1964

The 442 was born out of the competition between Pontiac Division and Oldsmobile. It began as a hasty response to the Pontiac Tempest GTO, which had proved to be an unexpected success midway through the 1964 model year. Because of its late introduction (some three-fourths of the way through the model year) and the ambiguous nature of the GTO — which was technically a violation of GM policy limiting intermediate models to 330 in³ (5.4 L) — the Olds offering was a conservative package. Technically the "B09 Police Apprehender" option, it used the four-barrel carbureted 330 in³ (5.4 L) V8 with heavy-duty valve gear, dual exhaust, and a hotter camshaft, raising rated (SAE gross) output to 310 hp (231.3 kW) at 5200 rpm. Torque remained 355 ft·lbf (481 N·m), although the torque peak rose from 2800 rpm to 3600 rpm. The package also included a stiffened frame, boxed rear suspension control arms, a heavy duty clutch and four-speed manual transmission, a heavy duty driveshaft, oversized brakes and the heavy-duty police-package suspension, with heavy duty wheels, higher-rate coil springs front and rear, heavy-duty shock absorbers, a larger front anti-roll bar, and an additional rear anti-roll bar. The package was dubbed 4-4-2 based on its combination of four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and dual exhausts. Priced at $285.14, it was available on any F-85 or Cutlass model except the station wagon, although most were Cutlass hardtop coupés (Oldsmobile archives indicate that approximately 10 four-door sedans were built with the B09 option). Motor Trend tested an early 4-4-2 and found that the 3,440-lb (1,560 kg) car would run 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, the standing quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 90 mph (140 km/h), and reached a top speed of 116 mph (185.6 km/h). A total of 2,999 were sold.

1965

With the GTO receiving GM corporate sanction, Oldsmobile followed suit with a big-engine 442. The B09 option was renamed 442 and the price was lowered to $190.45 for F-85s and $156.02 for Cutlasses. The new 400 in³ (6.6 L) engine became standard, and the definition of "442" was restated as 400 cubic inches, 4-barrel carburetor, 2 exhausts. Output for the big engine rose to 345 hp (257 kW) and 440 ft·lbf (597 N·m). The standard transmission became a three-speed manual with the four-speed as an option, and Oldsmobile's two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission was added as an alternative. Car and Driver tested a 1966 442 with the four-speed manual and obtained a quarter mile acceleration of 15.0 seconds at 98 mph (158 km/h); 0 to 60 was listed as 5.5 seconds. Car Life's automatic '65 ran the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 89 mph (143 km/h), with a 0 to 60 time of 7.8 seconds. Sales rose to 25,003.

1966

The 1966 442 shared a modest facelift with other Cutlasses. Its major news was the addition of two new optional engines: the L69, with three two-barrel Carter carburetors on a progressive linkage, rated at 360 hp (268 kW) and 440 ft·lbf (597 N·m) of torque, and the rare W30. The standard engine, now dubbed L78, was rated 350 hp (261 kW)/440 ft·lbf with a single four-barrel carburetor. The W30 engine added an outside-air induction system (admitting cool air to the carburetors via tubing from the front bumper) and a hotter cam, rated -- or, more likely, underrated -- the same as the L69. The battery was relocated to the trunk to make room for the air hoses, which prevented the package from being ordered on convertible models. Only 54 W30s were built by the factory, although an additional 97 were produced for dealer installation. Car Life tested an L69 442 with four-speed transmission and obtained a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds and a quarter mile of 14.8 seconds at 97 mph (156 km/h). Motor Trend's similar test car ran 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 15.2 seconds at 96.6 mph. Production slumped to 21,997. The 442 still constituted only about 10 percent of Cutlass sales, whereas Pontiac's GTO represented nearly a third of all Tempests sold.

1967

For 1967 the 442's styling and base engine remained the same, but the optional automatic became the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, replacing the two-speed Jetaway. Disc brakes were newly optional for the front wheels. A GM policy decision banning multiple carburetors for all vehicles except the Corvette saw the demise of the L69 with its triple carburetors. The W30 remained available, although a new four-barrel Quadrijet carburetor replaced the triple two-barrels. New red plastic inner fender liners became part of the W30 package. 502 factory W30 engines were built to meet NHRA homologation rules, along with an unknown number of dealer-installed packages. Cars tested a W30 442 with close-ratio four-speed and 4.33 rear axle, obtaining a quarter mile reading of 14.1 seconds at 103 mph (166 km/h) in completely stock form. 0-60 times were between 6.5 and 6.7 seconds. Production rallied somewhat from the previous year, rising to 24,833.

1968

Oldsmobile 442sThe 442 became a separate model from 1968 through 1971. The wheelbase was 112 in, and over 33,000 were sold for 1968. Despite the engine displacement staying at 400 in³, the stroke was increased and the bore decreased to increase torque and improve emissions. However, its long stroke affected performance and they were deemed not as fast as the '67s. Car Life tested a 1968 442 with a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio and attained 0-60 times of 7.0 seconds, and a quarter mile time of 15.13 seconds at 92 mph (148 km/h). Top speed was reported as 115 mph (185 km/h). The base motor was still rated at 350 hp (261 kW), but only with the standard 3-speed and optional 4-speed; automatics were rated at 325 hp (242 kW). W-30s were rated again at 360 hp (268 kW). All standard 1968 442 engines are painted a bronze/copper color, as with the 1967s, topped with a fire red air cleaner. W-30 option cars were equipped with Ram Air intake hoses leading from a chrome topped dual snorkle black air cleaner to special under bumer air scoops and set off by bright red plastic fender wells. In addition, a Turnpike Cruiser option was made available with a 2bbl. carb; this was previously available on the Cutlass Supreme for 1967. It was in 1968 that Oldsmobile first partnered with Hurst Performance Research Corporation to create the Hurst/Olds rather than just adding Hurst shifters as with earlier models. The limited regular production run of 515 Hurst/Olds (459 Holiday Coupes/56 Sport Coupes) started out as regular 442s, but were treated to numerous distinct enhancements, both cosmetic and mechanical. All cars were painted Peruvian Silver (a Toronado color) with liberal black striping and white pinstripes, exterior and interior H/O badging (unique to '68), and a real walnut wood dash insert. Mechanically, the cars left the factory with two drivetrain combinations. Red 455 in³ engines were backed by modified W-30 Turbo 400 automatic transmissions. A/C cars got a W-46 engine with a 3.08:1 rear while non-A/C cars got a W-45 engine with a 3.91:1 rear. While both engines were rated at 390 hp (291 kW), the W-45 engine received the cylinder heads from the W-30 and the camshaft from the W-31 making it more suitable for higher rpms. All cars came with bucket seats and a Hurst Dual-Gate shifter in a mini-console. Also standard were numerous regular 442 options such as disc brakes, heavy duty cooling, and FE2 suspension. They shared the red fender wells and ram air setup with the W-30. Popular, but not standard, additional options included the tic-toc-tach and wood-grained steering wheel.

1969

In 1969 442s were very similar to the 1968 except the tooth in the grill, the taillights, the place of the ignition, the key, headlight setup, and paint scheme. Changes to the engine and drivetrain were minimal, but the Turnpike Cruiser option was deleted. However, another hi-po engine was offered. Called the W-32, it came with the Forced Air Induction plumbing found on the W-30s, but it had a milder cam like the base engine. It was only available with an automatic, and 297 were built, including 25 sport coupes and convertibles each.

1970

In 1970 Oldsmobile 442 with W-25 ram-air option.1970 saw the introduction of the Olds 455 V8 as the standard 442 engine. Magazine ads using an offbeat mad scientist trumpeted "Dr. Olds introduces as large a V-8 as ever bolted into a special-performance production automobile!" Output was 365 hp (272 kW) and 500 ft·lbf (680 N·m), with a 370 hp (276 kW) W30 option available. The 365 and 370 hp (272 and 276 kW) power ratings were conservatively underrated at a lower rpm. Both engines are believed by some to produce 410 to 420 hp (306-313 kW). It was the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 race in 1970, along with the Cutlass Supreme. Motor Trend praised the 442, stating that "it's probably the most identifiable super car in the GM house". In addition to the standard 442 offerings, W-30s received a W-25 fiberglass OAI (Outside Air Induction) hood to replace the bumper scoops that were on the 68 and 69 W-30s, an aluminum intake manifold, special camshaft, cylinder heads, distributor, and carburetor. Motor Trend tested a 442 W-30 with a 4-speed manual transmission and 3.91:1 rear gears, clocking a quarter mile time of 14.2 seconds @ 102 mph (164 km/h). However, Motor Trend noted that Oldsmobile engineers had earlier posted a best of 13.7 seconds on the same test car with a fresh tune.

1971

The 1971 442 was available in a hardtop coupe and covertible body type. The sport coupe disappeared for the first time since 1964, only to return in 1972. Engine output was down for 1971 due to a lower compression ratio (8.5:1), which affected all of GM's engines. The base 455 was rated at 340 hp (254 kW), with the W-30 achieving a rating of 350 hp (261 kW). Quarter mile performance as reported by Road Test magazine was 15.2 seconds @ 99 mph (159 km/h), and 0-60 in 8.9 seconds, using the TH350 automatic transmission.

1972

The 442 name reverted to an appearance and handling option package in 1972 on the Cutlass Holiday coupe, Cutlass S sport coupe and Holiday coupe, and Cutlass Supreme convertible. The W-29 option was not available on Cutlass Supreme notchback hardtops. This package, which had a modest sticker price of $29, consisted of the "FE2" suspension upgrades (heavy duty springs and shocks, front and rear sway bars, boxed lower rear control arms, and 14- by 7-in [356- by 178-mm] wheels), side striping, fender and decklid badging, faux hood louvers, and a unique grille. A rear bumper with cutouts for exhaust tips could be had when ordered with the optional 455 engine. An L75 455 in³ V8 was available to keep the high performance flame burning, but the smaller Oldsmobile 350 V8 came standard. A special edition Hurst/Olds paced the Indy in 1972. The 442 option in 1972 included the famed W30, which included the still-potent L77 455 engine, which produced 300 hp (220 kW) and 410 ft·lbf (556 N·m)s of torque and incorporated low-restriction dual exhausts. Other notable components included a lightweight aluminum intake manifold, the W25 fiberglass ram-air hood, anti-spin differential with 3.42:1 gears (3.73:1 available), and heavy duty cooling. Due to the low-vacuum at idle, air conditioning was not available, and power brakes were only available with an automatic transmission. Only 113 W30 convertibles and 659 W30 coupes were made in 1972, making this a very rare option.

1973-1977

This was a transitional year for this model, as its body was redesigned to featur massive 5 foot (2 m) long doors and energy absorbing bumpers. The rear windows were fixed and the roof was reinforced in anticipation of roll-over standards being imposed by the government. These cars were a few hundred pounds heavier and slightly larger than the 1972s. The introduction was delayed by a strike in 1972. The 4-4-2 option was reduced to a handling and appearance package code W-29 available on Cutlass and Cutlass "S". It consisted of a louvered hood, FE2 suspension, specific grilles, emblems and stripes. Items such as dual exhuast and super stock wheels had to be ordered a la-carte. This was all part of the industry-wide weaning of U.S. consumers from large, powerful cars. 1970 was the pinnacle year for the 4-4-2. 1971 through 1977 saw a gradual reduction of options and emphasis on performance. In 1973, one could build a "real" 4-4-2 from Olds, but this required careful review of the literature and a savvy dealer. Officially, the W-30 was not available, but the 1972 "V" code 455 was there, but only with the 4-speed wide-ratio M-20 transmission. 1973 was also the last year of the manual transmission in the Olds "A" body. The "V" code produced 270 net HP, the "U" code 455 AT produced 250 hp (186 kW), while the "K" code 350 single exhaust produced 180 hp (134 kW) and the "M" code 350 with duals produced 200 hp (150 kW). Positraction rear ends, axle ratios, gauges, Super Stock wheels, HD cooling and many sport type options were available, but had to be ordered. The "V" code engine was also available in the Hurst/Olds without A/C,code W-46,the W-45 "U" code was standard with A/C. Both versions used the Turbohydramatic 400 transmission.

1978

Another limited-edition 4-4-2 model was offered from 1978 through 1980. Engines varied from a base 3.8L V6 to a 305 4bbl. There was no 350 available to any 4-4-2 offered in 1978 or 1979. Oldsmobile 350 in³ V8. A special-edition Hurst/Olds was also offered in 1979. The 1978-9 version of the 442 was an option package on the "Aeroback" Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon, which was the lower-trim version of the best-selling Cutlass model range. It was offered with all powertrains available, including the 231 c.i.d., 2V V6, the 260 c.i.d. 2V V8, and 305 c.i.d. 2V (1978) or 4V (1979) V8s. Tranmissions offered were 3-spd automatic with all engines, 5 spd manual with the 260 V8 and a 4 spd Saginaw manual with all engines. Distinctive trim elements included contrasting striping along the rocker panels and lower doors, over both wheel wells, badging on the rear trunk, and interior emblems. All other options offered on the Cutlass Salon were available with the 442 option package. Oldsmobile issued a limited edition "Hurst/Olds" model, based on the notchback Cutlass Calais and featuring the 350 c.i.d. 4V V8 found in the larger Delta 88 and Ninety-Eight models, coupled with a 3 spd automatic transmission. Available only in gold over white or gold over black paint, with gold cloth or vinyl upholstery, only about 2,000 units were produced. In 1980, the 442 model moved to the notchback Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais, and included W-30 badging on the front fenders above the side marker lights, with less dramatic graphics. Otherwise, the cars had identical powertrain and other options with their more mundane siblings. There were no more 442s in 1981.

1985-1987

1986 Oldsmobile 442The 442 name was revived in 1985 on the rear-wheel drive G-body Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon. The name was now defined as referring to the car's 4-speed 200r4 automatic transmission, 4-barrel carburetor, and 2 exhausts. This W42 model replaced the 1983 and 1984 Hurst/Olds model and used the same 5.0 L LG8 V8. The shifter was mounted on the floor in a console between the front seats, and the upgraded F41 suspension package was included. 3,000 were produced in the first year, and all were sold quickly. 4,273 were produced for 1986, and 4,208 were made in 1987. The 1985-1987 442 were equipped with a 8.5" GM corporate differential usually with a 3:73 ring and pinion gear. Rather than using the 7.5" rear differential found in the Monte Carlo SS, these models used the same unit found in the Buick Grand National. The 1985 442 used a OZ code THM 200-4R transmission. The 1987 motor used a roller cam engine. This 442 was retired with the RWD Cutlass in 1987.

1990-1991

The final use of the 442 name was on the Quad 442 front-wheel drive 1990-1991 Cutlass Calais. This model used a 2.3 L LG0 Quad-4 4-cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder and 2 camshafts. The engine was tuned with higher output camshafts which produced more top end power at the expense of idle quality. It used a single exhaust with dual tailpipes and produced 180 and 190 hp (142 kW) with a 5-speed manual transmission. This 442 model lasted just two years.