Real 442, Numbers Match 400 V8, Auto, Cold A/C, Black, Runs Great
1968 Oldsmobile 442 --
With the unprecedented success of the GTO, Oldsmobile was quick to get in on the early muscle car action with the 442. By the time this 1968 Oldsmobile 442 was built, the big A-body bruiser had already established itself as a formidable performer, but one for grown-ups, and as such, it offers things like A/C, a sophisticated color combination, and a great ride. Ivory is this 442's original color, but someone in its past made the proper... choice to switch to basic black, and that sinister hue makes it the perfect prowler on the streets. Oldsmobile wanted their muscle car to stand out, of course, but they didn't want to make too much noise (that would come in 1970, of course). So, in addition to the black paint, this one sports only a red stripe on the front fenders and some 442 emblems to make it stand out. Fans will spot it instantly and there's simply nobody who can argue that the Olds isn't a great-looking car from any angle. The paint was probably refinished under a past presidential administration but it's holding up well and has a great look that makes it ideal for local cruises where you can really drive the car. A few swirl marks here and there are typical on a black car and don't detract from the overall presentation, and it's pretty obvious that this was not a car that was ever wrecked or rusty. A professional high-speed buff and polish would restore quite a bit of glory back to the finish, but it still shows very well as it sits now. The front end is a familiar Oldsmobile look, the chrome and trim is shiny, and the black vinyl top adds a touch of sophistication to this imposing bruiser. Black-on-black, is there really anything better on a muscle car with optics like the 442? The bucket seats look to be wearing recent seat covers that fit well and accurately reproduce the originals, but things like the door panels and dash appear to be original, and look great too. Buckets with a console and shifter is the way to go and the design is very sophisticated, again illustrating Oldsmobile's customer base was more grown-up than those over at Chevy and Pontiac stores. Three round pods house the instruments while the secondary controls are in a panel underneath, and just check out the cool rotary switches for the headlights and wipers. Two Auto Meter auxiliary gauges are mounted under the dash to further monitor the engine's vitals, factory A/C remains fully functional with upgraded R134a refrigerant inside, and the original AM radio is still in the dash, although it's accompanied by an 8-track unit mounted below. Plush carpets, a full-sized back seat, and a big trunk with a full spare round out the list of desirable features on this Cutty. The only motor you could get in your 442 was a 400 cubic inch V8, running right up against GM's 400-cubic-inch limit for intermediate cars. We've pulled the numbers and can confirm that the block is in fact the car's original, numbers matching engine. The big Olds V8's calling card is torque, and it gets this handsome coupe moving without ever working hard, barking out a wonderful baritone from the twin trumpets out back. Bright gold paint makes the 442's engine look special and options like power brakes and power steering make it easy to drive even with all that cast iron over the front end. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was optional and seems like the right choice in a luxury-themed muscle car like this, and it feeds a tough 12-bolt rear end out back. The 15-inch Super Sport wheels have been painted to match the bodywork and then fitted with a set of 225/75/15 BFGoodrich white-letter radials. This 442 has been a favorite among in-the-know enthusiasts for decades, and now it's time for you to enjoy one of the most under-rated muscle cars of the era. Call today!
- Condition: Used
- Make: Oldsmobile
- Model: 442
- Type: Hardtop
- Trim: --
- Year: 1968
- Mileage: 76436
- VIN: 344878M400005
- Color: Black
- Engine size: 400 V8
- Power options: --
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Automatic
- Interior color: Black
- Options: --
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
