A Retrospective on a Legendary Muscle Car: Detailed Look Back At The 1968-1972 Oldsmobile 442

The Oldsmobile 442 was a high-performance version of the Oldsmobile Cutlass that was produced from 1968 to 1972. It was named for its four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts.

The first generation of the 442 was introduced in 1968 and featured a powerful 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 365 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It also had a number of performance-inspired styling elements, such as a blacked-out grille, functional hood scoop, and special striping.

In 1969, Oldsmobile introduced the Hurst/Olds, a special edition of the 442 that was built in collaboration with Hurst Performance. The Hurst/Olds featured a unique exterior appearance and a more powerful 455 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 380 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.

In 1970, the 442 received a number of updates, including a revised grille and new taillights. The engine was also slightly detuned to meet new emissions standards. Despite these changes, the 442 remained a formidable muscle car, with a choice of either a 350 or 455 cubic inch V8 engine.

In 1971, the 442 received a new grille and front bumper, as well as new side marker lights and taillights. The engine lineup remained largely unchanged, although a new “W30” package was introduced that included a performance-tuned 455 cubic inch V8 engine, a functional hood scoop, and other performance enhancements.

The 1972 model year was the final year for the first generation 442. It received a number of cosmetic updates, including a revised grille and new bumper design. The engine lineup remained unchanged, and the 442 continued to be a popular choice for performance-minded buyers.

The 1970-1972 model years marked the end of the first generation Oldsmobile 442, which was a high-performance version of the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Despite being the swansong for this particular generation of the 442, these model years still offered a number of notable features and updates.

Overall, the 1968-1972 Oldsmobile 442 was a formidable muscle car that offered impressive performance and aggressive styling. It remains a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts today.