OLDSMOBILE 442 CONVERTIBLE

In 1970, Oldsmobile produced what would be the ultimate iteration of the 442 model. In response to new regulations, the company made its mighty 455-cubic-inch V-8 standard. This gargantuan engine produced 365 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, more than enough to take on competitors in the American muscle-car war. Checking off the “W-30” option on the build sheet brought even more power by adding a performance-calibrated, four-barrel carburetor, improved air induction, a hotter camshaft, and a low-restriction exhaust system. Total claimed output for the 442 W-30 was a heady 370 horsepower.

To put all that power to the pavement and keep the chassis in check, the W-30 package included a close-ratio, four-speed manual transmission with 3.08:1 final drive ratio, an Anti-Spin rear axle, front disc brakes, sway bars fore and aft, and meaty, white-letter tires on 14-inch wheels. A fiberglass hood was also part of the W-30 package; it saved 18 pounds over the standard steel version and featured dual air intakes. Meanwhile, an aluminum intake manifold, differential carrier, and cover, plastic inner fender liners, and less sound-deadening material further reduced weight.