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1968 Oldsmobile 442 There are those who claim that it was Oldsmobile that created the first muscle car when it stuffed its hot new fullsize Rocket V8 into its midsize model to create the Olds 88 and Super 88 series back in 1949. But it wasn't until 1964 that Oldsmobile would return to the concept, encouraged by the success of the Pontiac GTO. Oldsmobile was the first GM division to follow Pontiac's lead, and began to offer fullsize muscle in its midsize Cutlass model. The package included the top engine available from Oldsmobile, a 330 cid V8 with the police package. It was named the 4-4-2 package, originally signifying the engine's 4 barrel carb, 4 speed manual transmission, and dual (2) exhausts. Although the specifications would change through the years, the name stuck. Although never the fastest or the best seller of the GM A-bodies, the 4-4-2 was known for its balanced performance, exceptional handling and the "W" and Hurst editions that would come out in later years. 1968 would prove to be a dramatic year for the 4-4-2. For the first time, the 4-4-2 became its own model, still based on the Oldsmobile A-body midsize platform. The big news for enthusiasts was the introduction of the Hurst/Olds. The prototype had been designed as a one-off by Jack "Doc" Watson for his boss George Hurst, the designer of the Jaws of Life and the most respected name in transmissions. Watson took a 4-4-2 and dropped in the 455 cid V8 from the Oldsmobile Toronado. Encouraged by the success of the transplant, Jack Watson was able to convince Oldsmobile executives to authorize a limited run of Hurst/Olds. All Hurst/Olds featured Force Air systems and Turbo Hydromatics with Hurst Dual-Gate shifters and came in only one color combination, Peruvian Silver with Black accent stripes and rear-deck panel. Only 515 were produced for 1968, and they are highly prized today. Engines: (L66) 400 V8 290bhp@4600rpm, 425lb-ft@2400bhp. 400 V8 350bhp@5000rpm (325bhp@5000rpm w/ automatic transmission), 440lb-ft@3600rpm. (W-30) 400 V8 360bhp@5400rpm, 440lb-ft@3600rpm. (Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 390bhp@5000rpm, 500lb-ft@3200rpm. Performance: (Hurst/Olds) 455/390: 0-60 in 5.4 sec, 1/4 mile in 13.9 sec @ 103mph. |
