hurst shifter sticking out of it and you have a car that was made for prowling the streets on a Friday night. Fresh upholstery on the seats, reproduction door panels, and new carpets are in excellent shape and definitely not low-key. The dash lays everything out in a wide band of brushed metal trim and there's a period tech tucked in to the left of the main panel. Noteworthy options include power windows and a tilt steering column, both welcome additions, and the restorer has thoughtfully added an AM/FM/CD stereo system so this Olds the perfect travelling companion. A white power top keeps the rain out while the trunk is finished with a reproduction mat, correct bias-ply redline spare tire, and jack assembly.

Oldsmobile had a dizzying array of variations on the 400 cubic inch V8, with the W-30 at the top of the list. Featuring those distinctive twin snorkels to force-feed the 4-barrel underneath, it cranks out 360 horsepower and 440 pounds of torque. The engine is a date-code-correct block with proper C-code heads and has been rebuilt to stock specs. It is also beautifully detailed with Oldsmobile Gold paint on the block, proper chrome air cleaner and valve covers, and the correct W-30 red inner fender liners up front. The 4-speed gearbox and 10-bolt rear end are ready to party and with a fresh Flowmaster exhaust system, it has a voice that'll make children run and hid. It's quite clean underneath, with a new gas tank, and rolls on Rally I wheels and neat-looking 225/70/15 redline radials.

This gorgeous 442 remains fast, fun, and eminently enjoyable. Call today!