Oldsmobile Series 442 Fourth Generation 1978–1980
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1978–1980 |
| Assembly | Lansing, Michigan Framingham, Massachusetts Arlington, Texas Kansas City, Kansas Fremont, California Linden, New Jersey |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | A-body |
| Related | Chevrolet Malibu Chevrolet Monte Carlo Pontiac LeMans Pontiac Grand Prix Pontiac Grand Am Oldsmobile Cutlass Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Buick Century Buick Regal |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.8L V6 305 cu in (5.0 L) V8 260 cu in (4.3 L) V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
Another limited-edition 4-4-2 model was offered from 1978 through 1980 on the downsized A-body Cutlass introduced for the 1978 model year.
Engines varied from a base 3.8L V6 to a 305 4bbl. There was no 350 available to any 4-4-2 offered in 1978 or 1979. A special-edition Hurst/Olds was also offered in 1979.
The 1978–9 version of the 4-4-2 was an option package on the semi-fastback "Aeroback" Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon, which was the lower-trim version of the best-selling Cutlass model range. It was offered with all powertrains available, including the 231 c.i.d., 2V V6, the 260 c.i.d. 2V V8, and 305 c.i.d. 2V (1978) or 4V (1979) V8s. Transmissions offered were 3-spd automatic with all engines, 5 spd manual with the 260 V8 and a 4 spd Saginaw manual with the 305 V8.
Distinctive trim elements included contrasting striping along the rocker panels and lower doors, over both wheel wells, badging on the rear trunk, and interior emblems. All other options offered on the Cutlass Salon were available with the 4-4-2 option package.
1979
The 1979 4-4-2 is based on the Cutlass Salon body style. The Hurst Olds H/O was offered again and was the only GM intermediate to have a 350ci. engine. Oldsmobile 350 CID V8.
1980
The 4-4-2 model moved to the notchback Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais to return to its roots as a performance car as it had a larger 350 V8 engine not available on other Cutlass models. It included W-30 badging on the front fenders above the side marker lights, with less dramatic graphics. Otherwise, the cars shared identical powertrain,(minus the Hurst Shifter), with the '79 H/O. Also available only in gold over white or gold over black paint, a total of 886 were built, 540 in Black, and 346 in White. The MSRP of a Cutlass Calais in 1980 was $6,919.57. Option W-30 4-4-2 Appearance and Handling Package cost $1,255.12. This package consisted of: Gold Accent Paint Scheme (Y71), Painted Grille Face, Applique Pillar Molding, Aluminum Sport Wheels, "W-30" Decals on Front Fender, Tail Lamp Bezel and Rear Window Molding to Match Body Color, "442" Emblem on Sail Panel and Deck Lid, Engine 5.7 Liter (350 CID) V8, 4-bbl (L34), Sport Console (D55), Rallye Suspension Package (FE2), Tires P205/70R14 Steel Belted Radial Ply Blackwall with Raised White Letters (QFV) and Digital Clock (UE8). The W-30 4-4-2 option was not available in California.
A sample of included options: Interior color: Camel Tan with both fabric and/or vinyl,as well as White Vinyl,(Black could be ordered for Black/Gold cars), Custom Steering Wheel (NK3), Tilt Column (N33), Gauge cluster, AM/FM 8-Track Radio (UM2), Cruise Control (K30), Delay Winshield Wipers (CD4), Tempmatic Air Conditioning (C65), Dual Remote Mirrors, 442 Door Panel Emblems, Rear Window Defogger, 6-Way Power Left Bucket Seat (AC3). The 350,(Vin "R", engine code tag "AR"), 3A heads, 4-bbl M4MC Rochester Carb, 8.5:1 compression, 170 hp@3800 and 275 torque@2000. Turbo-Hydromatic 350 Transmission (Code "LJ", special W-30 application). Code "AB" non-locking 2.73 rear axle. A cross-flow muffler gives a "factory" dual exhaust appearance.
The 4-4-2 option was not available 1981–1984, but the Hurst/Olds returned for 1983 and 1984.