Pontiac’s ad man Jim Wangers and division manager John DeLorean are credited with creating the muscle car and subverting General Motors’ dictum against big engines in small cars by creating a large-engine option for the intermediate Tempest. At the time, GM policy forbade the use of engines larger than 330 cubic inches in intermediate-size bodies. The immediate success of Pontiac’s 1964 GTO option laid waste to the policy, and the sister divisions rushed to ready their own muscle machines.

Oldsmobile was first to respond, making their F-85 police package available to the public. It had a four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts, so the marketing mavens christened it “4-4-2.” The engine was the same 330, but the modifications raised brake horsepower from 230 to 310. For 1965, Olds, too, was ready to break the rules, with a 400-cubic inch engine. An automatic transmission was now available, so “4-4-2” was redefined as “400 cubic inches, four-barrel carb, and dual exhausts.” Horsepower was now 345, and three-speed manual transmissions were also offered, the standard unit having a column shift and the heavy-duty three-speed a Hurst floor shifter.

This stunning red Cutlass 4-4-2 Convertible was purchased by the current owner in 2012. It had been restored about five years earlier, with the quality of the work reflected in a number of show trophies, but the new owner took it further. Careful examination by 4-4-2 enthusiast Bob Langtry established that, despite the lack of a build sheet or a Protect-O-Plate, it was to the best of his knowledge a genuine 4-4-2 with a matching-numbers original engine and other significant telltale features.

Though the car ran well, the owner decided to undertake a full engine rebuild to dispel any concerns. The Cutlass has covered just 500 break-in miles since its completion. Further detail work included electrical work and refurbishment or replacement of all trim, including the custom casting of a new rear trim panel, which is unique to the 4-4-2. The black vinyl upholstery was in excellent condition, but the underpinnings of the seats had suffered, so they were taken apart and rebuilt from the inside out. A correct Magnaflow exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers was installed. New red-line radial tires were fitted. The transmission is the original two-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic, a new option for 1965. Mileage shown is barely 61,000, believed correct.

The black vinyl top, rear window, and boot are in excellent condition. The car has the wire-type wheel covers with two-bar spinners, all of which have been carefully rebuilt. A set of regular Olds hubcaps is included for use in touring. The undercarriage and luggage compartment are similarly clean and correct. Other equipment includes power steering, power brakes, an AM radio with correct antenna, remote outside mirror, and a car cover.

The car is accompanied by a set of original manuals, brochures, and handbook, as well as invoices for work done under previous ownership and for the current owner’s engine and detail work. This must be one of the nicest and most authentic 4-4-2s available in today’s marketplace.