THIS IS YOUR FATHER’S OLDSMOBILE: Good ol’ American muscle from a 1970 442 W30
June 15, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson
This 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 convertible (Lot #680) is a fantastic example of a classic matching-numbers muscle car.
A 1970 Olds 442 W30 Convertible (Lot #680) crossing the block at the 2017 Northeast Auction represents one of GM’s last high-compression muscle cars from the classic era. This hardcore torque monster could be ordered with so many options it would blur the line between the plushness of luxury and the luxuriousness of speed. If ever there was a gentleman’s hot rod, this was it.
GM’s A-body models virtually owned the muscle car market since more of them were produced and sold than any other intermediate-based muscle machine in the business. This Cutlass-based 442 has undergone a complete restoration and is ready to relive its past as though no time has gone by at all.
Enthusiast magazines of the day reported triple-digit quarter-mile speeds with elapse times in the 14-second flat range, proving that the 500 ft/lbs of torque this 455 generates can have its way with the laws of physics any time it wants to. This engine’s advertised horsepower rating was listed as 370, but the consensus was that “400” is a more accurate number.
Back then the manufacturers tried to keep the insurance companies and EPA at bay by quoting power ratings conservatively. Still, some referred to this car’s torque curve as simply “unholy.” Its original owner decided to add more fuel to the W30’s fire by replacing the optional 3.91 rear gear set with an even more sinful 4.11 ratio. A Turbo 400 3-speed automatic with an exclusive Hurst “His and Hers” performance shifter effectively managed the transfer of power to the rear wheels.
W30 features included an aluminum 4-barrel intake manifold, a fiberglass hood with twin functional scoops that forced air into a sealed air cleaner for a true ram-air effect. A special camshaft, heads, carb and distributor made the W30 a serious contender in the classic stoplight wars of that era.
A variable-ratio power steering system, power brakes, door locks and convertible top all added to the lure of this car in the eyes of any lead-foot gentleman ‒ or gentlewoman. The appealing Rally Red exterior paint is accented with black stripes, as if it needed to look faster than most everyone already knew it was.
This fantastic example of a classic matching-numbers muscle car has complete documentation with a photographed history of its total restoration. Its authenticity has been fully certified by W30 historian Steven J. Minore.
This model became so cool that its 112-inch wheelbase platform would be built through 1977. But by that time, it wasn’t a true muscle car at all. In fact, its propensity for luxury and style turned it into the go-to car for a whole new generation of car buyers – the upwardly mobile “yuppie.” The Cutlass Supreme was a cult car once again, and the vehicle to be seen driving ‒ much like the BMW is now.
Even though the Oldsmobile Cutlass have been relegated to the history books, the brand’s impact was so compelling it is likely there are more 442 fans now than ever before. That’s one reason this car was invited to be displayed at the 2016 Concours d’Elegance in Greenwich, Connecticut.
For any fan of fast, well-equipped American muscle cars, this is precisely the model that would do your collection justice. Even if that collection includes this car alone.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.