1968 Oldsmobile 442, 455 cu. in., 4-speed

Year:	1968
Make:	Oldsmobile
Model:	Cutlass 442
Price:	$22,500

Description:

Every once in a while—but not very often—a car comes along that is a real class act at a price that is still affordable. These opportunities are particularly rare with muscle cars. But here is a 442 that is a super performer, spotless top to bottom, ready to go or show, and priced right. If this Olds doesn’t put a smile on your face, nothing will!

This 1968 Olds 442 is the ultimate combination of muscle and luxury. Whether listening to the thunder of the engine through the dual exhausts or looking at it parked at a car show, this is car that you will enjoy. It is probably illegal for a car to be this much fun!!

Open the hood on this 442, and you immediately realize the mechanicals are awesome. The engine is reported by the owner to be a Joe Mondello-prepared 455 cu.in. mill. It starts right up and when kicked, burns up the road faster than you can shift. The engine is mated to "Muncie M-20 4-speed" that works flawlessly through both up and down shifts. There is a 12-bolt positraction rear end as well as adjustable rear air shocks to manage getting the power to the pavement. The car has five virtually new red line 235/60R15 tires mounted on chrome Oldsmobile Rally wheels. Included with the car, but not installed, are a pair of brand new Offenhauser heavy aluminum valve covers, complete with gaskets. The air conditioning compressor was removed but is furnished with the car, as is a spare rebuilt starter although the existing starter is in proper working order.

Shut the hood and one is impressed with how clean and straight this silver 442 is. The paint work is excellent and the chrome is all in very good condition, as is the glass. The chrome trim on the hood and the vertical black stripes behind the front wheels add to the distinctive look of this Oldsmobile. There are no dents or dings anywhere, confirming that this car was well taken care of.

And as impressive as the body is, the chassis of this car matches it! An on-the-lift inspection (see photos) shows this 442 to be clean and everything in its place, including the routing of the coated headers and Flowmaster 2 ½ inch custom exhaust system. There is not a sign of rust anywhere on the undercarriage and the frame and rockers appear perfect.

The interior is all original and in very good condition except for one small, pencil-sized hole in the side of the driver’s seat cushion. The driver’s seat is 4-way power operated, and while the motor runs the seat does not move. Although there is a crack in the dash pad, there is a brand-new, full-width upholstered replacement dash included with the car. The power windows all work, but the driver’s window unit is a bit slow. A replacement kit is included should it ever be needed containing two brand new window motors. A full set of original floor mats in perfect condition is included and the trunk sports a full-width Oldsmobile mat.


This car is equipped with both power steering and power brakes and both work properly. The gauges all seem to work with the exception of the speedometer, as does all of the safety equipment except the horn. In all fairness to the car, you probably don’t want to know how fast you are going and by the time someone hears the horn, this 442 is already long, long gone!



If you have been looking for a very nice example of a 442 that is ready to go, this is one sweet ride! Great to look at, no paint or body damage, rust-free and a real “barn burner” of a motor. And all at a very affordable price. Fords, Chevy’s and Mopars step aside; here comes a REAL muscle car!