1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 442 W42 F41 on 2040-cars

The 442 name was revived in 1985 on the rear-wheel drive G-body Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme due to the demise of Oldsmobile and Hurst's official collaboration on the Hurst/Olds but Oldsmobile wanted to continue to offer a performance-oriented Cutlass model to the public. The name was now defined as referring to the car's 4-speed 200r4 automatic transmission, 4-barrel carburetor,  and 2 exhausts. This W42 model replaced the 1983 and 1984 Hurst/Olds model and used the same 5.0 L LG8 V8. The shifter was mounted on the floor in a console between the front seats, and the upgraded F41 suspension package was included. 3,000 were produced in the first year, and all were sold quickly. 4,273 were produced for 1986, and 4,208 were made in 1987.

All 1985 and 1986 442s used the already-sporty Cutlass Salon model as their base platform. Due to cost concerns, for 1987 it was decided they would use the less-expensive Cutlass Supreme model to base the 442 on. The package included a beefier drivetrain, 15 X 7 fully chromed styled-steel wheels with gold trim, manually inflated air shocks in the rear, special paint scheme (always silver at the bottom) and gold body stripe decal package, dual-snorkel air cleaner with chrome lid, mandatory A/C and door panel 442 emblems. With few exceptions (vinyl tops, painted pinstripes, chrome outside mirrors and wire wheel covers, for example), 442s could be ordered with much of the optional equipment found on other Cutlass models.

The 1984 Hurst/Olds and 1985–87 442 were equipped with an 8.5" GM corporate differential and all were equipped with 3.73:1 ring and pinion final drive gears. Rather than using the weaker 7.5" rear differential found in the Monte Carlo SS, these models used the same stout unit found in the Buick Grand National. Interestingly enough, many 442s (and G-body Hurst/Olds) did not come with RPO G80 (limited-slip). This was, in large part, due to dealer ordering "packages" that grouped popular options together for ease of ordering. Problem was, G80 was not part of a single one of those popular option packages, but could be added "a la carte." For the most part, performance-savvy dealers and customers were the only ones opting for the limited-slip.

The 1983–84 Hurst/Olds and 1985–87 442's are distinguishable by there being a "9" as the engine code found in the 8th character of their VIN's. These were the only models to get the hotter VIN 9 307 cubic inch engine, and it was the only engine available. From 1983–1985, this engine was flat-tappet valvetrain, and rated at 180 hp/240 lb·ft torque. In 1986, the 307 engine received a roller-camshaft valvetrain and new swirl-port heads to improve economy and low-end torque. HP dropped to 170, with torque climbing to 255LBS FT. The 1985 442 used an OZ code THM 200-4R transmission (as did the 1983–84 Hurst/Olds). Both 1986 and 1987 442 used the KZF code THM 200-4R. The KZF removed much of the shift harshness of the original OZ coded transmissions, but were still firmer than the run-of-the-mill overdrive transmissions used in the rest of Oldsmobile's lineup.

This particular 442 was born in the Pontiac Michigan GM assembly plant in it's final year of production and was delivered to New Country Pontiac-Buick-Oldsmobile in Mechanicville, NY.  Finished in it's original colors of Medium Gray Metallic over Silver Metallic, it shows great for an 80's paint job.  The interior is spectacular for an unrestored 27 year old car with the seats, carpeting, dash & headliner all in perfect condition.  Buckets & console with shifter were part of the package as were the 442 emblems on the door panels.  This car appears to be rust free and in super running condition - everything works including the lights, wipers, radio, power antenna & climate controls.  As with all good cars, the paperwork package includes everything - warranty books, original brochure, window sticker, directions on how to use the radio & the owners manuals.

This is a car you can purchase to drive any day to work or for weekend trips to the beach.  Its factory rated at 25 mpg on the highway and will do better if you can restrain yourself from standing on the gas pedal.  Values on these cars have started to climb and those that have been well cared for like this one are worth the most.  With only 4200 of these being built and the last year of production this is a great entry level vehicle to get involved with muscle cars and will only go up in value.  I'm starting this off at a price that is well below the classic value guides and other cars available on e-Bay & Craigslist.  Buick Grand Nationals, Monte SS's, and the Oldsmobile 442's are the muscle cars of this generation and are already recognized as such.  I had planned on keeping this car for a while but have been offered another car I've been chasing for years so it needs to go.

The car is available as needed for inspection/verification and test drive but realize - once you drive it, you will want it!  As always - please don't waste your time or mine if you are not a serious buyer/collector or need to ask somebody's permission to buy the car or use the money.  Low ball offers are for amateurs, real collectors have done their research and know what these cars are worth and understand their rarity - this is not your regular Cutlass - it's a real 442!