General Motors had a funny rule limiting cubic-inches on particular platforms. That meant cars like the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 were limited to 400cid. The 455-powered Hurst/Olds was an awesome way around the edict, but it was pricey. Things fell into place when GM removed the edict and the 1970 4-4-2 came equipped with the 455 standard.
Rated at 365 horsepower, the standard 4-4-2 was a strong-performing vehicle. But those who wished to go faster could order the W30 package, which included a bigger cam and other hi-po bits, W25 fiberglass hood, red plastic fender wells, and wide side stripes. When a four-speed was opted, the cam was so radical that there was not enough vacuum for power brakes.
The 1970 4-4-2 W30 arguably is the high point of high-performance Oldsmobiles of the era. This one featured in the below Muscle Car Campy video is typical of the era due to its Burnished Gold hue, though no four-speed W30 is typical otherwise. Note the Custom Sport steering wheel – arguably the best of the era of any American manufacturer – as well as the Rocket Rally Pac that features the difficult-to-read “tick-tock-tach” with integrated clock. Everything else on this Olds exudes class in addition to sportiness and power.
If you enjoy this video, be sure to check out other Muscle Car Campy segments.
I had one. Same color with lighter gold stripes, gold interior, speed console with 3.90 posi. I could start off in 3rd gear no problem in town. People who rode in it would say I thought this was a 4 speed. Lots of torture for sure.
Yes oldsmobile was a great Company and never understood why GM got rid of them. In 57 the J2 was banded from racing because Ford and Dodge didn’t have anything to compete against j2! Believe me I know because I owned one in 64 and 65 and no brake torque just pedal to the metal and 100 mph in the quarter mile! Another fact was a friend of mine had a Red 442 4 spd and nothing beat him all 6 packs 426 hemis and one night he put his slickes on and he beat a 427 425 HP Corvette all the others he ran them with his street tires, back then we call them bicycle tires because that’s what they looked like Michelins. a