Rare Muscle Car: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 with a Powerful 455 V8

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Lou CostabileYouTube
Lou Costabile/YouTube

The Oldsmobile 442, a legendary muscle car, emerged in the mid-1960s, riding the wave of high-performance enthusiasm ignited by the Pontiac GTO. Initially an option package for the Cutlass and F-85, the 442 quickly gained standalone status, offering potent engines and stylish aesthetics.

Among the most coveted 442 variants is the W30, a rare and highly sought-after package introduced in 1966. With its distinctive air induction system, hotter camshaft, and trunk-mounted battery, the W30 delivered impressive performance, though its true power output might have exceeded the advertised 360 horsepower.

(Lou CostabileYouTube)
Rare Muscle Car: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 with a Powerful 455 V8 (Lou Costabile/YouTube)

Despite its potential, the W30 remained a niche choice, with production numbers peaking at just over 3,000 units in 1970.

The particular 1970 442 W30 featured here, a stunning Astro Blue Holiday Coupe with an automatic transmission, is an exceptionally rare find, representing a time when American muscle cars were at their zenith.

The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30, a significant departure from its 1966 predecessor, boasted a larger 455-cubic-inch V8 engine.

This powerplant upgrade was a direct response to GM’s decision to lift the engine size restrictions for midsize cars in 1970. While the standard 455 generated 365 horsepower, the W30 variant pushed out an additional 5 horses, delivering a total of 370 horsepower.

Lou CostabileYouTube0
Rare Muscle Car: 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 with a Powerful 455 V8 (Lou Costabile/YouTube)

Though it may not have matched the raw power of Chevy’s LS6 or Chrysler’s HEMI, the 455’s substantial 500 pound-feet of torque ensured impressive performance. In the hands of a skilled driver, this muscle car could easily conquer the quarter-mile in under 15 seconds.

This particular 1970 442 W30, though primarily a garage queen, is a well documented and authentic example, complete with its original numbers-matching 455 V8 engine. The current owner, who has cherished the vehicle since 2002, can attest to its legitimacy.

Dana Phio

By Dana Phio

From the sound of engines to the spin of wheels, I love the excitement of driving. I really enjoy cars and bikes, and I'm here to share that passion. Daxstreet helps me keep going, connecting me with people who feel the same way. It's like finding friends for life.

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