In the early days of the Oldsmobile 4-4-2, it was a performance package available on several F-85 and Cutlass models. Most people assume it was a Cutlass-based package, but that wasn’t completely true. A rare and unusual F-85-based 1966 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 is our Pick of the Day. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Mount Airy, Maryland. (Click the link to view the listing)
When the 4-4-2 performance package was introduced in 1964, it was available on any V8-powered F-85 or Cutlass that was not a wagon, including four-doors. That was refined for 1965, when the package was available on the F-85 Club Coupe (pillared coupe), F-85 Deluxe Holiday Coupe (hardtop), Cutlass Sports Coupe (pillared coupe), Cutlass Holiday Coupe, and Cutlass Convertible. This carried over into 1966.
For 1966, one could order the 4-4-2 package by specifying ordering code L78, which got you heavy-duty chassis items like front and rear stabilizer bars, spring rates, shocks, radiator, battery, clutch, propeller shafts, engine mountings, and wheels, plus oversize dual exhaust system, front fender ornaments, specific 4-4-2 trim and badges, and 350-horsepower 400cid V8 with Quadrajet four-barrel. Specify ordering code L69 and you’ll receive everything listed above plus three two-barrel carburetors for an engine that put out 360 horsepower.
The latter was the basis of the W30 package, a racing package that was introduced in May 1966, Requiring a four-speed manual, the W30 package included a factory blueprint, special 308-degree cam, modified combustion chambers, high-strength valve springs, trunk-mounted battery, 4.11 gears, and a unique air induction system that featured two scoops in the bumper cavities. Those scoops (which just so happened to reposition the parking lights towards the center) were connected to tubes that led to a special air cleaner. Only 54 were built, though Oldsmobile also released a kit known today as the Track-Pac that allowed enthusiasts to retrofit their car.
This 1966 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 is one of 647 based on the F-85 Club Coupe. It’s claimed to be a Track-Pac car raced in Indiana from 1966-69, upon which the rear axle broke. It was then parked and stored for around 20 years, upon which it was sold and lightly restored with 26,000 miles on the odometer. “The car has its original interior, correct L69 E-code engine, Tri-Power (with correct carb tags), four-speed Muncie, and 3.91 Posi-traction Rear,” says the seller. “This ’66 is a very correct and original example and was believed to have been dealer-installed ram air.”
Adds the seller, “I have the original title and title history, but unfortunately, no build sheets or original bill of sale are available.” Nonetheless, how many 4-4-2s were built with no radio or heater? For $79,000 OBO, this Olds is a fine example of Oldsmobile’s muscle car before the Lansing company decided to maintain the 4-4-2 upmarket starting in 1967.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
It’s amazing how all of a sudden in the last few years every 66 442 is a tri power W 30 car. I’m 69 years old and my father started working for an Oldsmobile dealer in 1948 and I only saw one until the last few years.