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.
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