400 c.i. stroked to 455ci OHV V-8 Engine
360bhp at 5,400 (originally)
Single 4-bbl Carburetor
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension
Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Restored and modified by the legendary Chip Foose
*Featured on Season 4, Episode 1 of Overhaulin'
*First year for the standalone 442 model
*Based on a rust-free West Coast car
West Coast Classics are proud to present this 1968 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 4 spd Convertible which is one of approximately 5,100 convertibles built. Rarity assured already with the 4 spd manual transmission and in Convertible form, this car can also boast being the subject of a comprehensive restoration by the renown and legendary Chip Foose and his team from the Television series Overhaulin' (for reference in season 4, episode 1).
The Oldsmobile 442 was born out of the competition between the Pontiac Division and Oldsmobile. It began as a response to the Pontiac Tempest GTO which had proved such an unexpected success in 1964. The package was dubbed the 4-4-2 based on it's combination of four barrel carburetor, four speed transmission and dual exhausts. The package also included a stiffened frame, boxed rear suspension control arms, a heavy duty clutch and four speed manual transmission, a heavy duty driveshaft, oversized brakes and heavy duty suspension package with heavy duty wheels, higher rate coil springs front and rear, heavy duty shock absorbers, a large front anti-roll bar and an additional rear anti-roll bar. The 442 became a separate model from 1968-71. It would rival any other muscle car of it's day and has a large and enthusiastic club following.
Reportedly the car had been in long time storage in a Paso Robles, California garage until 1997, when it was reportedly offered for sale by the son of the original owner. Instantly being recognized as being a rare 4-4-2 4 spd manual transmission Convertible, the car was purchased by a gentleman who was part of the creative team for Priority Records/MCA, designing album covers and advertising artwork. He recalled the car being used for official photo shoots with luminaries such as Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube having both having ridden in the car, and that Ice T had reportedly even tried to buy it!
In 2005 it was selected by the Overhaulin' production staff for their show and went through a stunning transformation. In the hands of Chip Foose and his crew, the Oldsmobile was extensively, yet sympathetically restored, with a few choice modern upgrades and the typical Foose attention to detail with the original 400 block being retained but upgraded and stroked to 455 cubic inches, whilst still mated to the four-speed manual transmission, as originally equipped. It gained Edelbrock heads and intake, a competition cam, and more, and was detailed in the correct Oldsmobile Gold engine paint. The interior was restored to its original Blue vinyl but kept mostly stock. Disc brakes are fitted at all corners, and an upgraded suspension with high-performance sway bars keep the body under control.
The body was refinished in a striking Silver and Black two-tone, with Silver stripes and a Black convertible top. As per the usual unique Foose builds, a one-off set of 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels were added to the creation and with the second owner's experience in the recording business, the team created a custom Boston Acoustics sound system, beautifully integrated into the trunk. Since the restoration was completed, the car has reportedly covered fewer than 50 miles, and recently underwent over $11,000 in service (including a cleaned and flushed fuel system, new alloy radiator, new belts and hoses, and more) in preparation for this sale.
You will look long and hard to find a finer example of this one-of-a-kind 4-4-2 that honors the original while having an utterly unique and visually arresting custom presence courtesy of a hot-rodding legend.
