The 442 (or 4-4-2) was born in 1964 as Oldsmobile’s entry into the new mid-size muscle car market. It was a series of its own from 1968 to 1971 and then reverted to option status through the end of the line in 1987. This 1976 version of the 442 is said to be a one-owner car that runs and drives thanks to $1,600 in recent repair work. But it needs a little more tinkering though it might suffice as-is for now. Located in Taono,  Virginia, this Oldsmobile is available here on eBay where $7,850 is the current bid, reserve unmet.

Third-generation 442 production coincided with the Colonnade approach to GM styling and design with its A-bodied intermediates. During this period, the 442 was based on the Cutlass and Cutlass S coupes that had frameless doors. To get the 442 option, you checked the W29 option on the order sheet. The high-performance W30 no longer existed as muscle cars were fading into memory. So, 350 engines (170 hp SAE net) were common and the 455 V8 (190 hp) was still available through 1976. For the model year of the seller’s 442, a sloped nose was drafted to improve aerodynamics for Oldsmobile in NASCAR racing.

442 production didn’t crack 12,000 units per year during the Colonnade era, with an estimated 9,500 units in 1976. We’re told this ’76 is numbers-matching and has the 350 with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission (a manual was offered and is fairly rare today). The seller provides a list of recent work and also says that new tires have been included. The vehicle seems to run okay except for a small exhaust manifold leak that improves when the engine warms up.

The body and paint on this Olds look good, though most of the photos are dark and have shadows in them. The interior is okay, too, but not perfect, and needs some new trim pieces. The factory air conditioning does not work but may be complete. Its single owner has put more than 147,000 miles on the car in its 48 years, so it looks to have held up well. Does this period in the 442 history books do anything for you?