Only Two Prior Owners: 1965 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
The Oldsmobile 4-4-2, along with the Pontiac GTO, lead the mid-size muscle car movement in 1964. It began as an option package on F-85 and Cutlass models, then became a series in its own right from 1968 to 1971. After spawning the limited Hurst/Olds in 1968, it went back to an option through the retirement of the rear-wheel-drive platform in 1987. This second-year 4-4-2 (also called 442), has only had a couple of prior owners, but Mother Nature has not been kind to the machine over time. From Ostrander, Ohio, this once powerful automobile is available here on eBay where the first bid has yet to be cast at $4,000. And there’s still a reserve to be dealt with, too.
Legend has it that some early ’65 4-4-2s had a 425 cubic inch V8 under the hood, but this car and the rest of the model year had a new 400 big-block that was the supposed size limit on mid-size cars as dictated by the suits at General Motors. 1965 production was 25,000 units, less than half the numbers which Pontiac posted for the GTO. The Cutlass Holiday Coupe version, like the seller’s car with an automatic transmission, accounted for about 6,400 units.
The original owner held on to this 4-4-2 until 1983, and the second owner had it from then until the seller took possession (we don’t know when). We’re told that the engine casting correlates to a 400 V8 from 1965, but there’s no indication that it’s original to the car. After rigging up a separate source for fuel, the seller was able to get the car running. But that suggests the gas tank and everything running to the engine will need to be cleaned out.
Rust may be the biggest challenge with the car as both rear quarters have been cut short to reduce some of it. We’re told there is corrosion on the frame and the floorboards and trunk are not sources for optimism. A lighter shade of blue can be found in the trunk area that would point to an earlier change in paint color. The interior is going to need work and if you want the dash to be original, you’ll have to correct for some aftermarket gauges that were added. Both the door and trunk latches are MIA, but the seller has new ones to replace what once was there.
This is a well-used muscle car that has at least 128,000 miles on it. A lot of time and money will have to be allocated to a restoration that will be a challenge. Perhaps this Oldsmobile would better serve as a donor for another project, but what parts would you remove that are worth at least $4,000 to obtain?
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Comments
The first photo of the passenger side is a heckuva tease. The car looks ok there and an Olds of that vintage is definitely on my radar. Then the other pics..
Oh well and to answer your question, I see nothing even remotely worth $4K.
Fascinating, Captain. A neighbor friend, this was his 1st car in the early 70’s. “4-4-2’s” were unheard of then, we just thought it was a real fancy Cutlass. The only designation, was the “4-4-2” badges both sides, rear and dash. I don’t think the 425 was ever offered in a 4-4-2, originally meaning “4” barrel, “4” speed, “2” exhausts and had a 330ci. motor. In ’65, the 400 came out, to keep pace with the GTO, changing the “4-4-2” to 400, 4 barrel, 2 exhaust. Sadly, I feel, this has a snowballs chance in Hades to be restored, “and as we wind on down the road”, if people have money, they’ll just buy one at auction. With escalating costs, why stick $10g’s into a $4g car, to get a $10g car? Again, thanks for the memories,,
NO its 400 cubes. 4 barrel , dual exhaust, many old s had automatic s
Well if you look around these cars are pulling 15000 to 25000. With excellent condition pulling close to 35000. So if this car was to sell for 4 grand ( which I doubt it will go for that amount) it would be to bad if you sunk 10 grand in it. Not all cars have to be Barrett Jackson quality. A nice drive is fun to drive.
Not sure what budget a person would require to get it top notch but I do know for a fact that one did sell for $68,000
Thomas Lyons, autos only after ’64. The first year, they all had four speeds and 330 ci engines and it stood for 4 barrel, 4 speed and dual exhaust.If you see a ’64 442 with a Jetaway, someone put the emblems on a regular Cutlass.
Still had a 4-speed in ’65 but the engine and flywheel were for the 442 only, no exchange with any other GM product.
Had a customer ruin his flywheel and spent over a year looking for a replacement. I don’t think he ever found one and may have converted to automatic just to keep the car on the road.
My favorite year/body style 1964 & 1965 F85 442. I remember riding in an almost brand new one when I was about 15. I was very impressed.
3 days left on the bidding and too much rust. Not for me thank you.
I bought a 65 442 after rolling my 66 VW in 72. That was just in time for the gas shortage when gas went from 33 cents per gallon to over a dollar. It was still fun though, mine being a 4 speed, and pretty fast especially coming out of a VW. Maybe somebody here can answer a question for me. My shifter was imbossed with a H, for Hurst, and 442. I have never seen another with 442 imbossed. Has anyone else seen this?
I had a 66, 69 and 70 with 4 speeds, 442 was embossed in the “curve” or bend and the H at the bottom. The 70 had the H in the curve or bend.
I ordered (sat down with the salesman) in May of 1965 a Holiday coupe hardtop ( no post) 442. Lloyd A.Wise—- Oakland California.
Burgundy Mist—black interior. Produced in Fremont, California, at the G M plant, 40 miles south of Oakland which is now the Tesla plant.
A 425 was never a option in 1965.1964 was a 330 inch— no other offering. My second 442 was a 1985. Same dealership but purchased off the dealership floor. Black with burgundy interior. Four speed stick in the 65′,3 speed auto in the 85′
Mine, and me, in 1973.
I always found it interesting that you could get a four door 442 in 64 and 65. There is a small town just east of Atlanta called Avondale, and in those years the police cars there were white four door cars with the 442 option. The police there had a reputation as not being too forgiving of traffic violators. BTW, Avondale is the home of the first Waffle House restaurant.
This 442 doesn’t look too far gone. With a little elbow grease, patch panels and a gas tank, this could be on the road in short order. A driving project.
I ordered (sat down with the salesman) in May of 1965 a Holiday coupe hardtop ( no post) 442. Lloyd A.Wise—- Oakland California.
Burgundy Mist—black interior. Produced in Fremont, California, at the G M plant, 40 miles south of Oakland which is now the Tesla plant.
A 425 was never a option in 1965.1964 was a 330 inch— no other offering. My second 442 was a 1985. Same dealership but purchased off the dealership floor. Black with burgundy interior. Four speed stick in the 65′,3 speed auto in the 85′