1965 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

The "4-4-2" name (pronounced "Four-four-two") derives from the original car's four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts (Some maintain that the '2' indicated positive traction rear differential). It was originally written "4-4-2" (with badging showing hyphens between the numerals) and remained hyphenated throughout Oldsmobile's use of the designation. Beginning in 1965, the 4-4-2s standard transmission was a 3-speed manual along with optional 2-speed automatic and 4-speed manual, but were still badged as "4-4-2"s. By 1968 badging was shortened to simply "442", but Oldsmobile brochures and internal documents continued to use the "4-4-2" model designation.

This consignment, born on the third week of June 1965 in Lansing, Michigan, 4-4-2 convertible has remained original throughout the years and 3 ownership tenures. The first owner only enjoyed this Olds for 2 years, the second caretaker held onto it for 36 years and our consignor's tenure has been 19 years. A mostly original car, (1 repaint and new quarter panels hung), has always been garage kept and is about as close as one can get stopping by the Oldsmobile dealer in 1967 and perusing the latest trade ins.

Exterior
Very good is the buzzword on this respray of the factory hue, Forest Mist. Laser straight steel panels, no rust, miles deep paint with only a few inclusions and plenty of chromed trimmings just mirror-like. Utilizing the original design front grille with its large central horizontal bar with O L D S M O B I L E badge, flanked by dual headlights and a lower pristine bumper to announce your arrival (as if they wouldn't hear you!). Also screaming out mainly to your eyes are some just above the rocker trim pieces that run fore to aft, and wheel well surrounds that are smooth and dent free, On the rear quarter is a mini hockey stick cove surrounded by chrome and a centrally located 442 badge. Not to be outdone is the long and straight hood, with a chrome trim spear that wraps around the front of the hood as it dives toward the grille, then races rearward to the windshield…just peachy. Window surrounds are great, and a shout out to the soft top, which is black canvas with a slightly wrinkled plastic rear window...snappy! On back is the two-bedroom apartment sized sleek trunk, a rear panel with a central aluminum trimming and 2 horizontal tail lights under the trunk and fender created cove. Dual exhaust peek out the bottom from just under the nicely chromed rear bumper. Correct wire wheel covers with faux spinners display in 14" format and are wrapped with raised white letter BF Goodrich rubber. Let's say a whistle and a bell!

Interior
Nice black carpet with a Hurst shifter growing from the hump provides the groundwork for this interior. Good condition black vinyl low back bucket seating in front, and a bench in back fill in the passenger compartment. These seats are finished with smooth bolsters and vertical tuck and roll inserts appear original with only minor wear. The original beautiful 2 spoke steering wheel, and near factory dash, show off themselves to the seats, and the passengers who sit in them. A black padded topper works as an eyebrow over the factory gauge cluster which resides within a chrome bezel. Knobs, pulls, the AM radio and heater slides are residing in brushed aluminum panel and just above is a perforated chrome panel and 442 badging. An original 60's interior with all that Olds charm.

Drivetrain
A 400ci V8 topped by a 4bbl carburetor takes up residence between the fenders and displays in traditional Oldsmobile gold. This block sports the correct 442 casting number for 1965, 389298B. Bolted to the back of this gold mill a correct Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Putting the horses to the ground is a 10-bolt 3.55 geared rear axle. A well sorted and restored engine bay for this boulevard bruiser with supple hoses and clean and concise wiring.

Undercarriage
Original and unrestored is the best way to describe this underside. The frame and suspension have a liberal coating of surface rust but the floors remain clean with minor surface rust, patina and factory undercoating. No invasive rust is noted nor are any signs of floor pan replacement seen. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners and a dual exhaust system with mis-matched mufflers is noted. Giving us the famous Oldsmobile ride is an independent front suspension with coil springs and a 4 link with coil spring rear suspension.

Drive-Ability
A fine runner and great cruiser. All the power options work save for the radio and we did note the battery light stays on with the engine running and gets brighter with engine RPM. All else is just working swimmingly.
A beautiful execution of a cosmetic restoration, with a respray of the factory color, the original drivetrain and all the cues to determine a true 442 from this year. 4-barrel carburetor, check...4 speed manual transmission, check...dual exhaust, check...correct engine number, check...correct rear control arm mounting holes...check, and if you still have some apprehensions, come in and press the pedal to the floor and remove all doubt. Hello 1965!

VIN DECODE
338675M383745
3-Oldsmobile
38-Cutlass V8 (442 Option Available)
67-Convertible
5-1965
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
383745-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
06C-3rd Week June Build
ST 65 33867-1965 Cutlass V8 Convertible (442 Option Available)
BDY LAN9771-Lansing Body #
TR 950B-Black Vinyl Buckets
PNT J2-Forest Mist, Black Top
W-Tinted Windshield
2L-4 Speed Floor
4V-?
5F-?
W-Custom Deluxe Front Seatbelts

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.