Ask anyone under the age of 25 what they remember about Oldsmobile cars, and you’ll probably be answered with something resembling a blank stare. Oldsmobile was never able to capture the hearts and minds of Gen Xers the same way it did the previous generation, which led to the brand being discontinued in 2004. Some may blame that on increased competition from competitors like Lexus and Acura (coupled with a string of unappealing releases). However, others might argue that the company’s designers lost the magic that at one time made Oldsmobile the name in muscle cars.
Classic car enthusiasts are no doubt familiar with Oldsmobile Cutlass, the brand’s flagship vehicle through the 70s and 80s. Then there’s the world-renowned Toronado, which at the time of its release held the title of the most powerful front-wheel-drive car ever made. Yet if you really want to experience the best that the brand has to offer, look no further than the 1970 Oldsmobile 442.
The First Generation 442
To understand what makes the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 so special, you have to go back to the first generation model. While the 1964 442 (so called because of its combination of a four-speed transmission, four-barrel carburetor, and dual exhaust) featured the all the elements of a distinctive Oldsmobile interior, it was originally limited to carrying just a 330 cubic-inch V8 engine. This was because of a corporate ban by GM for mid-sized cars to have anything larger than 400 cubic-inch engines. Pontiac designers, however, were able to get an exception to the ban in order to place a 389 cubic-inch V8 into the 1964 GTO. Oldsmobile followed suit, incorporating a 400 cubic-inch V8 into the 1965 442, followed by the high performance W-30 engine package introduced in the 1966 model. These all culminated in 1970 442 W-30, Oldsmobile’s ultimate muscle car.
The Ultimate Edition
What made the 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 so special? On top of the 442’s classic Oldsmobile interior, it added the option of the W25 fiberglass hood, complete with two large air inlets and free-flow air cleaner. On top of that, it came with added performance features such as:
- A Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor
- A lightweight free-flow aluminum intake manifold
- A high performance cam and cylinder heads
In all, the 1970 442’s V8 engine would come in at a whopping 455 cubic inches, producing a mind-blowing 365 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Skilled drivers could use it to hit a quarter mile in as little as 13.9 seconds.
If you really want to turn heads with your restored ride, a 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 will do the trick. Even with the brand having been discontinued, you can still find replacement parts fairly easily. Plus, with the help of our experts here at Legendary Auto Interiors, you’ll be able to restore your Oldsmobile interior to its showroom shine. To see what materials we have to help with your remodel, contact us today.
