1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442

Basic Information and History

A 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass imported from the USA has had a fascinating journey over the years. The car was originally purchased in Chicago in 1986 by Tord, a Swedish engineer working for ASEA on the electrification of U.S. railways. Tord paid $17,000 for the car and brought it back to Sweden when he moved back in 1991.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, the car changed hands several times but was carefully restored in 2014 with a new paint job and engine refurbishment. Since 2015, the car has had only a few owners, with two of them over the past six years.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, built on the popular GM G-body platform, shares its foundation with models such as the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Buick Grand National/GNX. The Oldsmobile 442 is an icon among muscle cars, originally launched in 1964. The model's name, "4-4-2," stands for four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission (originally manual), and dual exhaust system. This car model is known for its sporty appearance and powerful performance, making it one of the most beloved muscle cars of all time.

Condition

The body is in good condition without any dents or serious scratches. There is some rust on the right rear fender and around the sunroof frame, but the paint, which is original from 2014/15, is still very nice with a high gloss, indicating thorough preparation work. The windows, chrome, and trim are also in good condition.

The sought-after chrome Five Spoke wheels with gold accents are still on the car, though with some surface rust. The tires have about 5 mm of tread depth remaining. The interior is in very fine condition, with a fresh and intact headliner.

Although the AC is currently not working, a brand new original compressor and filter are included with the car. Some electrical functions, such as the power seat, cruise control, and instrument lighting, sometimes glitch. The engine, an Oldsmobile 307 Cu In High Output (HO) with a roller camshaft, is in very good condition. It has low fuel and oil consumption, does not smoke, and makes no unusual noises. The carburetor has been professionally tuned.

The transmission, a four-speed automatic TH200-RH with overdrive and lock-up, as well as the drivetrain, is in fine condition. The car has front disc brakes that, according to the seller, work well.

Service History

The car has received regular service and maintenance over the past few years. The oil and filter were changed within the last year, and the car has only been driven 250 miles in two years. In 2022, a new windshield washer pump was installed. The year before, in 2021, the car received new drive belts, a new battery, new sway bar links and bushings, as well as rear shock absorbers.

In 2020, a new oil pressure gauge and sensor were installed, and the carburetor (Rochester) underwent a professional renovation. The car comes with some general documentation and several workshop manuals. It was last inspected in August 2023, and some inspection reports are available.

Summary

The car is in very good original condition and preserved almost exactly as it was when it was launched in the 1980s. It represents a time when muscle cars were making their last stand, and the Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, along with other models built on the GM G-body platform like the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Buick Grand National/GNX, was one of the last truly powerful cars from that era.

With its V8 engine, four-speed transmission, and limited-slip rear axle, the car was an example of High Performance of its time. The standard equipment included a tachometer and several gauges, enhancing its sporty character.

The first owner, Tord from ASEA in Västerås, paid $17,000 when he bought the car new in Chicago. The Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 is an icon among muscle cars, originally launched as early as 1964. The name "4-4-2" stands for four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission (originally manual), and dual exhaust system. This model has become legendary and is one of the most beloved muscle cars of all time.