This beautiful 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible is of the second generation. This Olds 442 is a muscle and performance car produced between 1964 and 1987. The second generation of the Oldsmobile 442 ran from 1968 to 1972.
The 4-4-2 name is derived from the number of its carburetor, transmission, and exhaust setup. The Olds 442 has a 4-barrel carburetor, a 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts.
The introduction of models like the Oldsmobile 442 and the Cutlass helped establish Oldsmobile as a major player in the muscle car segment.
Oldsmobile and the Muscle Car Era
The Oldsmobile muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s symbolize an era of fierce competition among American manufacturers, The Oldsmobile brand made a significant impact in the automotive world during the 1960s and 1970s with its muscle cars. These powerful vehicles epitomized American automotive culture, offering impressive performance paired with sleek designs. The introduction of models like the Oldsmobile 442 and the Cutlass helped establish Oldsmobile as a major player in the muscle car segment.
The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 is recognized as the very top muscle car for the Olds nameplate. It was the year when the base model 442 received the 455 Big Block V-8. The horsepower race was in full swing and to keep up with it General Motors dropped the cap on engine size in 1970. Oldsmobile’s response was by making the Oldsmobile 455 cubic inch V8 the standard 4-4-2 engine. The standard 442 engine delivered 365 HP with a 370 HP configuration available with the W30 option. The 442 was upscale, and by 1970 the 442 had arrived at its most sophisticated and powerful iteration.
Oldsmobile’s W30 Option Package
Oldsmobile had a long history of building performance cars. and the Olds W30 performance package offered quite a lot. The W30 package was offered with the Olds 442 from 1938 to 1972. What was very special with the 1970 Olds 442’s was that this was the year that the 455 cubic inch Big Block V-8 was available. The 1970 W30 package produced the ultimate high performance Oldsmobile.
The Oldsmobile W30 package also offered Forced-Air induction, a special air cleaner, aluminum intake manifold, fiberglass hood, body-side paint stripes, lightweight body insulation, manual front disc brakes, raised white letter tires and W30 emblems. The Forced-Air Induction was a design that funneled air from inlets built under the front bumper and led directly into a sealed air cleaner assembly on top of a four barrel Rochester carburetor. The 442 was renowned for its powerful performance and striking aesthetics.
1970 Oldsmobile 442 Styling
The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 is celebrated not only for its performance but also for its distinctive styling, which made it a standout model in the muscle car era. The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible is an A-Body car and is identical to that of the Cutlass Supreme convertible.
The bold front grille, characterized by its horizontal slats and prominent emblem, further accentuates the vehicle’s personality, giving it an unmistakable face on the road. Additionally, the inclusion of functional hood scoops not only adds to its aesthetic allure but also serves to enhance engine performance by allowing cool air to enter the engine compartment.
1970 Oldsmobile 442 Specifications
Standard is a 455 cubic inch Big Block V-8 with a Rochester four barrel carburetor and 365 HP. The W30 package offered the 455 V-8 with 370 HP.
Transmissions are three and four speed manuals and a three speed Turbo-Hydra-Matic automatic.
Brakes are front discs and rear drums.
Dimensions include a 112.0 inch wheelbase, 203.2 inch overall length, 76.2 inch width, 52.8 inch height. Curb weight 3,900 lbs.
In 1970 Oldsmobile sold approximately 10,000 units of it’s powerful 442 model.
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1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible
Reference material for this article includes..Setting the Pace : Oldsmobile’s First 100 Years by Helen Jones Early..Standard Catalog of Oldsmobile 1897-1997 by Ron Kowalke..Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide.
The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 remains a very popular classic car. The 1970 model year was a special one for the 442, with refinements in both design and engineering. The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 played a significant role particularly during America’s muscle car era, when performance was the name of the game. reigned supreme.
Bold styling and remarkable performance with it’s Big Block V-8 made the 1970 Olds 442 a real standout. In 1970 alone, Oldsmobile sold approximately 10,000 units of the 442, showcasing its appeal to a demographic that sought both power and luxury.
Current listing prices for a 1970 Olds 442 in very good to excellent condition appears to fall in a range of $49,000 to $100,000. Originality, degree of restoration, mileage and standard or W30 package will drive the sales price. Some very low production factory examples such as the convertible four speed manual have sold up in the six figures.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)