Following the overwhelming success of Pontiac’s creation of what has become known as the original muscle car, the GTO, most every other automotive manufacturer followed suit with comparable versions. Buick had the Grand Sport and later GSX, Ford produced a variety of combinations using the Mustang and Cougar, and Chevrolet used the Camaro, Chevelle, and Nova. Even Studebaker and AMC got into the act by dropping more horsepower into lighter cars. Oldsmobile’s creation of the Cutlass 442 proved to be a most worthy competitor on the street and strip as it combined the mid-sized platform with a variety of torque power plants, including the potent 455.

The 442 became a true model on the Olds lineup in 1964. Although the 4-4-2 designation originally stood for four-barrel, four-speed, and dual exhaust, later models could be had with an automatic transmission. Always translating to performance, the 442 offered more luxury than most other GM muscle cars of the day, plus “full-sized” styling. The W-30 option embodied the peak of performance. It included a balanced and blueprinted 455 with a hotter cam, performance carburetor, low-restriction exhaust, and the Force Air induction system, which utilized two prominent scoops on the lightweight fiberglass hood. In an attempt to cut weight and improve performance, the W-30 package included less sound insulation.

In 1970, the W30 was the highest horsepower motor one could order, producing some 370 horses off the line. The ponies would decline starting the next year, making this one of the most, if not the most, important Oldsmobiles of the muscle car era.

Presented here is possibly the most rare 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30s in existence. It is known to be the only one manufactured by General Motors with paint code 46, Ming Jade Green. Ming Jade Green was a color specific only to the Toronado model. Historical research shows the car to have exceedingly low miles as shown on the odometer. In addition to the importance of being a one-off musclecar, the window sticker shows a myriad of highly desirable options that include the AM/FM Stereophonic pushbutton radio, Four-Season air conditioning, power windows, power front disc brakes, Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, Sports Console with Hurst dual gate shifter, interior hood lock, custom sport steering wheel, Vari-Ratio power steering, Rocket Rally Pac and much more. Copies of the original window sticker, Protect-O-Plate and dealer invoice are available upon request. The base price on this model was $3,376.00. With all factory installed options and charges the final price was a whopping $5,442.00.This is clearly a very well equipped, very desirable and rare Oldsmobile that can be used to measure the quality and worth of its peers.