Pontiac Muscle Cars, Oldsmobile 442

The Oldsmobile division of General Motors in 1964 created a muscle car. Oldsmobile 442, (it is thought that Oldsmobile created the first muscle car with the 442). It was marketed as an option package for the F-85 and Cutlass models beginning in 1964. The Olds 442 was a direct result of the competition between Pontiac and Oldsmobile, as the Pontiac Tempest GTO had proven to be more of a success than expected. Both muscle cars were basically a violation of GM policy that limited intermediate models to 330cid, the Olds 442 offering was a conservative model.

The Oldsmobile 442 package was given its name based on the combination of four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission and dual exhaust.

The Oldsmobile 442 was marketed with the “B09 Police Apprehender” option that used the 4bbl 330cid, with dual exhaust, a hotter cam and heavier valve hardware. This option raised the gross output rating to 310-hp at 5200 rpm raising the torque peak from 2800 rpm to 3600 rpm. In this option package was a stiffened frame, boxed rear suspension control arms (for better rear handling), a heavy duty driveshaft for the for the heavy duty clutch and four speed transmission and heavy duty brakes. Also included was a heavy-duty police-package suspension, with heavy duty wheels, heavier duty front and rear coil springs, heavy-duty shocks a larger front anti-roll bar front and rear. Although it wasn’t known for its speed or as a best seller, it was known for its balanced performance and exceptional handling.

An early version of the 442 was tested by Motor Trend finding that the 3,400-lb car could run 0-60- in 7.5 seconds and 15.5 seconds at 90 mph in the ¼ mile. A total of 2,999 Oldsmobile 442’s were sold, with approximately 10 four-door sedans as the B09 option.