1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

(Second Generation)

The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 is a second generation model that raised the bar in the muscle car horsepower race of the day. With the W30 package it was the ultimate high-performance Oldsmobile. The W30 package included the 455 CID V8, delivering 370 horsepower. It also offered Forced-Air induction, a special air cleaner, aluminum intake manifold, fiberglass hood, body-side paint stripes, lightweight body insulation, manual front disc brakes, raised white letter tires and W30 emblems. With refreshed styling and all that power, the 1970 442 was selected to pace the Indianapolis 500 that year. The “W Machines” appeared in advertising that featured a high performance “mad scientist” in a white lab coat – Dr. Oldsmobile. Only 1,542 Oldsmobile 442s with the W30 package and automatic transmission were built.

• Engine: 455 CID V8, 370 horsepower
• Price: $3745

Specification	Standard 442	W-30 Optional Package
Engine	455 CID V8	455 CID V8 (blueprinted, higher compression)
Power	365 hp	370 hp
Torque	500 lb-ft	500 lb-ft
Key Upgrades	—	Fiberglass hood, aluminum intake, special cam, heads, induction
Rear Axle (typical)	Varies—2.56/3.23/3.42 offered	Typically 3.42; 3.91 optional
Production (total)	~19,330 units	~3,100 estimated W-30 units

1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

Design & Styling

• The 1970 model received a refreshed look featuring a chrome grille with vertical bars, rectangular front bumper parking lights, and vertical taillights
• Available body styles included:
  • • Holiday Hardtop Coupe (~14,709 units)
    • Convertible (~2,933 units)
    • Sports Coupe (~1,688 units)
    • Total production: ~19,330 units

Engine & Performance

• Following GM’s mid–1970 allowance of >400 CID engines in mid-size cars, Oldsmobile made the 455 CID V8 the standard engine for the Cutlass 442, delivering 365 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque
• The top-tier W-30 (Ram Air) package boosted output to 370 hp, thanks to components such as a fiberglass hood (option W25) with functional scoops, aluminum intake manifold, special camshaft and heads, and low-restriction induction
• Performance benchmarks:
  • • 0–60 mph: ~6.6 s
    • Quarter-mile: ~14.8 s at 95 mph (standard); mid-14s with W-30