1968 Oldsmobile 442

Description

This is the rare opportunity to get your hands on one of the most sought-after muscle cars around in a highly original, low mileage, and ready-to-run condition. The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 hardtop has one of the most dominating widebody stances ever, and this one has the four-speed and numbers-matching 400 V8 to back up its looks.

Really take some time to look over this car because that metal is original, straight, and amazing. 1968 was a brand new year for these muscle cars. No longer just a Cutlass package, the 442 was a standalone beast that celebrated its independence with one of the most intimidating designs of the 60s. Sure, it still carried much of the same overall appearance its Olds A-body siblings, but the flared fenders, rounded rear, and long pillarless Holiday hardtop silhouette all looks so much better in muscle car form. Plus, when you have that dark grille with the bold 442 badging in the middle of the wide dual headlight housings, it just makes for a true sinister machine. As a true Oldsmobile, this never loses its premium touches, and it's seen on the factory black vinyl roof that coordinates so nicely with the correct P-2 Silver Green paint. There's plenty of bright trim, and very few companies had a better chrome rear bumper integrated into the sheetmetal design than Olds. But the sporty nature always shines through on this car with the correct 442 triple stripe on the front fenders, large dual exhaust tips, and the unique Oldsmobile Rallye wheels.

Inside is more evidence of a well cared for and highly original car. You'll know that the moment you look at the bucket seats. The black vinyl has an interesting pattern that will draw attention all on its own. But once you sit down in them, your attention will instantly gravitate to what's sticking out of the center console – a factory-correct Hurst shifter. The factory three-spoke steering wheel has that perfect thin grip. Ahead of that, the three round pods house the instruments and the secondary controls are in a panel underneath. This includes the cool rotary switches for the headlights and wipers, as well as provisions for air conditioning. Even the AM/FM radio has the cool original appearance. In fact, the only addition you might spot on this car is a set of auxiliary gauges, and it's something you really want with this much power under the hood.

You're looking at the numbers-matching V8 in this American muscle icon, and it's appearance is just as original and honest as the rest of this coupe. Part of the fun of owning a '68 is getting to tell the story about how the 400 cubic inch motor was the maximum GM would allow in its production intermediates at the time. Even more interesting is that with only 91,919 miles on the odometer, it has averaged less than 2,000 miles a year! But this 442 is less about talk and more about driving. Fire up the big V8 and let the rumble be your conscience. You have complete control over this muscle car thanks to the four-speed manual transmission, power steering, front disc brakes, and the grip of BF Goodrich tires.

The next year would bring a significant redesign to the front end, which means the first-year for the standalone 442 also had a unique look. You'll be hard pressed to find another one of these wide, intimidating muscle cars in such original condition or such low mileage. Call today!!!