The Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 made its debut in 1964 as a thoughtfully designed muscle car with effervescent character. The “4-4-2” moniker was derived from the 4-speed transmission, 4 barrel carburetor, and two exhaust setup offered on the package. A well-known variant of the edition was the rare Hurst/Olds 442, of which only 906 were made.

Although the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 may not be the first to receive the classic car crown, its exemplary qualities are worthy of discussion. Many consider its legendary predecessor, the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, as the first muscle car. The performance package would vacillate in popularity before its eventual discontinuation in 1980. Its timeless characteristics make it one of the most exceptional muscle cars of all time.

The 4-4-2 Package Was First Offered In 1964

1965 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Performance Muscle Car Classic Vintage Street Rod
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The first Cutlass was conceived in 1954 as an experimental vehicle from General Motors. According to some, its name was inspired by the U.S. Navy’s Chance-Vought Cutlass fighter plane. The “4-4-2” package emerged 10 years after the original Cutlass was revealed. The package was comprised of a 4-speed transmission, 4-barrel carburetor, and dual exhausts. It also had a rear stabilizer bar along with a reinforced suspension. This fledgling 4-4-2 had a 330ci V8 that could output 310 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque.

A year later, the 400 V8 engine was added to the option which now made 345 horsepower and 440lb-ft of torque. The 4-4-2 package was only offered on the two-door Cutlass/F-85 for the 1965 model year. Oldsmobile improved its marketing strategy and offered more performance for 1965. As a result, sales for the 4-4-2 increased more than eight-fold from the previous year.

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1965 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Performance Muscle Car Classic Vintage Street Rod
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Following the triple carburetor trend sparked by manufacturers such as Pontiac, Oldsmobile would add a tri-power engine in 1966. Notorious horsepower limitations and strict compliance would soon be required, forcing Olds to discontinue the triple carb engine. Fortunately, the company would continue to innovate new strategies for the success of the 4-4-2.

In 1967, the famed W-30 made a comeback along with the L66, also referred to as the “Turnpike Cruising Package.” The W-30 was of note due to its ram air setup which made use of improved induction, a bolstered camshaft, and once again, a stronger suspension. The 400ci V8 included with the W-30 package made 360 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Through these various performance iterations, the Cutlass would see styling variations as well.

Introduction Of The Hurst/Olds 4-4-2

1965 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Performance Muscle Car Classic Vintage Street Rod
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1969 models had two new engine choices, namely the W-31 and W-32. The W-30 remained the most powerful with the exception of the new Hurst/Olds package. The iconic Hurst/Olds Cutlass resulted from the installation of a 455ci V8 in the 4-4-2. This engine was sourced from the Toronado, a sporty Oldsmobile with unprecedented character. Pioneer Jack Watson and Hurst Performance collaborated with Oldsmobile to create a limited-edition Hurst/Olds option.

The car was painted in the stunning Ivory and Firefrost Gold scheme, a combination that looks unlike any other. Hurst Dual-Gate shifters and forced induction were characteristic of the Hurst/Olds package. The Dual-Gate shifter was unique in itself, offering separate levers with different shift configurations.

1965 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Performance Muscle Car Classic Vintage Street Rod
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A Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission came with the package as well. The model was aerodynamically adept with functional hood scoops and a rear airfoil that created 15 pounds of downforce at 60mph. This was also available on the 1969 4-4-2 along with the Rallye 350. The package disappeared for 3 years before making a comeback on the 1972 model.

General Motors also created the SX, a variant of the Cutlass optionally powered by the L33 455 V8. Although it had similar characteristics, it wasn’t necessarily engineered for high performance. “This is the car that took the place of the 4-4-2 if you didn’t want all the performance goodies”, said Bob Peters, an SX enthusiast. The SX was only produced for the 1970 and 1971 model years, offered on the Cutlass Supreme Holiday Coupe and Convertible.

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An Exceptional Choice For Collectors

1965 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Performance Muscle Car Classic Vintage Street Rod
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The Cutlass 4-4-2 remains one of the most iconic muscle cars in American history. Its development occurred during the golden age of muscle car performance engineering.  Throughout this era, manufacturers were closely analyzing the logic behind the choices of American consumers. The W-30 package remains sought after; A gorgeous red 1970 4-4-2 with the W-30 package sold for $100,000 at a Mecum auction in 2012.

The rare and distinguished Hurst/Olds editions are of special value to collectors. Hagerty lists the value for a 1969 Hurst/Olds 4-4-2 in Concours condition at around $55,600, although the true value of the car is substantially more. A 1969 Hurst/Olds in the stunning Ivory and Firefrost Gold paint scheme was valued somewhere between $100,000 and $125,000 and subsequently sold at a 2020 Mecum Kissimmee auction. Autoweek also places its value at around $100,000, a stark contrast to the original MSRP of $4,300 in 1969.

Sources: Oldsmobiles Forever, MotorTrend, Hemmings, Mecum Auctions

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