1970 Oldsmobile 442

Description

While some Oldsmobile 442s could be considered gentlemen's hot rods, this 1970 442 ain't one of them. Its matching-numbers 455 has been tuned and tweaked to take no prisoners on the street, and the brilliant Rally Red paint is pretty much the opposite of subtle. Add in a 4-speed, a W-30 kit, and, well, you have a brute-force muscle car that has a bright future ahead of it.

Rally Red was Oldsmobile's name for Hugger Orange, and it looks every bit as spectacular here as it does on your favorite Camaro. You already know that we love Oldsmobile's version of the A-body, with its neo-fastback profile and bulging quarter panels, and this one hits all the right notes. With W-30 badging, a ram air hood, and the spoiler on the rear deck, it looks downright nasty, and the drag-race look certainly isn't just for show. Finish quality is good, which is how you want it on a car that's going to go out hunting on weekends and maybe hit the track on test-and-tune night. Leave perfection for the trailer queens, this 442 is made to be driven! The black stripes highlight the aggressive look, yet it retains its unique Oldsmobile identity thanks to chrome bumpers and a few bright stainless trim pieces that really dress it up.

The black interior is still pure Oldsmobile. Handsome bucket seats look upscale and comfortable, and flank an optional center console that's a very desirable addition. The 4-spoke steering wheel should look familiar to any Olds fan and the stainless-faced gauges with their delicate pointers are some of the most attractive dials of the muscle car era. Of course, as an Olds, they just couldn't lay off the burled walnut appliques on the dash, door panels, and console, but it makes for a nice contrast to the otherwise monochromatic interior. A Tick-Tock-Tach is a welcome upgrade, as is the tilt steering column, and the original AM radio was ditched in favor of an AM/FM/cassette head unit in the center of the dash. A Hurst shifter manages the 4-speed gearbox and 442-logo floor mats are a gentle reminder that this isn't your father's Oldsmobile (sorry). The trunk is sparse, but it's covered in correct spatter-finish paint and carries a full-sized spare for emergencies.

The original, numbers-matching 455 cubic inch V8 sill delivers a smackdown to the unwary, especially now that it's been suitably fortified. The block is original, and now wears E heads, an Edelbrock intake, and a big Holley 4-barrel carb, so performance is entertaining to say the least. It looks industrial strength with aluminum valve covers and those bright red W-30 inner fenders, and there's nothing getting in the way of maximum performance. It's backed by a 4-speed manual transmission and a heavy-duty 12-bolt rear end, which is upgraded with a W-30 rear end cover that not only looks cool but adds strength to the entire assembly. Long-tube headers feed a custom dual exhaust system with X-pipe, so it has a spectacular engine note that has to be heard to be believed. The relatively stock suspension uses upgraded sway bars to keep things level, and handsome Centerline aluminum wheels carry staggered 225/70/15 front and 295/50/15 rear BFG radials.

This is not a purist's 442, but if you're an Oldsmobile guy who appreciates performance, then you know exactly what this car brings to the table. Call today!