In the late 1980’s, as Oldsmobile struggled to create a positive brand identity, it launched an ill-fated ad campaign featuring the tag line “Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile.” The idea was to say Oldsmobile was no stodgy car company. The campaign did not work and by early this century, Oldsmobile had faded away. Maybe things would have been different if Oldsmobile had produced more cars in line with the 442.
The 1970 version pictured above was seen on the Glen Rose square on the 4th of July. What is going on in Glen Rose, by the way? That is a sweet Porsche parked next to the 442 and barely visible behind the Porsche are two great Harleys. Apparently, horsepower means a couple of things in Somervell county.
Anyway, the “442” badging originally stood for “four barrel carburetor, four speed transmission and dual exhausts.” 442’s began life as a Cutlass option package, but became a stand-alone model from 1968 to 1971. The car had plenty of performance chops, was big enough to squire a group around and was down right sexy. This particular version was immaculate. Unfortunately, I could not find the owner to get the back story, but somebody had given it plenty of love.
Anyway, if that had been my father’s Oldsmobile, I would have taken it in a heart beat.
