What does the 4-4-2 stand for in oldsmobile cutlass 442?
1964 (Original meaning) 4: Four Barrel Carburetion 4: Four On the Floor 2: Dual Exhausts 1965 (First year of automatic and three speed manual transmission option on 442) 4: 400 Cubic Inch Displacement 4: Four Barrel Carburetion 2: Dual Exhaust 1966 (First and only year with multiple carburetor option L69) 4: 400 4: Nothing, Tri Carb L69 was an option above the 4 bbl quadrajet. 2: Dual Exhaust 1967 (First year a 2bbl was available) 4: 400 engine 4: Nothing, 2bbl Turnpike Cruiser option available 2: Dual Exhaust 1968-71 Official name of car was 442 1972 Reverts to option package W29, but with no connection to the numerals 442.
The 442 package was offered for any Oldsmobile F-85 or Cutlass model (except the station wagon) in 1964 to compete with the Pontiac GTO. The first 442 package used the 330 cu. in. engine with a four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and dual exhaust. It was technically the “B09 Police Apprehender” option. Although we associate the 442 with the Cutlass two-door hardtop, ten four-door sedans were built with the B09 option. The 442 became a separate model in 1968.
