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The Doctor’s Olds – 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 convertible

This former NHRA National Record holder 1970 4-4-2 W-30 is now a restored-to-stock showpiece

By Thomas A. DeMauro from the November 2017 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines

Mayo had specifically chosen the 4-4-2 convertible instead of the hardtop or post coupe and optioned it to fit into certain NHRA drag racing classes where he felt it would be most competitive. However, having recently bought the 1971 Vista Cruiser Vista Bruiser built by factory-backed racer John “Jack” Troxell, he decided to sell the 4-4-2 for the “best offer over $3,000.”

Ron couldn’t resist the allure of the like-new Porcelain White W-30 Olds with Azure Blue stripes and blue interior, so he contacted Paul and they made plans for what would become one of the greatest test drives ever.

With the cash in his pocket, Ron met Paul on July 28, 1973, and they drove from Exton, Pennsylvania, to the Super Stock Nationals at York US30 Dragway– Paul hauling the Vista Bruiser and Ron following in the W-30 convertible. Ron competed in the 4-4-2, which had a dual-disc clutch setup from Olds, and an M-22 transformed into a “crash-box.” He made it all the way to the semi-finals. Ron bought the 14,000-mile convertible for $2,950 on the spot, and received the original M-21 and a cast-iron intake manifold to run it as a 365-hp 455 from Paul soon thereafter.

continued - https://www.hemmings.com/blog/articl...0-convertible/