When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I see a lot of repainted 1976-7 “442s” out there for sale. What distinguishes an original 442 from a 442-striped clone? Sway bar?
Precious little distinguished a "real" 76-77 442 from a Cutlass S anyway. Stripes, suspension, and different grill. Heck, according to the dealer brochure, base engine in the 442 was a "spunky 231 V6".
Worse, this was the infamous brochure where Olds couldn't even remember the first year the 442 was made.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
I have to agree with Joe. The 76/77 442's were only offered on Cutlass S platforms. And as noted, the engine offerings were worse than when the 442 was changed to an appearance and handling package in 72. At least in 72 the base engine that could be had with that car would be a 350, but still lacking compared to previous models.
The 76/77 have slightly different grills but other than that they're remarkably similar with identical badging. As noted in Joe's commentary, someone at OLDS didn't do a lot of proof reading. Their 76 Brochure identifies this 76 offering as 75...
Thanks for the clarification! My parents special ordered a 1977 442 that was white with the maroon stripes and interior and a 403. It was our family car until 1985 - the car I learned to drive in. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for those - and have always been impressed at the variety of color combinations available.
I am shocked to learn that the V6 was standard! 😮😮😮
It was a very stylish car, but my dad always complained about the lack of power 😂
I have total of 4 build sheets ( 2 of them found by myself) from mine ( 76'), came from Arlington, TX plant, seems they arent so scarce as on earlier years
My parents special ordered a 1977 442 that was white with the maroon stripes and interior and a 403.
Sounds like a cool car, but to be clear, that's not a "special order". Those were regular production options available to anyone.
When these cars were new, most people ordered them to their taste vs. buying one off the lot. GM offered a myriad of options that could be combined to the buyer's taste. Today there are typically three trim levels and very little ability to customize other than color.
"Special order" meant getting something not normally available to the general public, like getting a 400 motor in a 66 Cutlass (without it being a 442). This was available to police departments but not the general public. You needed a crafty and sympathetic sales rep who knew how to check the right boxes.
As you mentioned, they went down to the dealership and checked the boxes for the options and colors they desired. I remember the wait between the time the car was ordered, and it’s eventual delivery :-)
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Originally Posted by Inline
I have total of 4 build sheets ( 2 of them found by myself) from mine ( 76'), came from Arlington, TX plant
Hey Jouni! You're alive!!! We missed ya.
Originally Posted by joe_padavano
"Special order" meant getting something not normally available to the general public, like getting a 400 motor in a 66 Cutlass (without it being a 442). This was available to police departments but not the general public. You needed a crafty and sympathetic sales rep who knew how to check the right boxes.
Hee hee hee, I knew that would come up.... ]
Originally Posted by Asusport
As you mentioned, they went down to the dealership and checked the boxes for the options and colors they desired. I remember the wait between the time the car was ordered, and it’s eventual delivery
Be really really really glad they didn't wait till 78....when the immensely uglymobile was born...one of Olds' arguably worst offerings EVER.
July 23rd, 2018, 07:12 AM
]
