NFB: Buzzed by a 442!

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Was sitting at the light with the right lane empty. Turns green and all I hear is....GRRROOOOWWL!!! As something big and black flys by!

Took me a second to realize it was a 442. In great condition! With a FOR SALE sign on the rear window! For a moment there I had thoughts of selling the Camaro.

[NorthernSS]

What year was the 442? I love those cars. I have only seen 2 or 3 around here, I guess they didnt make too many for Canada.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I don't know a lot about them, but after looking at some pictures, I'd say it's in the range of 69-72. I didn't get much time to look at the front end! I'm leaning towards 1969 though. Like the one below, but not a convertible.



From the looks of it the W-30 or Hurst/Olds would really give my car a run for the money!

Comments: 1969 saw the introduction of several "W" options on the 4-4-2 which sported a new grill design. The W-30 option returned with its Force Air induction, and below bumper intakes. A new W32 option replaced the "Turnpike Cruiser" option and incorporated a detuned Force Air induction engine. This was joined by the W-31, which was available on several F-85 and Cutlass models. This package incorporated a 350 cid small block with a special carb, valves, and camshaft. The Hurst/Olds returned, with a new regal gold and white color scheme, outrageous hood scopes and the 455 cid V8 that was detuned slightly from 1968.

Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 2,475
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 24,193
Convertible: 2,933

Engines:
(W-31) 350 V8 325 bhp @ 5600 rpm, 360 lb-ft @ 3600 bhp.
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm. (Manual transmission)
400 V8 325 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm. (Automatic transmission)
(W-32) 400 V8 350 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(W-30) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5400 rpm, 440lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 380 bhp @ 5000rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.

Performance:
(Hurst/Olds) 455/380: 0-60 in 5.9 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.03 sec @ 101 mph.

[Performin Norman]

My buddy has one for sale if you are interested. It is a beautiful car.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Thanks, but I'm not in the market right now. Maybe when I get a job settled outside the Navy, and get a house (with a garage!), and everything is on an even keel. Then I'll look. Till that time I'll just have to settle for drooling.

Besides....I'm driving a future classic right now!

[silver-and-cold]

I got burnt on one of those. I was looking to buy an older muscle car, and after doing my homework on them I had 3 options a first gen Camaro, a Chevelle, and an Olds 442. I found a 71 442 that needed some TLC, for $700....100% stock. I called, he had it, I called the next day (the day we had aranged for me to look at it) on my way over, and he said he sold it for 500 to his brother. a sad day for me, within the week I bought an 82 camaro w/ a carbed 350, its been good to me.

[DWS'95Bird]

I have always loved 'em......beautiful cars!

[Rob B (shoebox)]

Another nostalgia trip. This is what I took my driver's test in (it's a '69):




This 72 H/O is parked in my garage (~ 79k original miles-my mom and dad bought it new)



I bought a '75 H/O brand new. Sold it about 3 years later after I got a 70 Monte Carlo SS 454.

[Joe 1320]

I loved those cars. Mine was a 72 red with a white ragtop. Nothing like cruising with the top down, the classic muslecar style, olds torque and it rode like a dream. I really wish I had that car back. Funny thing is that I took my driver's test in a blue 72 with a white hardtop.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Another nostalgia trip. This is what I took my driver's test in (it's a '69):

That picture is what I saw on the road! Don't know about the wheels, but it had the vinyl top.

I'm curious what your impressions of the car were.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

Originally posted by Joe K. 96 Zeee!!
That picture is what I saw on the road! Don't know about the wheels, but it had the vinyl top.

I'm curious what your impressions of the car were.

The front wheels are the stock "Super Stock I" wheels. The rears were some chrome reversed that one of my brothers threw on it.

The '69 442 had a 400 c.i. engine as stock. Pretty sure they went to the 455 in '70. It was a very fine driving car and had plenty of power. It was a TH400 and as with all big block engines and TH400's, second gear rubber was with ease. Being as those cars were still body on full frame cars, they were pretty solid.

Oh, did I mention that it was our family car? ...as was the H/O when my parents traded the '69 in. By then I was driving my own car ('57 Chevy that I still have).

One thing that is cool about the Olds cars with the stock exhaust is the classic gargle tone they had. No other car sounds like it. Especially sweet on a '67 442 that had the dimpled exhaust pipes. I even got pulled over once for loud pipes in the '69-and it was the stock exhaust. Gotta love that!

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I wasn't quite so lucky. This is what my family had for a short time when I was young.

1970 Plymouth Sport Fury

[Joe 1320]

I've had several and thought that they were solid and well built. Most likely going to get another one some day. Enough torque to melt the asphalt.

[pugmire]

I spent the early childhood in a Pinto wagon. So I really don't feel sorry for ya, Joe K.