1966 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

reserve not met
6 Bids
10:00 AM, 18 Sep 2023Auction ended
Highest bid

$30,000

reserve not met

Background

Credited by many enthusiasts with creating the first American performance car by combining a lightweight body with a powerful V-8 engine with its famed “Rocket 88” of 1949, GM’s Oldsmobile Division returned to the successful concept in 1964 with the “Police Apprehender Pursuit” package on the new intermediate F-85 Cutlass. Marketed with bold advertising copy as the ‘442’, the nameplate signified the car’s 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission and throaty dual exhaust system. By 1966, the 442 enjoyed unique status as an Oldsmobile model series, and five body styles were offered from the basic F-85 and upmarket Cutlass model lines. Performance was strong with the L78 400ci engine delivering 350 factory-advertised horsepower. According to published sources, just 2,853 examples of the 442 were produced on the Cutlass convertible body style in total for 1966, including this high-specification example – one of only 1,448 convertibles equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Key Facts


  • Excellent Color Combo
  • Strong Performance
  • Desirable & Rare 4-Speed

  • 338676M215431
  • 77,650 Shown
  • 400ci V8
  • manual
  • Burgundy Mist
  • Pearl Leather
  • Left-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Christiansburg, VA, United States

Background

Credited by many enthusiasts with creating the first American performance car by combining a lightweight body with a powerful V-8 engine with its famed “Rocket 88” of 1949, GM’s Oldsmobile Division returned to the successful concept in 1964 with the “Police Apprehender Pursuit” package on the new intermediate F-85 Cutlass. Marketed with bold advertising copy as the ‘442’, the nameplate signified the car’s 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission and throaty dual exhaust system. By 1966, the 442 enjoyed unique status as an Oldsmobile model series, and five body styles were offered from the basic F-85 and upmarket Cutlass model lines. Performance was strong with the L78 400ci engine delivering 350 factory-advertised horsepower. According to published sources, just 2,853 examples of the 442 were produced on the Cutlass convertible body style in total for 1966, including this high-specification example – one of only 1,448 convertibles equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Overview

Sporting an outstanding and well-preserved restoration, this rare American Supercar exudes a decidedly sophisticated, premium-level presence with its top-of-the-line convertible body style and Cutlass trim level. Performance to match is delivered by its renowned 400 cubic-inch Oldsmobile V-8 engine and rare 4-speed manual transmission.

Exterior

This 442 Convertible’s chiseled body design is handsomely complemented by its rare and correct 'Code N' Burgundy Mist paint finish and Black power-operated convertible top. Gleaming chrome, discreet and complete bright trim and model identification scripts and badges, plus twin chrome exhaust tips add to the car's upscale, sporty look. Power meets the pavement via handsome Magnum 500-style chrome/black Super Stock I wheels shod with BF Goodrich radial tires sporting 1960s-appropriate Red stripes. The body and paint are presented in show-quality condition throughout, as seen in the accompanying exterior photographs.

Interior

Handsomely trimmed in unusual and highly attractive Pearl upholstery with a matching snap-on top-boot cover, the 442’s interior is presented in attractively preserved and unmodified OEM condition. The classy GT theme continues with the front bucket seats, and the driver is greeted by a factory 2-spoke steering wheel and twin large housings for the 120-mph speedometer and odometer, plus warning lights and a central clock. A factory tachometer resides at the junction between the driver’s side dash and A-pillar and an added VDO two-gauge cluster beneath the dash monitors oil pressure and coolant temperature. Sporting a ‘442’ emblem, the iconic floor-mounted Hurst shifter stirs the 442’s very rare and desirable 4-speed manual transmission. Other features and amenities include an Oldsmobile-scripted AM/FM radio and a heater/defroster. The fully restored and refinished trunk compartment houses a period correct plaid vinyl floor mat, roadside jack, and a correctly mounted body-color steel spare wheel with BF Goodrich radial tire combination.

Mechanical

The 442’s powerful Oldsmobile 400 cubic-inch V-8 engine is presented in highly attractive and factory-correct appearance, sporting a Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor underneath the OEM-correct air cleaner. Paint finishes, components, and decals all remain highly faithful to OEM appearance and standards.

The underbody, frame, suspension, and associated components are all presented in good, restored form and maintain their respective correct components, including the dual exhaust system, 4-wheel drum brakes, and front and rear anti-roll bars.

History

This well-equipped and presented 1966 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible appears to be a very fine specimen in the photos provided and represents both a thrilling collector find and a wonderful tribute to the men and women who built it at Oldsmobile’s Lansing, Michigan factory. Purchased by the selling dealer roughly eight months ago, the car now comes to market with a clear West Virginia title in their name. Local buyers will need to pay necessary title transfer and document fees.

Summary

Delivering abundant muscle with considerable style and sophistication, Oldsmobile’s 442 was once described in the pages of Hot Rod magazine as “…the thinking man’s GTO.” Others called it a “banker’s hot rod.” However you choose to describe it, this 1966 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible continues to champion the late, great Oldsmobile marque’s unique approach to high performance.

About this auction

Seller

Trade: gperdue35


Viewings Welcome

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