They say the 1970 model year was the best it ever got for Oldsmobile in terms of muscle cars, and you can take that to the bank. The carmaker was determined to keep up with its rivals in terms of horsepower, which is how the 455 ci V8 became the standard 442 engine.
The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 was so cool, it was awarded pace car duties at that year’s Indianapolis 500 race, and rumor has it, it could run a 13.7-second quarter mile, at least that’s what Oldsmobile’s own engineers would have us believe.
You could tell the 442 apart from other specs simply by looking at those vertical bars in the grille, although you can also use the rectangular parking lights and the vertical taillights. Then you had the W-30 package, which added the fiberglass hood with functional air scoops, an aluminum intake manifold, special camshaft, plus a whole bunch of other goodies.
What we have here is one such car – a 442 Holiday Coupe with the W-30 package and a gold over black aesthetic. Sadly, you can’t purchase it anymore, because it just sold at auction for a sweet $88,000 and it’s probably worth every penny. According to the ad, this is a numbers-matching car, still rocking its original drivetrain. More on that later.
Visually, this thing looks good as new and how could it not? It’s been thoroughly refurbished, after having spent years in storage. It’s also got replacement quarter panels and re-chromed bumpers, to go with the sport-styled mirrors, 442 badging, rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, and the chrome Super Stock I wheels with G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval bias-ply tires. Meanwhile, the power steering and front disc brakes are both factory-standard.
Moving on to the interior, highlights include the black vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench, woodgrain trim, color-coordinated dashboard, center console and door panels, plus the Hurst shifter, heater, push-button AM/FM radio, front and rear lap belts, and a four-spoke Custom Sport steering wheel fronting Rally Pac gauges.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
As for that previously mentioned 455 ci V8 unit, it boasts a Rochester four-barrel carburetor and a ram-air induction system, putting down 370 horsepower thanks to the W-30 package. What’s different about it now is that it comes with MSD electronic ignition (installed during previous ownership).
Anyway, all that power is being sent to the rear wheels via a Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, aided by a limited-slip differential with a 3.42:1 final drive.
I can just picture this car pulling off high 13-second quarter mile runs even today, which is quite impressive once you stop and think about it. Do you know what else will do a high 13-second run? Icons such as the Ford GT40. That’s some mighty fine company to keep.
Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration. Full profile
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