Lot 24: Oldsmobile CUTLASS 442

Introduced in 1964 on the Cutlass models in reaction to the Pontiac GTO, the 442 was technically the B09 'Police Apprehender' package offered as a high-performance option. This included a 330 cu in, 310hp motor with a stiffened frame, beefed-up suspension, transmission dubbed 4-4-2 to reflect the 4-barrel carburettor, 4-speed transmission and dual exhausts. The following year a larger 400 cu in motor was added to the option and the package redesignated as 400 cubic inches, 4-barrel carburettor and dual exhausts with the further option of automatic 'Jetaway' transmission offered alongside the 4-speed manual. For '66, a triple barrel carburettor option was added, though this was deleted the following year when the 3-speed 'Turbo-Hydramatic' transmission option replaced the 2-speed 'Jetaway' unit and front disc brakes were offered for the first time. In 1968, the 442 became a model in its own right rather than just a customer-ordered option package.This '68 car has been repainted in Teal Blue metallic and is trimmed with silver blue vinyl. Verified as being a 4-4-2 High-performance V8 Sports Coupe built in the Lancing Michigan plant, it is fitted with automatic transmission and a 445 cu in motor, a similar specification to that used in the 390bhp Hurst/Olds 442 during 1968. Purchased by the vendor in the USA, the car is now UK registered and a V5C document and an MOT certificate to September this year are supplied, along with a copy of the last Certificate of Title. For many years, values of the 442 Series have been overshadowed by other muscle cars, though more recently they have been rising to the point where it is becoming increasingly difficult to find reasonably priced examples.