Footnotes

• Somewhat less well known but altogether more civilised than most muscle cars, Oldsmobile's 4-4-2 was that company's attempt to recapture a little of the sporting image it had enjoyed in the early 1950s. Introduced in 1964, the '4-4-2' name was first applied to a particular variant of the Cutlass and only became a model in its own right in 1968 when the range was redesigned. It stood for 4-on-the-floor, 4-barrel carburettor and dual exhausts, although for 1965 the first of the 4s was said to stand for either 400bhp or 400 cubic inches, depending on which American car magazine you subscribed to. General Motors obviously wasn't too bothered about consistency, as the Cutlass 4-4-2 and the 4-4-2 proper were available with a number of different transmission and engine options, and for 1966 could be had with three two-barrel carburettors.
  By 1970 a 455ci, 365bhp motor was standard equipment, capable of propelling the 1½-ton car from 0 to 60mph in 8.9 seconds and to a top speed of 120mph. Oldsmobile fans wishing to wear out their tyres even faster could opt for the W30 performance package, which boosted the engine's output to nearer 400bhp as well as improving the car's roadholding. By the beginning of the 1970s however, the American public's infatuation with the muscle cars was almost over, a fact well illustrated by the 4-4-2's production figures which peaked in 1968 at 33000 and slumped to only 7,500 in 1971. Its performance too was markedly reduced for 1972, by which time the legendary 4-4-2 had reverted to its origin as a trim package for the Cutlass.
  The car offered here is one of 2,933 convertibles built in 1970 when 4-4-2 production totalled a little over 19,000. Well specified from new, it incorporates automatic transmission, tinted window glass, bucket seats, power windows, de luxe seat belts, power door locks, air conditioning and a radio. The car was very well restored in the USA in the 2000s and remains in concours-winning condition today. Finished in green with white vinyl interior trim and matching convertible hood, it comes with 'Protect-O-Plate' (VIN plate), Oldsmobile owner's manual, period literature, current MoT and Swansea V5 registration document. An Eagle high-performance camshaft, fitted when the engine was rebuilt, is the only notified deviation from factory specification. An iconic American muscle car, ready to use.
  

Auction Notices

• Please note, this car is a 1972 Cutlass Supreme not a 1970 as catalogued.

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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