Rotisserie Restored Numbers Matching 442 Sport Coupe 400 V8 TH400 Disc Brakes AC

SUMMARY

* Authentic 442 sports coupe
* 1 of only 4,282 442 sports coupes produced for the 1968 model year
* Original 400 cubic inch Rocket V8
* Correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
* Staggered Ridler Hot Rod wheels
* Factory power steering
* 4-wheel power disc brakes
* 12-bolt rear axle / 3.08 gears
* Factory heavy-duty suspension
* Custom fresh air hood

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It's been a banner month for world class Oldsmobiles here at RK Motors Charlotte. Not only did we sell our "awesome Cutlass pro-tourer":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/sold#!/1972-Oldsmobile-Cutlass/135035 we introduced a "sweet Rallye 350":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active#!/1970-Oldsmobile-Rallye-350/135253 and featured a "national award-winning Cutlass 442":http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active#!/1967-Oldsmobile-442/135259 And if you're in the market for a classic Olds, but none of those options moved you, we're now debuting this razor-sharp 442 resto mod. In addition to highly desirable aesthetics, this impressive A-Body mixes an all-Oldsmobile drivetrain with a thorough, ground-up restoration that was completed in June of 2015. If you're looking for an exclusive muscle car that's live, loaded and ready to launch, strap yourself in to this big block rocket!

BODYWORK/TRIM

During its recently completed restoration, this authentic 442 sports coupe, 1 of only 4,282 produced for the 1968 model year, was entirely disassembled and completely stripped of its dull, original pigment. After a bit of hard work, the car's clean body presented itself as an excellent foundation for a slick combination of Ebony Black and Provincial White 2-stage. And today, a close look at our high-resolution photos reveals a handsome payoff in the form of one of the coolest looking muscle cars on the planet!

Unlike most massaged classics, this Olds wasn't entirely stripped of its stainless and ornamentation. Instead, the baubles and bolt-ons were carefully supplemented with a few tweaks that highlight the car's awesome 'coke bottle' profile and intimidating street presence. At the front of that profile, a monochromatic grille hangs a color-keyed “442” emblem between bright headlights, clear parking lamps and a thick chrome bumper. At the top of that grille, a custom fresh air hood leads the eye to tinted glass that's framed in straight stainless and reflected in a polished driver's mirror. At the sides of that hood, factory door handles float between dent-free wheel rings while Rocket marker lamps perfectly complement “442” fender scripts. And at the back of the car, an “OLDSMOBILE” branded decklid hangs a fourth “442” badge and thin rocket logo above silver-trimmed taillights, small reverse lamps, a second thick bumper and trumpeted exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Hoist this Olds' scooped hood and you'll find an original, 400 cubic inch Rocket V8 that's branded with a correct 396026G casting number and matching partial VIN. Professionally rebuilt and fully detailed, that hot V8 is a super-efficient wedge head design that, in factory form, utilizes a proven 455 cranktrain to turn stout 10.5 to 1 compression into 350 horsepower and 440 lb./ft. of stump-pulling torque. Stomp the throttle and a big Rochester Quadrajet mixes juice from new stainless fuel lines with wind that's supplied by a Fire Red, 1970-style air cleaner. At the sides of that carb, correct “C” branded heads ride above factory cast exhaust manifolds. At the back of those heads, a correct points distributor sequences spark through pliable plug wires. Aesthetically, the car's Satin Black fenders and masculine Bronze block look fantastic against their glossy Ebony shell. And the entire engine bay, from its pliable GM hoses and fresh master cylinder to its rebuilt alternator and old school Frigidaire AC compressor, features a clean, mostly correct appearance.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

The bottom of this awesome 442 is completely solid, showing no signs of undue wear or question-inducing battle scars. The aforementioned Rocket 400 fronts a correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed, which displays a requisite 1968 (68) Oldsmobile (OG) assembly stamp. That proven transmission sends power to a stout 12-bolt, which hides moderate, 3.08 gears behind a finned W27 inspection cover. That smooth driveline hangs in a familiar heavy-duty suspension, which has been upgraded with modern, tubular control arms. Power-assisted stops are provided by four red calipers, which squeeze four drilled and slotted rotors. Turns come courtesy of factory power steering. At the center of the car, aluminized pipes funnel spent gases through baritone turbo mufflers. And silver Ridler Hot Rods spin 235/50ZR17 Falken Azenis in front of 235/50R18 Falken Azenis.

INTERIOR

Inside this impressive coupe, you'll find a clean Black interior that's both comfortable and appealing. At the center of the car, stainless-trimmed seats ride on fresh black carpet that's protected by “OLDSMOBILE” branded floor mats. At the sides of those seats, clean door panels center familiar GM armrests in bright chrome handles and straight stainless trim. A warp-free dash hangs factory air conditioning between an old school AM/FM radio and lightly customized telemetry. At the base of that dash, a slim console frames a stylish shifter. In front of the driver, a Sport Steering Wheel laps a bright rocket emblem. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk anchors a fifth Ridler wheel and fifth Falken tire between a small light, a correct jack and a fresh mat.

With sinister aesthetics and a fresh restoration, this fully sorted 442 is a fun classic to cruise in virtually any setting. Factor in the car's numbers-matching engine, and you've got one seriously appealing A-Body. It seems that Oldsmobile enthusiasts, much like their favorite cars, are always one small step ahead of their contemporaries. If you're thinking about adding a rocket to your orbit, don't hesitate; the countdown has begun!