Find It. Build It. Drive It.

The Story

The 1965 Oldsmobile 442 burst onto the muscle car scene as Olds’ answer to the Pontiac GTO, blending luxury with raw power. Named for its 400 cubic inches, four barrel carburetor, and dual exhaust pipes, the 442 packed a 400ci V8 with 345 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, hitting 0-60 in about 5.5 seconds based on a Car & Driver test. Motor Trend called it a “gentleman’s hot rod,” outpacing the Chevy Chevelle SS (325 hp) and rivaling the GTO (360 hp) in straight-line grunt. Oldsmobile built just 25,003 442s in 1965, a fraction of the 75,352 GTOs, making it a distinctive force on the street.

This 442 was built in the 4th week of May 1965 and it rolled off the Fremont, CA factory line with Burgundy Mist paint, red interior, and loaded with options. The 400ci V8 ran its power through an optional two speed Super Turbine 300 automatic transmission and a posi-traction rear differential with 3.23:1 gears, according to code "SF" stamped on the axle tube. It was delivered new to Williams Oldsmobile Co. in Brawley, CA and was sold on June 9th 1965 to its original owner, who lived in El Centro, CA.

The seller purchased the 442 in 2013 from a gentleman in New Mexico, complete with original owner documents and the protect-o-plate. The seller owned a similar 442 in high school and bought it with restoration dreams, only to snag a running example later. It has been stored in the seller’s barn and untouched since it last ran. It’s a project with a solid foundation and offers a prime chance to restore an Oldsmobile muscle car icon.

The seller holds a clean New Mexico title in the previous owner's name. There is a reserve that will need to be met in order for it to sell.