OLDSMOBILE 442 : WHAT DOES THE 442 STAND FOR?

The Oldsmobile 4-4-2 (also known as the 442) is a muscle car produced by Oldsmobile between the 1964 and 1987 model years. Introduced as an option package for US-sold F-85 and Cutlass models, it became a model in its own right from 1968 to 1971, spawned the Hurst/Olds in 1968, then reverted to an option through the mid-1970s. The name was revived in the 1980s on the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme and early 1990s as an option package for the new front-wheel drive Cutlass Calais.

The "4-4-2" name (pronounced "Four-four-two") derives from the original car's four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts [1][2][3] (Some maintain that the '2' indicated a limited-slip differential). It was originally written "4-4-2" (with badging showing hyphens between the numerals),[1] and remained hyphenated throughout Oldsmobile's use of the designation. Beginning in 1965, the 4-4-2s standard transmission was a three-speed manual along with an optional two-speed automatic and four-speed manual, but were still badged as "4-4-2"s. Because of this change, from 1965 on, according to Oldsmobile brochures and advertisements, the 4-4-2 designation referred to the 400 cubic inch engine, four-barrel carburetor, and dual exhausts. By 1968 badging was shortened to simply "442", but Oldsmobile brochures and internal documents continued to use the "4-4-2" model designation.

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[hiitsstillme]

The '68-'72's were, hands-down, some of the greatest American cars ever built.

[The_R-n-I_Guy]

As a child of the 80's, I really like the G-Body Cutlass. The Monte Carlo, Pontiac and Regal are great too.

[darthmaul]

I had 3 at one time. 1967 was my first. Had a bench seat with a automatic on the column. 1969 was my 2nd. This one had a 4 speed. The clutch was so strong if I were at a long light or stuck in traffic I had to put it in neutral or my leg would shake and cramp. My favorite was my 1970 W30 convertible. Talk about power. Came with a Hurst duel gate shifter. I was sold during a test drive with the owner. While going 55 and shifting he put the pedal to the floor and it turned the wheels over. I was at the bank the next day. Loved that car.

[retroshared]

The '68-'72's were, hands-down, some of the greatest American cars ever built. Everything about them was right!

[Hawk]

I had a '70 Cutlass for a short time, loved that 442esque body style. Super comfortable to drive, a real cruiser. It only had the 350cid but still got out of its own way.

[jamesbass]

My very first car. 1969 Olds Cutlass. Didn't have the 442 optioned car though. Mine was a 350 cid Supreme model. She was a great car. Pearl white exterior with blue interior. Beautiful!

[Fred-wyix]

Born out of the 442 came the HURST OLDS.
One of the best and fastest ever built.
445 CID it gave the HEMI and the 440 Dodges and Plymouths to look at as the HURST pulled away from them
My friend had one and the Dodges plus the Plymouth couldn't beat him on a street drag.
Not taking anything away from the Dodges nor the Plymouths, they were and still are great cars.

[robertsweet]

My favorite year is the 1984, 85...but i like the color combo of last one 87. My great aunt had a burgundy over silver one. Loved that car

[diegosilang]

I got a 1968 Supreme with 350 project car and i am surprised the size is not too bulky, it is so easy to drive and cruising the freeway is a bliss. Now I know why the GM A bodies are so popular and well loved.

[MrRoseandrc]

I had one of those 1968 442 Oldsmobile 4spd love it 😀

[danstrausbaugh]

I owned a 70 442 W-30 gold with black stripes… Gorgeous gorgeous car but 6 mpg and gas prices over 1.30 plus a gallon and cigs are .60 cents a pack and I made 1.80 an hour … never lost a race in it… just couldn’t afford to keep gas init … thanks jimmy carter…

[chrisblackburn]

I myself really like Cutlass 's I have had them from the year's 67, 70, 72, 85 . Keep up with Great work. ✌😎

[musicauthority]

I had a 1968 Cutlass Supreme with a 455ci from a Vista Cruiser. it was blue/white top with the faux spray on vinyl top. and white interior/black dash/carpet. it was a pretty good car and fairly fast. but it was no 4 4 2. the W 30 was the badass one of the bunch. always liked Oldsmobiles I was disappointed when GM dropped the nameplate.

[skinnerhound]

A '70 442 which had been hiberrating in a garage for twenty years, found me ten years back. It was a rust free dual gate, A/C, 8 track, complete with the Van Nuys tank sticker. I rebuilt the engine and transmission and always enjoy the torque monster. I purchased a 26K mile 1979 Hurst Olds some years back but never really appreciated the G body. Should have kept it, it was an original pristine survivor. I have always had a fondness for the Colonade body, the 1975 was perfection IMO. Thanks for posting.

[markmaiello]

1968...my family had one...but I look at later models and damn, nearly all of them have some hot lines...just a great vehicle w/ a cool history. Oldsmobile, I miss you...

[chrisbullard]

My parents had a ‘68 442 with the 400 rather than the 455 when I was very young. I remember seeing that car later at a local cruise-in a couple years after my parents sold it.

Later on, I bought a ‘68 GTO as my first car, and worked for a local Chevelle / El Camino resto parts shop, “Gold Eagle Classics” for a summer before college.

There’s something about those ‘68-‘72 semi-fastback A Bodies that just looks great.

[danielc]

I was always told the 442 stood for four speed, four barrel, and dual exhaust.

[OLDS]

Another great video! It was interesting watch and see the changes. I enjoyed all you shared. Great footage as well. I hope there will be a part 2 just like for the Pontiac Grand Prix video. I know what 442 you are referring to that was not featured. I was glad to see the video go through the 1980's..

[toddgreco]

Love this channel!!! Its the best!!! I had a bunch of 1970 cutlass supreme. An sx 455, 442 455 automatic, w-31 350!!! Plain Jane 350. All where fast. The sx would Barry the speedometer. At least 120 mph!!!