1964

1964 Oldsmobile 442 2-door hardtop

The 4-4-2 was born out of competition between Pontiac and Oldsmobile divisions of GM. The high performance GTO version of the Pontiac LeMans intermediate had proved an unexpected success midway through the 1964 model year. Oldsmobile's hasty response was to beef up their own popular Cutlass, a task given to a team led by performance enthusiast and Olds engineer John Beltz (later responsible for the distinctive and powerful Toronado), aided by Dale Smith and division chief engineer Bob Dorshimer.^[5]

Contrasted with the 1964 Tempest LeMans GTO with its 389 cubic inch V-8 (introduced in September, 1963^[6] as an option package), the Oldsmobile offering was a conservative package. Technically the "B09 Police Apprehender Pursuit"^[7] option, the 442 used the four-barrel carbureted 330 CID (5.4 L) V8, known as L79, but with shorter valve spring retainers, longer pushrods, M400 rod and main bearings, and high lift camshaft, raising rated (SAE gross) output to 310 hp (231.3 kW) at 5,200 rpm. Torque remained 355 lb⋅ft (481 N⋅m), although the torque peak rose from 2800 rpm to 3600 rpm. Enhanced handling was credited to the heavy duty (HD) suspension package that included HD springs (30% higher rating), HD shocks (valving with 50% more restriction), a 15/16 diameter front and 7/8 diameter rear sway bar, and boxed lower rear control arms with denser bushings. Other standard 442 equipment included Muncie M20, heavy duty clutch with higher rate springs in the pressure plate assembly, HD manual steering ratio 20:1 versus the standard ratio 24:1, performance rear axle ratio 3.36:1, dual exhaust, 14x6 HD wheels sporting 7.5 x14 US Royal 80XP Black with red stripe tire, front fender and rear decklid 442 medallions, and a dual snorkel air cleaner. The 442 was not equipped with power brakes or steering, unless added as an option. The frame, part number 3837595, was not unique or modified for the 442 option, and could be found under F85s equipped with a manual transmission. There was an HD frame option in 1964, part number 9773002; which was boxed, but it was not standard equipment for the 442. ^[8] Unlike the 1965 442 model built in Lansing, the 1964 442 does not have an option code on the data plate. There is documentation available showing that the 1964 442 was built in both Lansing and Fremont.

The package was dubbed 4-4-2 based on its combination of four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts.^[1][9][3] It was available on any F-85 or Cutlass model except the station wagon, although most were Cutlass hardtop coupés (Oldsmobile archives indicate that approximately 10 four-door sedans were built with the B09 option) with an optional list price of $136 ($1,283 in 2022 dollars ^[10]), added to the MSRP of $2,663 ($25,127 in 2022 dollars ^[10]) for the coupe and $2,773 ($26,165 in 2022 dollars ^[10]) for the hardtop, along with additional optional equipment. A total of 2,999 were sold.^[7]

Motor Trend tested an early 1964 4-4-2 with a 3:55 rear axle (standard ratio was 3.36:1) and found that the 3,440-lb (1,560 kg) car ran 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) in 7.5 seconds,^[7] the standing quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 90 mph (140 km/h), and reached a top speed of 116 mph (185.6 km/h).

1965

With the GTO receiving GM corporate sanction to receive their full-sized car's 389 V-8,^[11] Oldsmobile followed suit and replaced the 4-4-2's standard 330 CID with the new 400 CID (6.6 L). The definition of "4-4-2" was then restated as referring to 400 cubic inches, a four-barrel carburetor (a 515 cfm Rochester four-jet),^[5] and two exhausts.^[7] Output for the big engine rose to 345 hp (257 kW) and 440 lb⋅ft (597 N⋅m). The standard transmission became a three-speed manual with column shifter, with a floor shifter four-speed and Oldsmobile's two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission as optional. A heavy duty three-speed with Hurst floor shifter was introduced as a mid-year option.

1965 Oldsmobile 442 convertible

Other touches added to the 1965 were chrome body side scoops adorned with 4-4-2 badging, chambered dual exhaust pipes, chrome single snout air cleaner, and 4-4-2 badging on the dash. Late in the year option N98 was added, which were chrome 14 in × 6 in (356 mm × 152 mm) wheels. It also offered standard bucket seats when optioned on the Cutlass^[5] and a 6,000 rpm tachometer, mounted in the optional console, more as decoration than for usefulness.^[5] Retractable front seat belts were optional.^[7] The turning diameter was 41 feet.^[1]

Modern Rod tested a 1965 F85 4-4-2 with the four-speed manual, slicks, and headers and obtained a quarter mile acceleration of 13.78 seconds at 102.73 mph (165 km/h); Car Life's automatic 1965 ran the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 89 mph (143 km/h), with a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. Car and Driver tested a 1965 4-4-2 and did 0–60 mph in 5.5 seconds.^[7]

Offered in four body styles, 4-4-2 sales rose to 25,003, including 3,468 convertibles.^[5]

1966

1966 4-4-2 2-door hardtop rear

The 1966 4-4-2 shared a modest facelift with other Cutlasses. It came with a 400 ci L78 V8 rated at 350 hp (261 kW)/440 lb•ft with a single four-barrel carburetor. Two new optional 400 ci engines offered even higher performance: the 360 hp (268 kW) L69, with three two-barrel Rochester 2GC carburetors on a progressive linkage and 440 lb⋅ft (597 N⋅m) of torque, which was priced at US$264.54,^[12] and the rare W30. Besides the convertible, the 4-4-2 option was available on both hardtop and pillared coupes, which shared the same roofline. Besides the new sweeping C pillar on coupes which featured a "flying buttress" recessed rear window, the new body had high, round rear fenders giving the car a more muscular appearance.

The W30 engine added an outside-air induction system (admitting cool air to the carburetors via tubing from the front grill) and a hotter cam, under-rated as producing the same 360 hp (268 kW) as the L69. The battery was relocated to the trunk to make room for the air hoses, which prevented the package from being ordered on convertible models. Only 54 W30s were built by the factory, although an additional 97 were produced for dealer installation.

The standard transmission was a three-speed manual with column shift and the two-speed Jetaway automatic with switch-pitch torque converter was optional. Hurst shifters became standard equipment with floor-mounted manual transmissions including the optional heavy-duty three-speed, M-20 wide-ratio four-speed or M-21 close-ratio four-speed. The standard 350-horsepower 400 engine could be ordered with any of the four transmissions, while only manual transmissions could be ordered with the L69 three two-barrel option.

Inside, a revised instrument panel featured two round pods for the speedometer and other instruments, replacing the horizontal sweep speedometer of 1964–65 models, but the rest of the basic dashboard designed was unchanged. F-85 models had base interiors with bench seats and rubber floor mats while the more lavish Cutlass versions came with full carpeting and featured Strato bucket seats of a new design with higher and thinner seat backs, or a no-cost bench seat option. Head rests were an option.^[7]

Car Life tested an L69 4-4-2 with four-speed transmission and obtained a 0–60 time of 6.3 seconds and a quarter mile of 14.8 seconds at 97 mph (156 km/h).^[7] Motor Trend's similar test car ran 0–60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 15.2 seconds at 96.6 mph (155.5 km/h).

Production slumped to 21,997. The 4-4-2 still constituted only about 10 percent of Cutlass sales.

1967

For 1967 the 4-4-2's styling and base engine remained the same, save for minor trim changes, a distinctive louvered hood, and an increase in intake valve size to 2.067 from 1.99. The three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission with Switch Pitch became available, replacing the two-speed Switch Pitch Jetaway, as was the case with the mid-sized muscle cars from other GM divisions (Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle SS396, and Buick GS400). The heavy-duty floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission was now standard with the Muncie M-20 and M-21 four-speeds optional, all with Hurst shifters. Front disc brakes were a new option.

1967 Oldsmobile 442 2-door coupe

A GM policy decision banning multiple carburetors for all vehicles except Ed Cole's beloved Corvette and the Corvair saw the demise of the L69 with its triple carburetors, a rare option for Olds and an icon for Pontiacs since 1957. The W30 remained available, although the four-barrel Quadrajet carburetor replaced the tri carb setup. New red plastic inner fender liners became part of the W30 package. 502 factory W30 engines were built to meet NHRA homologation rules, along with an unknown number of dealer-installed packages.

Cars tested a W30 4-4-2 with close-ratio four-speed and 4.33 rear axle (a dealer-installed only option),^[5] obtaining a quarter mile of 14.1 seconds at 103 mph (166 km/h) in completely stock form. 0–60 mph times were between 6.5 and 6.7 seconds.

Unlike in previous years which the 4-4-2 option could be ordered on either baseline F-85 or upscale Cutlass models, the 1967 4-4-2 package was based on the top-line Cutlass Supreme series, including the sport coupe (with center post), Holiday hardtop coupe and convertible. Standard equipment on all models included Strato bucket seats or no-cost notchback bench seat, full carpeting, expanded Morocceen vinyl upholstery, heavy-duty suspension with rear sway bar, and wide-oval tires.^[7]

Like all cars sold in the U.S. for 1967, the 4-4-2 came standard with a group of occupant protection and accident avoidance features mandated by Federal law. This package included an energy-absorbing steering column and safety steering wheel, padded dash, recessed controls, four-way hazard flashers, and a dual-circuit brake hydraulic master cylinder.

Production rose somewhat from the previous year, rising to 24,833.

1968

Second generation
1968 Oldsmobile 442
Overview
Production	1968–1972
Assembly	Lansing, Michigan[7] (Lansing Car Assembly) Arlington, Texas (Arlington Assembly) Framingham, Massachusetts[7] (Framingham Assembly) Fremont, California[7] (Fremont Assembly) Linden, New Jersey[7] (Linden Assembly) Oshawa, Ontario, Canada[7] (Oshawa Car Assembly)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door Sport coupe (pillars) 2-door Holiday coupe (hardtop) 2-door convertible Vista Cruiser station wagon (1970)
Platform	A-body
Related	Acadian Beaumont Chevrolet Chevelle Chevrolet Monte Carlo Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet El Camino GMC Sprint Pontiac Tempest Pontiac LeMans Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac GTO Oldsmobile F-85 Oldsmobile Cutlass Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds Buick Special Buick Skylark Buick GSX
Powertrain
Engine	455 cu in (7.5 L) V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) 290hp V8[7][13]
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112.0 in (2,845 mm)[13]
Length	203.2 in (5,161 mm)[13]
Width	76.2 in (1,935 mm)
Height	52.8 in (1,341 mm)
Curb weight	3,713 pounds (1,684 kg)

The 4-4-2 became a separate model from 1968 through 1971.^[7] The wheelbase was 112 in (2,845 mm), and over 33,000 were sold for 1968. Despite the engine displacement staying at 400 CID, the engine was based on the new 455 V8's 4.25 stroke, with the bore decreased (to 3.87). Torque came at 3000–3200 rpm as opposed to the early 400's 3600 rpm peak, mostly due to a milder base cam grind. Car Life tested a 1968 4-4-2 with a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio and Hydramatic and attained 0–60 times of 7.0 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 15.13 seconds at 92 mph (148 km/h). Top speed was reported as 115 mph (185 km/h). The base engine was still rated at 350 hp (261 kW), but only with the standard three-speed and optional four-speed; automatics were rated at 325 hp (242 kW). W-30s were rated again at 360 hp (268 kW). Car Life also tested a four-speed W-30 with a 4.33 rear end and recorded a 13.3 at 103.30 mph (166.2 km/h).

All standard 1968 4-4-2 engines are painted a bronze–copper color, as with the 1967s, topped with a fire-red air cleaner. W-30 option cars were equipped with ram air intake hoses leading from chrome-topped dual snorkel black air cleaners to special under-bumper air scoops and set off by bright red plastic fender wells. In addition, a Turnpike Cruiser option was made available with a two-barrel carburetor; this was previously available on the Cutlass Supreme for 1967. 1968 was the first year for side marker lights and front outboard shoulder belts, and the last year for vent windows on hardtops and convertibles. 4-4-2s for 1968 had unique rear bumpers, with exhaust cutouts and special exhaust tips.

1969

1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 convertible

1969 Hurst Oldsmobile on display at Ideal Classic Cars in Venice, Florida.

1969 4-4-2s were very similar to the 1968 except the division tooth between the grilles, the trunk lid inlets for the tail lights, wing windows deleted on Holiday Coupes and convertibles, steering lock ignition switch on the steering column, standard headrests were added to the front seats, and the paint scheme. Twin hood stripes were now available to highlight the new dual-bulged hood. The 4-4-2 numerals grew to nearly double their previous size. Optional disc brakes had updated single-piston calipers. The exhaust manifolds featured a new center divider for better performance. Other changes to the engine were minimal, but the Turnpike Cruiser option was deleted. A new optional W-32 high-performance engine was available with an automatic; it came with the W-30's forced air induction system, but had the base engine's milder cam. A total of 297 were built, including 25 sport coupes and convertibles each.

The Hurst/Olds returned, with a cameo white and fire frost gold striped paint scheme, large functional ram air mailbox hood scoops, rear pedestal spoiler, 15" SSII chrome plated rims, European racing mirrors, and a 380-horsepower 455 cid V8 that was detuned slightly from 1968. 906 production Hurst/Olds Holiday Coupes were built, plus 6 prototypes and 2 convertibles. Performance was 0–60 in 5.9 seconds, the 1/4 mile in 14.03 seconds at 101 mph (163 km/h).^[14]

1970

1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2

1970 was the pinnacle of performance from Oldsmobile.^[15][16] In order to keep up in the horsepower arms-race, General Motors dropped the cap on engine size in 1970, and Oldsmobile responded by making the Olds 455 V8 the standard 4-4-2 engine. Output was 365 hp (272 kW) and 500 lb⋅ft (680 N⋅m), with a 370 hp (276 kW) variant available with the W30 option. The 1970 model year can be identified by its vertical bars in silver grille, rectangular parking lights in front bumper, and vertical tail lights.

The revised body style and increased performance resulted in the 4-4-2 being awarded pace car duties at the Indianapolis 500 race in 1970. A high-performance W-30 package was offered, which added a fiberglass hood (option W25) with functional air scoops and low-restriction air cleaner, aluminum intake manifold, special camshaft, cylinder heads, distributor, and carburetor. Two W-30 equipped 4-4-2 Vista Cruisers were produced by special order. Rear shoulder seat belts were optional at $23.^[7]

Motor Trend tested a 4-4-2 W-30 with the four-speed manual transmission and 3.91:1 rear gears, clocking a quarter mile time of 14.2 seconds at 102 mph (164 km/h). However, the magazine noted that Oldsmobile engineers had earlier posted a best of 13.7 seconds on the same test car with a fresh tune.

New options for the 1970 4-4-2 included GM's variable-ratio power steering (option N47), a console-mounted Hurst Dual/Gate shifter for use with the Turbo Hydra-matic transmission, and aluminum differential housing and cover (option W27). All Oldsmobile V8s received new Positive Valve Rotators for the 1970s to increase engine valve life.

1971

1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 convertible

Despite an industry-wide softening of muscle car sales, the 4-4-2 returned in 1971 with only minor modifications from the previous year. Engine output was down for 1971 due to a lower compression ratio (8.5:1), which affected all of GM's engines as the result of a corporate policy requiring engines to run on lower-octane regular leaded, low lead, or unleaded gasoline, in preparation for the introduction of the catalytic converter on 1975-model cars. The base 455 was rated at 340 hp (254 kW), with the W-30 achieving a rating of 350 hp (261 kW). The W-27 option was downgraded to an aluminum cover for the cast iron differential housing.

The 1971 4-4-2 was available in a hardtop coupe and convertible body type. The sport coupe disappeared for the first time since 1964, only to return in 1972. 1971 Model Year Appearance changes included a black grille with silver surround, silver headlight bezels, round parking lights in front bumper, and horizontal tail lights.

Quarter mile performance as reported by Road Test magazine was 15.2 seconds at 99 mph (159 km/h), and 0–60 mph in 8.9 seconds, using the TH400 automatic transmission.

1972

1972 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

By 1972, the muscle car era was unmistakably in decline due to the twin blows of rising insurance rates and increasingly stringent Federal emissions standards. The 4-4-2 name reverted to an appearance and handling option package (option code W-29) in 1972 on the Cutlass Holiday coupe, Cutlass S sport coupe and Holiday coupe, and Cutlass Supreme convertible. The W-29 option was not available on Cutlass Supreme notchback hardtops. The 4-4-2 option package, which carried a modest sticker price of $29, consisted of the "FE2" suspension upgrades (heavy duty springs & shocks, front and rear sway bars, boxed lower rear control arms, and 14- by 7-in [356- by 178-mm] wheels), side striping, fender and decklid badging, faux hood louvers, and a unique grille. The rear bumper sported cutouts for exhaust tips, but only when paired with the optional L75 455 CID V8 in place of the standard Oldsmobile 350 V8.

Interior trims differed on each 4-4-2 bodystyle, much like the early 1964–66 models. For the base Cutlass hardtop coupe a basic two-spoke steering wheel, vinyl or cloth/vinyl bench seat, and rubber floor mats were standard along; Cutlass S sport coupe and Holiday hardtop coupe featured full carpeting, deluxe steering wheel, courtesy lighting, and bench seats with cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl upholstery or optional Strato bucket seats; and the Cutlass Supreme convertible came with more woodgrain interior accents than the "S", along with an all-vinyl notchback bench seat with armrest or no-cost Strato bucket seats; a center console was optional. An AM/FM stereo radio with a tape player was $363.^[7]

4-4-2s could still be ordered with the additional W30 option, which included the still-potent L77 455 engine, rated at 300 hp (220 kW) and 410 lb⋅ft (556 N⋅m)s of torque with standard low-restriction dual exhausts. Other notable components of the W30 package included a lightweight aluminum intake manifold, the W25 fiberglass ram-air hood, anti-spin differential with 3.42:1 gears (3.73:1 available), and heavy duty cooling. Due to the low-vacuum at idle, air conditioning was not available, and power brakes were only available with an automatic transmission. Only 113 W30 convertibles and 659 W30 coupes were produced in 1972.

A special edition Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500 in 1972. The H/O coupe was based on the notchback Cutlass Supreme Holiday coupe (not offered with the 4-4-2 option) and the Cutlass Supreme convertible, both of which came standard with a 270-net horsepower 455 Rocket four-barrel V8 or optional 300-net horsepower W-30 option 455. Both H/O engines were mated to Turbo 400 transmissions with console-mounted Hurst Dual Gate shifters. A H/O Vista Cruiser was provided for the Medical Director.

Appearance changes included a silver grille with black surround, black headlight bezels, round parking lights in front bumper, and 3-section horizontal tail lights.

1973

Third generation
Overview
Production	1973–1977
Assembly	Lansing Car Assembly Lansing, Michigan Arlington Assembly, Arlington, Texas Doraville Assembly, Doraville, Georgia Framingham Assembly, Framingham, Massachusetts
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Layout	FR layout
Platform	A-body
Related	Chevrolet Chevelle Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pontiac LeMans Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac Grand Am Oldsmobile Cutlass Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Buick Century Buick Regal
Powertrain
Engine	231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 403 cu in (6.6 L) V8 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8 250 cu in (4.1 L) I6 260 cu in (4.3 L) V8 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8
Transmission	4-speed manual 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic 5-speed manual

Originally expected to debut for the 1972 model year, the new "Colonnade" body style was delayed until 1973 due to an auto workers strike in 1972. The body was redesigned to feature massive 5-foot (1.5 m) long doors and energy absorbing bumpers. The rear windows were fixed and the roof was reinforced in anticipation of roll-over standards being imposed by the government. These cars were a few hundred pounds heavier and slightly larger than the 1972's.

1973 Oldsmobile 442

Consistent with 1972, the 4-4-2 option remained a handling and appearance package, code W-29, and was available on the Cutlass and Cutlass "S". It consisted of a faux louvered hood, FE2 suspension, specific grilles, emblems and stripes. Items such as dual exhaust and super stock wheels were optional, reflecting an industry-wide weaning of U.S. consumers from large powerful cars.

The W-30 (that had 300 hp (224 kW) in 1972) had become a trim package. The L77 "V" code 455 was there, but only with the 4-speed wide-ratio M-20 transmission. 1973 was also the last year of the 4-speed manual transmission in the Oldmobile "A" body. The L77 "V" code produced 270 net HP, the L75 "U" code 455 AT produced 250 hp (186 kW), while the "K" code 350 single exhaust produced 180 hp (134 kW) and the "M" code 350 with dual exhausts produced 200 hp (150 kW). Positraction rear ends, axle ratios, gauges, Super Stock wheels, HD cooling and many sport type options were optional. The L77 "V" code engine was also available in the Hurst/Olds without A/C, code W-46, the W-45 L75 "U" code was standard with A/C. Both 455s used the Turbo Hydra-matic 400 transmission, while the 350 was mated to the Turbo 350.

Interior trims for the '73 4-4-2 included a cloth/vinyl or all-vinyl bench seat and rubber mats on base Cutlass coupe, while Cutlass S included full carpeting on floor and lower door panels, woodgrain trim, deluxe steering wheel and more luxurious cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl bench seat, or optional swiveling Strato bucket seats with vinyl trim that could be rotated 90 degrees for easy exit/entry. Center console with floor shifter was optional with either the 4-speed manual or Turbo Hydra-matic transmissions.

1974

Oldsmobile 4-4-2

The 1974 4-4-2 received the same facelift as other Cutlasses that year including a revised grille and new flush taillights over a newly mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) rear bumper to match the similarly mandated front bumper introduced in '73. It remained a handling and appearance package available on both base Cutlass and Cutlass S Colonnade coupes. Engine offerings included the standard 180 horsepower (130 kW) Rocket 350 four-barrel V8 or optional 230 horsepower (170 kW) Rocket 455, which reintroduced the W-30 code that signified the top 4-4-2 engine option package from 1966 to 1972. Power steering and Turbo Hydra-matic transmission became standard equipment on 4-4-2 and all other Cutlass models. The four-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter was dropped from the option list. GM-specification radial tires were introduced as an option.

Interiors were similar to 1973 with cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl bench seats standard, or optional swiveling Strato bucket seats with Moroceen vinyl upholstery. The center console with floor shifter was optional with bucket seats.

1975

The 1975 4-4-2 received revised vertical-bar grilles and continued with vertically stacked taillight lenses. It was once again a handling/appearance package on base Cutlass and Cutlass S coupes with content similar to previous years. Radial tires became standard equipment, along with a GM High Energy electronic ignition.

All engines were mated to catalytic converters, which required use of unleaded gasoline and spelled the end of true dual exhausts. With economy now a selling point following the 1973–74 energy crisis, the 1975 4-4-2 and most other Cutlass models no longer included a V8 engine as standard equipment. For the first time since its 1964 introduction, the 4-4-2 came standard with a six-cylinder engine, Chevrolet's 250 cubic-inch inline unit which had previously been offered on some Oldsmobile intermediates from 1966 to 1971 and the compact Omega since its 1973 introduction. Also new was a small Oldsmobile-built 260 cubic-inch Rocket V8 specifically designed for fuel economy. The 170-horsepower 350 Rocket V8 was now an extra-cost option along with the 190-horsepower 455 V8. A three-speed manual transmission was reinstated as standard equipment with the six-cylinder engine, with the Turbo Hydra-matic transmission optional with that engine and the only transmission offered with the V8 engines. Interiors again consisted of bench seats with cloth-and-Moroceen vinyl or all-Moroceen trim, or optional swiveling Strato buckets upholstered in Moroceen vinyl. Revised door panels featured pull straps. The console remained an option with bucket seats.

Due to Detroit's conversion from SAE Gross horsepower ratings (commonly referred to as "brake horsepower" (bhp) to SAE net for the 1972 model year, and ever-more stringent Federal emissions standards, engine output continued to significantly decline. The 1975 4-4-2 equipped with a 455 was rated by Oldsmobile at just 190 hp at 3400 rpm and 350 lb-ft at 2000 rpm.^[17]

1976

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass S with 4-4-2 option package and after-market wheels

1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass S with 4-4-2 option package and after-market wheels

The 1976 4-4-2 shared a new aerodynamic sloped nose designed for NASCAR with split grilles and new quad rectangular headlights with Cutlass S models, along with revised lower sheetmetal with fewer creases than the 1973–75 models. The 4-4-2 option was offered on Cutlass S coupes and was once again an appearance/handling package. Engine/transmission offerings were unchanged from 1975 except that the 260 V8 could be ordered with a five-speed manual transmission. This was also the final year for the 455 Rocket V8. Interiors again consisted of bench seats with cloth-and-Moroceen vinyl or all-Moroceen trim, or optional swiveling Strato buckets upholstered in Moroceen vinyl. A console was optional with bucket seats.

1977

1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

The 1977 model year was the last for the 1973-vintage Colonnade body. The 4-4-2 was the only Oldsmobile intermediate to feature the NASCAR sloped nose from the '76 model, with the Cutlass S switching to an upright nose similar to Cutlass Supreme models. Engine offerings were revised, with Buick's 231 cubic-inch V6 replacing the base model Chevy 250 inline-six, with optional powerplants again including the Oldsmobile built 260 and 350 cubic-inch Rocket V8s. Replacing the 455 as the top engine was a new Oldsmobile 403 cubic-inch Rocket V8 rated at 180 horsepower (130 kW). Transmission offerings included a three-speed manual or Turbo Hydra-matic with the V6, five-speed manual or Turbo Hydra-matic for the 260 V8, and Turbo Hydra-matic was the sole offering for the 350 and 403 V8s. Interiors included a standard bench seat with cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl bench seat, or optional Strato bucket seats with all-vinyl upholstery and without the swiveling feature of previous years. The console remained optional with bucket seats.

1978

The 4-4-2 model continued on the downsized A-body platform introduced for the 1978 model year. The 1978 version of the 4-4-2 was an option package on the semi-fastback "Aeroback" Cutlass Salon, which was now the entry-level trim of the best-selling Cutlass range. It was offered with all powertrains available on the standard Cutlass, including the 231 cu in (3.8 L) two-barrel Buick V6, 260 cu in (4.3 L) two-barrel Oldsmobile V8, and 305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet V8s, in either two- or four-barrel form. A three-speed manual transmission was standard, and a three-speed THM200 automatic was available with all engines; a Borg-Warner five-speed manual was offered with the 260 V8 and a four-speed Saginaw manual with the 305 V8.

Distinctive trim elements included contrasting striping along the rocker panels, lower doors, and wheelwells, badging on the rear trunk, and interior emblems. All other options offered on the Cutlass Salon were available with the 4-4-2 package.

1979

The 1979 4-4-2 remained based on the Cutlass Salon body style. The Hurst/Olds rejoined the lineup this year, based on the Cutlass Calais.

1980

The 4-4-2 moved to the notchback Cutlass Calais for 1980, with some of its performance heritage returning as it gained a larger 350 cu in (5.7 L) Oldsmobile V8 engine not available on other Cutlass models. It included W-30 badging on the front fenders above the side marker lights, with less dramatic graphics than before. Otherwise, the car shared identical powertrain with the 1979 Hurst/Olds, excepting the Hurst shifter. Also available only in gold over white or gold over black paint, a total of 886 were built: 540 in black, and 346 in white.

The MSRP of a Cutlass Calais in 1980 was $6,919.57 (~$24,576 in 2022). Option W-30 4-4-2 appearance and handling package consisted of: gold accent paint scheme (Y71), painted grille face, applique pillar molding, aluminum sport wheels, "W-30" decals on front fender, tail lamp bezel and rear window molding to match body color, "442" emblem on sail panel and deck lid, 5.7 liter engine (350 CID) V8, 4-bbl (L34), sport console (D55), Rallye suspension package (FE2), P205/70R14 steel belted radial ply blackwall tires with raised white letters (QFV) and a digital clock (UE8). The W-30 4-4-2 option was not available in California.

The 4-4-2 was not available from 1981 to 1984.