The year 1964 is considered to be the start of the classic muscle car era. Along with Pontiac and their GTO, Oldsmobile debuted their 442 that same year. With those numbers originally meaning 4-barrel, 4-speed, dual (2) exhaust, Oldsmobile's hot rod boasted a high-output 330 V8 that cranked out 310 horsepower, just 15 less than the GTO's bigger 389 and 90 horses more than you could get in its '64 Chevelle SS cousin. Here we have one of these very rare, debut-year 442s. It's official name is Oldsmobile F85 Cutlass with the 442 package -- aka the B09 Police package -- but most everyone just calls it a 442. This example is further desirable thanks to it being a loaded example with factory A/C, tinted glass, power steering and brakes, power windows, AM/FM and a power trunk release. Of the 2,999 442s produced for 1964, just 1,842 were F85 Cutlass hardtop coupes. And although there aren't official figures, those with the optional air conditioning were much rarer as A/C was a costly option that most buyers didn't spring for back then. The car's body and underside are impressively straight and solid. We just had the car fully serviced and highly detailed and it looks fantastic. As such, we'd rate the paint and brightwork (chrome and stainless-steel trim) as very nice driver quality. A set of period correct Cragar SS wheels (which will be detailed) wearing BF Goodrich Radial T/As round out the 442's strong curb appeal. Inside it is mostly original and in very good condition, with everything from the headliner to the carpet and door panels looking sharp apart from a crack in the dash. An old-school Sun tach hangs under the dash just ahead of the too-cool white cue ball Hurst shifter while an aftermarket 4-spoke steering wheel provides a thick grip rather than the skinny original rim. Under the hood is the matching-numbers, high-compression 330 V8 that sends the power to the rear wheels via the original 4-speed manual transmission. A dual exhaust with Cherry Bomb style mufflers provide the proper soundtrack for this classic muscle car. Out on the road, the 442 runs and drives great, with the manual gearbox and throaty exhaust adding greatly to the car's high fun factor. For more information or to schedule time to see this fantastic 442, just give us a call at 603-627-5595. Financing is offered through our approved lender, interesting trades are welcome and enclosed shipping can be arranged.
