In most publications it is clear that Cutlass 442's were built in the GM Lansing plant. This is identified by a 'M' in the VIN number. However, I have found a 1968 442 which has an E in the VIN. VIN reads 34467E. 'E' indicates Linden, NJ. research tells me that GM typically had a main plant and then would send 'kits' to other plants for regional production. Anyone have an insight into this?

 

i believe they did. Fremont "Z", Linden "E", Oshawa "?" assembled 442's
Lansing "M" built 442's and the plant that built the W-cars

 

Yes they built 442's in Linden. The only series car that was a Lansing exclusive was the 98.

 

Framingham plant (Code "G") built 442 cars as well.

 

My 1970 442 was built in Linden, NJ

 

And the Toro.

 

I don't know what "most" publications are, but the only ones that matter are factory documents like the Chassis Service Manual. The CSM very clearly spells out which factories built which model lines in a given year (and it changed from year to year). Oldsmobile built cars at Lansing, Framingham, Doraville, Linden, Arlington, South Gate, Fairfax, Fremont, and Oshawa, among others. Not every model line was built in every plant. The VIN clearly notes which plant produced the car. These were not "kits", the plants had a full Fisher Body line and built the cars from delivered pieces, just like Lansing.

 

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