1969 Hurst/ Olds 4-4-2
Built to compete with the Pontiac’s GTO
Oldsmobile’s first High Performance car since the Rocket 88 of the 1950’s
4-4-2 references the car’s four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts despite available auto transmissions
The Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Coupe is an often-overlooked muscle car first introduced as an option package for their midsized 1964 Olds Cutlass and F-85 models. The name 4-4-2 originally referenced the car’s four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts but in later years the badge was to highlight its 400 cubic inch or larger engine. Built in limited numbers to provide competition with offerings from GM’s other divisions, it was the car that obtained a critical Hurst Performance partnership in 1968 as a unique Oldsmobile model utilizing special engine and transmission equipment, air scoops, and graphics.
There were a variety of engines and feature options for the standard 442s including the base 350ci, the mid-range 400ci, and the powerful Hurst/Olds 455ci as equipped with this Oldsmobile. 0-60mph could be achieved in under 6 seconds with its special W-46 performance option package.
The sleek 4-4-2 had the looks to match its very credible performance and new styling arrived in 1968 and carried over to ’69. To show off its muscular powerplant the Hurst/Olds received a functional “mailbox” fiberglass hood scoop with H/O 455 on each side and a special white with gold stripe paint scheme. Production numbers for the Hurst/Olds reached 390 units in 1969.
In subsequent years, the 455 cubic inch engine would be the standard powerplant up until emissions and fuel economy were to limit performance offerings for 1973. The 442 as a model survived until 1980 and later revived in 1985 but never achieved the performance of the late 60’s offerings.
Specifications:
Engine: OHV V8 455 cubic inch
Horsepower: 380 bhp at 5,000 RPM
Torque: 500 ft-lbs. at 3,400 RPM
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Performance: 0-60mph 5.9 seconds, ¼ mile 14.03 sec