4-4-2 Trivia Questions of the Week:  1. What did ‘4-4-2’ stand for when the option was introduced in the 1964 model year? What did it stand for in the 1966 model year?  2. What is the connection between a former truck manufacturer; a rock band and Oldsmobile?  3.  Which of the following pop songs was NOT a Billboard top hit on the 1966 pop charts?  A. Let It Be (the Beatles); B. Good Vibrations (The Beach Boys); C. These Boots Are Made For Walking (Nancy Sinatra); D. Strangers in The Night (Frank Sinatra) or E. Let It Be (The Beatles).  4. What was 'The Palomares Incident' which occurred on January 17, 1966 over the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain?  5. The cost of the average new home in 1966 was, A. $8,000.00; B. $14,000.00; C. $20,000.00 or D. $40,000.00?  6. Okay, while we're at it, what was the average annual income in 1966?  Was it A. $2,080.00; B. $6,004.00; C. 9,800.00 or D. 11,500.00?  7. Who sang the 1966 pop hit 'Summer in The City'?  8. What major American sports venue was built in 1966?          

 For answers to this week's 4-4-2 trivia Questions, visit the FIN MAN's web site at http://www.thefinman.com.  You can reach The FIN MAN via e-mail by clicking on the following link: mailto://the_fin_man@msn.com.

 

FIN MAN fan Thomas Gates writes: “Hi Bruce: I’m a fellow car nut and reader of your column. Out of all the cars I’ve had, two stand out with me: a 1959 white Impala convertible, red interior and, more importantly, a 1966 Olds 442, 4 spd, silver convertible with wire wheels. It seems to me that the 442 is a bit of rare car. I’ve seen many GTO’s but very few 442’s over the years. I paid $3,400 for it from Carlson Olds on Lindbergh in 1966. It was a great fun car and, I think, a bit unusual based on the number of them I’ve seen. Wonder what it would go for today at Barrett-Jackson?? Anyway, thought you might consider doing a column on this model sometime. Thanks, Tom.”
Tom, I’m delighted to answer your call for a story about the 1966 Cutlass 4-4-2... one of my all time favorite Oldsmobiles and third in a series of legendary Oldsmobile compact/intermediate muscle cars.

I was in my first year of college when the 1966 Oldsmobiles were introduced in the fall of 1965. Olds marketing and engineers had been tweaking their compact entry into the muscle-car field since the F-85, Oldsmobiles first-ever compact car, was introduced for the 1961 model year. Faithful readers Larry Kenetski and Mark McKee can tell you... the FIN MAN was ‘raised up’ around Oldsmobiles– my father having owned them far as long as I can remember. But it was in the mid-sixties that he was beginning his transition from service station proprietor to Oldsmobile salesman at a trio of local dealerships, or ‘agencies’ as they were popularly referred to back in ‘the day’.

Tom, one of the reasons you don’t see as many 4-4-2s around as you do GTOs is because Olds marketing gurus took a different approach in marketing Olds’ intermediate hot rod... one that would cost them sales in these developing years, but that would soon change.

 The ‘4-4-2’ title was actually a ‘performance option package’ available on any of the three F-85 sub series– Standard, Deluxe and Cutlass. By its third year, the 4-4-2 ‘package’ was taking aim at Olds’ nearest competitor in the field, the wildly popular Pontiac GTO, which was already established as a stand alone model. The 4-4-2- package was still considered an ‘option’ and not a full-fledged model in its own right, although many considered it to be just that. Consumers weren’t quite sure just what the ‘4-4-2’ was all about as the sales associates were actually selling them an F-85.  Bottom line was, Pontiac sold 96,946 GTOs for the 1966 model year compared to just 21,997 F-85s with the 4-4-2 performance option. Value wise, you can make a case for either the GTO as being the most popular of the ‘up-scale’ GM intermediate performance cars (not counting Chevelles which were in their own little world), OR one could say that, due to the low production numbers, the 4-4-2s would be the most desirable choice for the collector.

Both cars have garnered sizeable numbers at the big auctions, such as Barrett-Jackson, as well as on the private collectible car marketplace. When it comes down to it, the choice is usually a matter of which make is more dear to the person writing the check.

 Oldsmobile offered a wide variety of colors for 1966... twenty in all, but some were model-specific.  The showroom selector chart consisted of, Nocturne Mist (a deep, charcoal metallic); Burgundy Mist; Provincial White; Target Red (lipstick red, like the car featured above); Lucerne Mist (a medium blue metallic); Champagne Mist (fawn beige metallic); Royal Mist (midnight blue metallic); Sierra Mist (medium tan metallic); Trumpet Gold (a rich, metallic gold, only available on Toronados); Dubonnet (a deep, metallic burgundy); Laurel Mist (medium silver metallic); Almond Beige; Forest Mist; Silver Mist; Ocean Mist (light blue/green metallic); Porcelain White (a stark, ‘appliance white’ only available on Toronados); Tropic Turquoise (deep blue/green metallic); Frost Green (a pastel, mossy green metallic); Autumn Bronze (a rich, red metallic shade) and Ebony Black.

 Of the four, intermediate muscle cars for 1966, Chevelle SS was the price leader, GTO the straight-away fastest of the bunch and both Buick Skylark and Olds 4-4-2 filled the need for speed, but accomplished impressive 0-60 and quarter mile times while providing a higher level of creature comfort.  Heavy duty suspension enabled the premium Buick and Oldsmobile models to corner with confidence, but with a general feeling of refinement compared to their lesser siblings.  The performance issue was often a huge topic of discussion among GM intermediate owners, as all were competent performers.  Often a bit of tweaking on the part of the more mechanically inclined drivers, could mean the difference between winning or loosing a stoplight jump or Hall Street challenge.

 Styling, in my opinion, was extraordinary, in a reserved sense, on this second generation F-85.  Stylists used a commendable portion of restraint when it came to application of bright work and superfluous trim and the body lines were clean and simple yet elegant.  Little distinguished the 4-4-2 from its less muscular siblings, save a few of those nicely styled 4-4-2 badges trimmed in a hot, tri-color combo of yellow, orange and red.  These modest reminders of what lie beneath the hood could be found floating in the grill, on both sides, the rear deck and on the doors and instrument panel.  Rear wheel openings mimicked the larger Dynamic and Delta 88s and also the Starfire... a style which invoked a sportier, performance look.

 Comfort and convenience features were many as Oldsmobile buyers had come to expect.  Some of the more popular included power steering ($94.00); power brakes ($41.00); air conditioning ($343.00); tinted windows ($30.00); power seat ($69.00); power trunk release ($12.00); head rests ($52.00); vinyl roof covering ($74.00); Sports console ($68.00); cruise control ($41.00)’ tilt steering column ($41.00); electric clock ($15.00); AM radio ($64.00); AM/FM radio ($147.00); power antenna ($29.00); power door locks ($68.00) and a rear defroster for $23.00.

 In the performance department, the 4-4-2 package was a relative bargain, priced at just $152.00... or about a grand in ‘09 dollars... roughly the cost of a leather-dressed interior or a decent set of rims.   Included in the price was the special, 400 cubic inch V-8 which produced 350 horsepower; heavy-duty chassis and suspension and the aforementioned special badging.  A three-speed, synchromesh transmission with column-mounted shifter was standard, however, few were built in this configuration.  By far most buyers opted for the floor-mounted shifter for an additional $84.00, and more yet, bought the four-speed manual with Hurst shifter (in close or wide ratio gearing) for $184.00 or the HydraMatic for $230.00.   

 Even more exciting was the introduction of a triple carb option and the 'W-30' package, both of which were introduced with little fanfare or celebration.  The tri-power carb set up was available as a stand-alone option, and Olds engineers didn't just drop three carbs on the deck, but followed through with due diligence performing the necessary internal mods to go with the six pack.  The W-30 package included the aforementioned engine, plus a ram-air system with intakes inconspicuously concealed within the front bumper.  The net result of all this was a 10 horsepower bonus, putting the final figure at 360 BHP.  That may not sound like a huge increase, but it may have been just enough to beat out your buddy's Chevelle or your shop teacher's 'goat'.  Introduction of the W-30 package upped the ante with 4-4-2's competition and the next generation 4-4-2s, starting with the 1968 models, would see a coming out of the ram-air intake system, leading to prominent, functional, full-length dual hood scoops.

 According to the Old Cars Price Guide, a squeaky-clean, guaranteed trophy winning, number one Cutlass with the 4-4-2 option should set you back around 27g’s for a 2-door post; 31 for a 2-door hardtop and 39 for a drop top. A similar range of body styles in GTO fashion is listed at 49; 50 and 61 thousand dollars respectively. To all those figures (for the Olds and Pontiac), add 30% for the tri-power equipped cars.  It would seem that the GTO has a decided edge when it comes to collectible appreciation. (Just goes to show you what a song by Ronny and The Daytonas can do for ya!)  However, ("and there's always a however in life" [phrase provided courtesy Frank O'Pinion and the Large Morning Show, on in The Afternoon.  Yes, I'm AM in the PM]) IF you are lucky enough to find yourself a W-30 equipped '66 Cutlass 4-4-2... AND if you have the extra pocket change (are you sitting down?), it should, on average, cost you an EXTRA 90% for the privilege of ownership!!!  (Let's see honey, remember that little Cutlass convertible I was telling you about?  Well, it looks like it's going to cost us around $75,000.00!) 

 The automotive press was enamored with the compact hot rod from Olds.  And, while it may not have been the fastest of the fast, it received rave reviews, from fans and critics alike, for its refinement and for being a most 'balanced' muscle car... sacrificing little in order to accomplish its goals. 

 Little GTO, you may be ‘lookin’ fine’, and Pontiac may have been known for building excitement, but make mine a well balanced 4-4-2 please. (Just one man’s preference.)

 There are a host of fine Oldsmobile clubs out there just waiting for new members.  Whether you own an Olds or not, most of these clubs will gladly accept your membership fee.  They are a great way to learn more about your favorite automotive marques.  The local chapter of the Oldsmobile Club of America is the Archway Oldsmobile Club.  They're a great bunch of folks (I've partied with them), with some really great O-Mobiles.

 TOYS ARE PLENTIFUL AND RELATIVELY CHEAP:  On a much lesser degree, collecting scale model cars can provide the same thrill as collecting the real thing.  And, in today's economy, the scale model replicas are all that many car nuts can afford.  There are many examples of scale model Oldsmobile Cutlasses and 4-4-2s on the market today.  While many are out of production, a large list still exists for these popular muscle cars, and it seems new ones are always popping up from time to time.  The larger, 1/18th scale has become the leading collectible size for many enthusiasts, offering a high degree of detail at a reasonable price.  As with anything else, the quality varies widely from brand to brand.  For a great education on the hobby, visit Designs In Motion in Chesterfield, Missouri.  There owner Greg White has a huge display of die-cast cars, most of which you will never see on the shelf of the average 'toy' store.  He can also give you a quick primer on what to look for in a die-cast cars, demonstrating just what the differences are between an entry level 'toy' and a high grade 'collectible'. 

 If you can't find what you want at D.I.M. (and that would surprise me), visit 'Scale 18' on the web.  This is a huge web site where you can search all sorts of 1/18th scale die-cast cars both in and out of production.  Both Greg White (Designs In Motion) and Kevin Pickell (Scale 18) sell and ship model cars world-wide and I have dealt with both of these gentlemen, having a very positive experience with each and every transaction.  Visit them at www.designsinm.com and www.scale18.com.

 

 MARK YOUR CALENDAR for two big upcoming events: First (in order of occurrence), if you’re a ‘big rig’ lover like me and you missed the Kemp show last Sunday, don’t sob, bawl or wail.  Just mark your day minder for Friday OR Saturday, September 18-19.  This show is 'BIG' in more ways than one.  The Gateway and Lincoln Trails Chapters of the American Truck Historical Society is putting on their big, Annual Antique Truck Show on both sides of the river.  Catch it Friday from 9-4 at Truck Centers, Inc. located at 747 East Taylor in St. Louis OR Saturday at Truck Centers Troy, Illinois location right off Interstate 55/70 in Troy.  Delmar Bequette will be there with his B-series Mack as well as some of the other folks who displayed at the Kemp show, PLUS a whole lot more.

Refreshments will be available (for a fee) and the flier says “Anyone with a truck 25 years old, or older, in any condition, is invited to show their ‘tired iron’!  No competition,  or entry fees!  For more info you may contact John Lamke at 636-583-3573 or Jeff Yates at 618-667-3454.  The FIN MAN will make an appearance on Saturday at the Troy, IL show and possibly at the St. Louis show on Friday as well.  Ask for me if you attend.

 One week later the Archway Olds Club will hold its annual All Olds Fun Show on September 27 at the Museum of Transport.  Oldsmobiles from every era will be on display and all are welcome, regardless of condition (cars that is, not guests).  Everything from fixer-uppers to concours-quality show cars will be on display for your viewing pleasure.  As a bonus, you can see all that's new at the museum while you're there.  For event details contact Richard Carlson at McHenry Truck Equipment, Inc.  Phone: 314-533-0800. 

 Peak car show season rolls on and there are ELEVEN car-related events in St. Louis and the surrounding area this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 21, 22 and 23.  For detailed info on all the shows, visit the St. Louis car show calendar at http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/lakerscarclub/indexP.htm, and remember, always check the venue for possible cancellation before attending.

 

DETAILING TIP OF THE WEEK:  When is the last time you waxed your license plates?  That may seem like an odd question, but nothing ruins a clean car's appearance like an old, rusty license plate.  A quick application of a one-step quality cleaner/wax, such as Turtle Wax Carnauba Cleaner/Wax, is all it takes to keep your plate looking as clean as the rest of your car.  And, it makes washing off those bugs on the front plate a whole lot easier!  You can find it at Advance Auto Parts stores throughout the area.

 And last, but not least, if you haven't been over to Gateway Classic Cars in the last six to twelve months, you'd better get on over there.  The inventory has turned and there are some awesome rides parked in the old Venture store in Fairmont City, Illinois, including a drop-dead-gorgeous, powder blue, 1964 Oldsmobile 98 convertible that includes approximately fifty trophies that the car has earned in the last few years!  It's darn near a steal at $17,995.00... at least that's what I told my chief financial officer (a.k.a. wife)!  If you decide to drop by Advance Auto Parts OR Gateway Classic Cars, please tell 'em The FIN MAN sent you.

 Bruce Kunz - a.k.a. "The FIN MAN
thefinman.com

Others may talk about the golden age of American automobiles...
The FIN MAN lived it!