1969 Oldsmobile 442 Review - The Big Block American Dream

Today from the vaults at Total Headturners, I'm taking out something rather different. A huge slab of Americana, this 1969 Oldsmobile is the desirable "442" model - and on a grey day in Essex, I try to understand what it's all about.
#Oldsmobile #442 #Classic
Want to see your car on the channel? Email me on [e-mail]
************************************************************************
Looking to buy a new or used car? HOLMESDALE FINANCE can help!
My channel partner Holmesdale Finance specialises in finance solution for new and used prestige, sports and performance cars - including MODERN CLASSIC policies and many more. You might be surprised at what they can do, so speak to them to find out more. Their website is www.holmesdalef...
***********************************************************************
If you love our content, please check out our Patreon page for even more:
/ jayemmoncars

[@matthewgodwin3050]

That. That is the most glorious sound I've ever heard. In fact, I'd buy this car just for that engine note. It's fabulous.

[@chrispig7748]

American cars are so bloody cool!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Sadly, so is our weather...

[@alanscott989]

Thanks i was waiting for this and it sure did not disappoint . As a weekend toy American cars like this make sense , a home mechanic can work on them and you do not need to be doing a 100+mph to have fun . The one big downside is fuel consumption ,single figures can be reached quite easily but who cares when you look so good .

[@bobpachner7528]

Terrific riding along with you in the ‘69 442! My mother had a ‘70 Cutlass S with the 442 suspension. Michelin radials, a Blaupinkt stereo and Marchal headlights. White, black vinyl top. 2 door. Car was stolen when it was almost 8 years old. A gem. Always fond memories. Performed beyond expectations for the time. Thanks for the memories, Jay.

[@6mtzhp55]

There is a place for comfortable suspensions, unbolstered seats, wide torque bands and slow shifting automatics. I find myself driving the almost opposite approach to a drop-top, an S2000, in straight lines quite often. They didn't design comfortable cars on accident, they make sense all over most roads. It's just comfort, the sensation of a big low tech motor, and presence.

[@grahamnutt8958]

Definitely a lost era that will never be allowed to return. Less than 10mpg I suspect lol but that engine is unlikely to be overly stressed. The classic style number plate really offsets that nicely. Big smiles from me 😊👍👍

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Well I got less than 10MPG from my old 2007 Toyota Tundra. 😆

[@grahamnutt8958]

@@fortheloveofnoise That' is definitely Jensen Interceptor III mpg territory but I suspect some if your mileage is off road? Heck.. makes my Rover P5B look somewhat economical and that's saying something 😁 Peace 👍

[@zacht9447]

Ehhh I wouldn't be so harsh i've got a 455 olds in my trans am combined with a slush box and i can get over 17 mpg

[@briandeaton3550]

I'm glad that the car was reviewed in the context of what it is; a comfortable, low effort convertible. Some reviewers make me want to slap my forehead when discussing the poor handling a minivan.

[@robertwbingo]

When that car was new, we were only paying 23-26 cents a gallon for gas. And, we could go to the corner auto parts store and pick up suspension-stiffening parts for only a few bucks that would make it corner flat as a pancake. But, where these cars proved their metal (pun intended) was on the open road and interstate highways. With A/C and cruise control, you could easily cover 500-600 miles a day driving cross country. In those days, that was really traveling! Today, it's mere routine. Loved the review. It's interesting to get the POV from someone across the pond. Thanks!

[@stuco81]

Brilliant, still have a monogram kit of a hardtop 442 sitting on a shelf at home that I built when I was a kid. Sly Stallone rags one around nicely in Demolition Man.

[@paulhymans2354]

Finally, a UK review of an American car that accepts them for what they are without silly comparison with European stuff !! Well done.

[@nickbitten6037]

Blimey- i recall seeing stuff like this rumbling along in the Chelsea Cruise back in the 1980's. Life was simpler then. When i was younger, a colleagues son had a Dodge Challenger ' six-pack". Used to scare the crap out of the local Escorts/ Capris.

[@bladerunner6282]

when i was in high school, a couple of rich kids drove those 442's to school. i was not one of them... :( although the family car (which i ended up driving quite a bit) was a '61 buick le sabre convertible that was not unlike the car in the review. one learned quite quickly that the fingertips were for steering and the big toe for braking.

[@danielc1417]

Nobody cares.

[@jeremyjackson2897]

Daniel C well the likes are 9-0 at the moment mate so I guess he’s had your pants well and truly down!

[@bladerunner6282]

@@danielc1417 i wouldn't be suprised...but my comment was to affirm jayemm's observation that the sensitivity of the power steering and brakes are remarkable. detroit really knew how to put the 'power' into power steering and brakes BITD.

[@davidphillips7255]

Believe it or not that was the smallest Oldsmobile at the time. By father had a 68 Olds Delta which was a much bigger car with a 455 Cubic inch engine. It was a white four door sedan, with a performance axle ratio. GM in it's wisdom sent a cop car by mistake. That was a fun car. It would inhale the common muscle cars of the time like Pontiac GTO's and Plymouth Roadrunner's without effort. There was also an even bigger Old's model, the 98 which was Cadillac in size. Those were the days:)

[@aidank2]

My 1st Yank Tank was a Black/Red Velour trim 1978 Trans An 6.6 ltr T Top with the Big Golden Eagle on the Bonnet Stunning Car loved it however it handled sort of like my Boat I had it for several Years and when I decided to sell my old man had itI!!Had many American cars but not as daily drivers Corvette ,Chevy Blazer ,Mustang Gt Vert and currently locked away a 2017 Black/ Black Mustang 5.0 Auto Convertible (No Stick due to back Problems 😩) Always a pleasure to watch your Videos

[@pHilli0UK]

Nice car.. would like something like this in my garage

[@detaart]

Probably need a bigger garage for this.

[@sparky4878]

detaart was thinking this too. The width is the problem. Oo-er missus.

[@chappy2121]

I have that exact issue with my Toyota Crown Athlete VX its nearly 5 metres long. Ive bought a decent car cover for an Audi Q7 that fits 😂

[@sparky4878]

No tacho? No problem. Listening to that big lazy engine can probably count the revs yourself.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

No wonder we love our V8 XK's....

[@davekennedy6315]

Yeah, most Yank V8s were lazy plodding lumps that redline around 5000rpm. I was amazed at a 80s Mustang/Camaro (of the days of the oil crisis 5/7ltr and less than 200bhp) that only went up to 80mph on the clock!

[@sparky4878]

Bib The Boulder indeed. Just wish they had put the XKRR into production with the manual.

[@vibingwithvinyl]

@@davekennedy6315 The speedo thing was due to legislation though.

[@LifeofnotBrian]

@@davekennedy6315 The low speedo was a safety feature, believe it or not. It went faster, just the speedo stopped at 85 mph. Someone thought people wouldn't speed if the speedo readout stopped short :P

[@On3man]

I had one back ion the 80s. Lots of fun and a great head turner!

[@texleeger8973]

442s of similar vintage and the 400ci/6.6l [a 455ci/7.5l engine was available] achieved about 11 mpg. Sounds frightening. But fuel in the USA was about 35 cents (1969 dollar) per gallon. All are sufficient facts for a then 18 year old's convincing dear old dad a 442 was absolutely necessary for to and from school transport. If not, well, a Chevelle SS 396 or 454ci or even a Plymouth Roadrunner (383ci) would [sigh] have to make do in a pinch. Oh. And a lowly GTO might suffice too. PS Dad, make sure you buy the Hurst shifter.

[@ttsboywow2607]

Love these cars... My cousin in florida has a oldsmobile cutless supreme.. Amazing car... Amazing man

[@Graham_Wideman]

7:25: "no logical argument for"... I dunno -- back in the late 60's, cars like this made a lot of sense for effortlessly cruising long distances on America's highways. MPGs? No problem with cheap gas.Eight cylinders? Nice to have a few spares. Huge size? Plenty of space inside to carry people and stuff, which you're more likely to want to do over longer distances, and the roads are big in the US. Wallowy ride and poor cornering? Highways have few corners, but they can have a few bumps where poorly maintained. Simple design? Perfect in case you broke down in some obscure place. All in all, they suited the time and place quite well, I think.

[@keirbourne5323]

JayEmm is not American so no that sort of stuff does not make logical size to him. Car like this is completely out of place on British roads.

[@joetz1]

treethetree just like the smart makes no sense to an American. Most US reviews dismissed the smart as the biggest steaming pile of feces ever sold to the public

[@user-vm2im8gj7g]

So I have a 1969 olds 442 convertible and a 1968 olds 442 convertible. These cars are so easy to work on. No computers or high tech gadgets. When I take the 442 out it turns heads everywhere I go. I have a hybrid as well but the 442 rides better and is more comfortable to ride in. The fuel efficiency isn’t good at all in the Oldsmobile but you don’t purchase a car like that to worry about a few $ at the pump. I think I’m going to fire one of the old girls up right now and go for a ride! Love the video!

[@MuShinnen]

Ah, a freedom mobile review. I'm ready.

[@Supradrew]

Brilliant video! Back in high school my friend Joey had that same car. Same color too. There was a guy at another school that had a Buick GS Stage 1 (same car but the Buick version) and they used to race all the time. Joey always lost, the convertible top is heavy. Lol 😁 look up the Buick sometime. 👍🏻

[@stuco81]

Love the GS Buicks.

[@sparky4878]

@Supradrew™ Guessing you’re one of our friends from across the ocean. I do love some of these, as we may call them and I hope doesn’t offend, “Yank tanks”. Though not always best for our roads. A week before lockdown I went for a drive in the countryside, blasting down twisty country lanes in a tiny two seater. Stopped at a cafe and parked up next to a ’64 Grand Prix. It wasn’t the sort of route I’d have taken a car that size! To say it was imposing was an understatement.

[@tomeasterbrook9486]

My views have changed similarly to yours. Used to hate yank barges with a passion but they’re getting somehow more appealing as I get older.

[@TheBabyBjorn]

Wicked. Funny to see a 442 on this channel. I myself daily a '70 442 with a stick during the summer.

[@jklmn101]

Glad I came by for the beat down, and for the compliments on the reality of the experience. Loved your quite appropriate review.

[@BaggieAustin]

Love it! These classic yanks always turn more heads than the soulless German high powered stuff. Just more fun to drive.....I am a bit biased though

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

My Dad had the Chevrolet Chevelle hardtop version of this car and I can testify as its reliability across the GM platforms [he got 300,000 miles out of it] Glad you were able to keep it in period context although this example seems optioned rather sparsely with it's AM radio and column shifter.

[@Retiredmco]

Had 1 EXACTLY like this, BUT I had the good sense to keep the Hurst 4 sp manual transmission 😂. Absolutely a blast to drive and a fun factor over 10!!!

[@maciejf.]

I could totally see you at Top Gear Jay. Great take and very entertaining delivery, keep them coming 👍👏

[@joetz1]

Top gear is entertainment first and foremost. You aren’t going to learn anything from that show because they always go for the joke This man is able to look at a car from a completely different culture and he understands and appreciates it. Top gear could never do that

[@sparky4878]

Don’t give him ideas, we may lose this quality output.

[@brianiswrong]

👏👏👏to total head turners for having such a diversity stock for James to try out,and for us to enjoy.

[@simonfreeman2808]

Love old American muscle

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Arnold Schwarzenegger?

[@simonfreeman2808]

@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne No John Holmes haha

[@4Kandlez]

So you must not like this car then.

[@ATomRileyA]

I thought i saw that is the background of your Kougar video, love this video too you are putting out some fantastic content.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou!

[@Thanos.m]

Love the classic content ! Keep it coming James well done!

[@lukeywalsh]

This 1969 Olds is the perfect car to watch moonlight submarine races by the lake - It doesn't have one of those Romance Preventers replacing the middle seat. - The "mushy" ride is to prevent injuries from tooth contact on bumpy roads. - The interior ceiling cloth is specially designed to resist high heel marks. - The steering is perfect for long trips on Rt. 66. Wouuld me a shame to wake up the driver before his rolling pre Los Angeles nap.

[@michaelcsizma3996]

Absolute sacrilege to do that entire review and not one ridiculously long gratuitous burnout. That cars purpose in life was to reduce tires to billowing clouds of smoke.

[@gen1c8rs88]

Perhaps so

[@V8Adam]

Fantastic to see you reviewing a yank tank! What a beautiful Olds. If you’re up around Guildford, feel free to visit and check out my Buick.

[@FalconXE302]

It's a weekend cruiser... and it's so much more fun to drive than a lot of the garbage sold today.... not better... but much more fun.

[@1jonsadler]

What guzzling sounding old engine. "Pure unadulterated experience". As you say

[@julianadams2206]

James, Great to see something truly different and surprising. The appeal of the car, if you like large American Land-Tanks definitely shone through. As you said what a great car to pack the family into on Sunday and live a small piece of the American dream.

[@phil955i]

A pig iron American V8 ...best sound in the automotive world imo

[@brianiswrong]

At 5:19 we see the preferred method of ensuring your yank tank never runs out of fuel

[@noemoreno2635]

NICE American RIDE, AAAAAA 69 Olds 442, SURE looks like Your Having FUN ! 01.22.2021

[@jamesstaggs4160]

I had an old 73 Nova back in the 90s when I 19 and while it had the choked down "boat anchor" 307, the way it drove was just so special. It didn't carve corners like a BMW or lay down black marks like that Olds will, but it was just a joy to cruise in. I find that most American cars from the late 60s and early 70s have a character to them I've never experienced anywhere else. I kinda hate to see their original suspensions torn out to make way for the modern stuff. Yeah they'll put down much better numbers and you get bragging rights, but for me at least, if I want a car that drives like a modern car that's what I'll buy. Hopping up the engines is one thing, but leave the suspension alone. They're made for cruising around and looking cool. Not everything needs to be an autocross monster.

[@MinerBill]

Thumbs up! 👍 Like you say, there's absolutely no logical argument for owning a vehicle like this when compared to what's available today. Which is probably the argument for having such a beast 🤣

[@davebarron5939]

Sweet! A real car! LOL course, a cadillac of the same era would be bigger and better, but the olds will do!

[@CarsofGlasgow]

great video, cool big barge

[@jimradnor6388]

Just seen you! Like 5 mins ago, think you were in a cayman R, I was the guy that gave you a thumbs up in castle Hedingham in the Vauxhall vivaro aha

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Guilty

[@jimradnor6388]

JayEmm on Cars would love to come out in one of the sports cars with you one day would be a great experience 👍

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@jimradnor6388 drop me a message on instaq

[@AMCmachine]

Merry Olds England! : )

[@tajetaje9238]

My uncle had the cupe I like it very much it was the first car I drove after I passed my test 1979

[@bicyclist2]

I'm not a big fan of muscle cars, but I must admit this is my favorite. Although I'd want a manual transmission. Thanks.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yeah same here

[@gen1c8rs88]

@@JayEmmOnCars For a full size Muscle Car my favorite would be a 1969 or 1970 Dodge Charger with the 440 six pack. Sounds as though the Oldsmobile 442 needs a better sounding exhuast(less blatty), but not more quite or mabye engine tuning/maintenance too.

[@TommyRogic18]

Looks like an aircraft carrier on our roads but can’t beat the noise of carbs on a big block.

[@tubaman66]

If the steering is anything like the 1978 Olds I had many years ago then you have no idea which way the wheels are pointing, or even if the steering wheel is connected to them. You just turn the wheel until the bonnet points in the right direction. Takes some getting used to but is just fine.

[@Xaid0nTT]

That V8 rumble 😍 so soooothing

[@spencerhan7995]

I had a black w30. Sold it for my 70 cuda in b5 blue.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

That V8 growl...👌

[@snowballs442]

In1969 442stood for something else.The first 4 stood for 400 cubic inch engine the second 4 stood for 4 bbl carburetor and the 2 stood for dual exhaust

[@danielmarshall4587]

NICE... thank you so much, great video.

[@alfexsinosystems9205]

will it take unleaded petrol?

[@nickturner2813]

Jay, you're aware that your little finger is attached to a huge lever called your arm, yes? That's what's moving the wheel!

[@apowers7783]

This may belt out a metric shit ton of co2 but at least it doesnt pump out toxic levels of nox and diesel particulates.

[@sparky4878]

Sir Alfred Powell indeed plus a car like this is hardly a daily driver so who cares about emissions? It’s a treat.

[@sportzntouring]

I've never had the desire to drive one of these old American cars, but I can't help but enjoy seeing others drive them. Thanks for sharing this James!

[@matthewmccowan1552]

There is something about being on a deserted highway with a couple of hundred miles to go and driving one of those cars. I'm not sure if there is anywhere in the UK or even Europe that can allow you to share the same I'm alone experience as say Wyoming.

[@chappy2121]

You're not wrong. I live not to far from the longest piece of straight road in the UK, a stretch of the A15 in Lincolnshire. It's a single lane either side all the way for miles, not sure how many off the tip of my head. But its usually very busy. Lincolnshire is a strange county in the fact it doesn't have barely any, what you would consider main roads, motorways ect and there is technically only 1 actual city, Lincoln. Its very rural

[@stephandolby]

@@chappy2121 It used to be longer, that is, before RAF Scampton was built, at which point they had to divert the road so they could fit a runway. The Romans loved their straight roads.

[@chappy2121]

@@stephandolby is that the old a15? The bit that runs up the side of Hemswell?

[@stephandolby]

@@chappy2121 Don't think so. Somebody's written about the old road, turns out the diversion was because of the V-bombers so it was well after the base was built: www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32545 There's a clear line on the satellite view of where it used to be: www.google.co.uk/maps/place/RAF+Scampton/@53.3094941,-0.5414573,1768m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x4878597f0f211eb5:0x222d3db8bc0c7863!8m2!3d53.3003149!4d-0.541618

[@chappy2121]

@@stephandolby cheers ill have a look. The guys I used to work with used to call that stretch from near Kirton Lindsey upto Hemswell the old a15 for some reason. I go that way into ljncoln and over the a46 at Burton as it always seems way faster. Been that way today as it happens

[@LlyleHunter]

For decades when each GM division developed their own powertrains Oldsmobile produced the longest lasting and most durable cars built in America.

[@CaiSpidox]

Those noises are just incredibly naughty. Love it.

[@eeclass20]

What was that at 2.21? Big pair of P100 headlights looked like a big Rolls Royce .

[@swiper1818]

Very cool👍

[@kaihobbs1100]

Anyone notice the car behind was from the video before?

[@voivod6871]

Pretty hard not to notice it seeing how mentions it in this video.

[@arnoldberk7686]

In 1969 the Olds 442 was considered an intermediate smaller than full size. All American automobile manufacturers offered this size of car. There were smaller and lighter muscle cars then.The Turbo Hydramatic was a smooth shifting automatic. The three speed manual was standard in the 442 . The four speed manual and turbo hydramatic (automatic) were optional. The lots and lots of vinyl was popular in many American automobiles , specifically called convertibles, however the one that you are driving has reproduction ( and not good ones ) covers on the seats . In addition most 442 models had bucket seats .You are driving a 51 year old restored car ,and I’m not sure it’s as good as other442 in its class. Ten years for a resto is excessive. After hearing negative remarks what did your country produce in 1969 that was competitive and better. Try driving a new Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Mustang.

[@AlexRoebuck]

Clarkson moment at 5:56!

[@venom5809]

As an American my personal opinion about these cars is that they are crap, big wallowly barges with lots of problems that suck a ton of gas. Most often these cars have some sort of sentimental value to people because they were cars they saw when they were growing up that either they or their parents couldn't afford. The best places for cars like these and where they do usually end up is in big garages, in collections where they are almost never driven, just looked at. My father's friend has a big garage with dozens of these types of cars sitting in there, meanwhile what he actually drives 99% of the time is his new Ford F-150. lol

[@EmperorXaozx]

Not the best of the muscle cars, but a good contender if optioned correctly (this one is rather base). The only correction I have to give is the power. That 350 likely lower due to transmission, but it's still over 300.

[@ScarlettFire341]

stock engine was 400 Cubic Inch, 350 HP & 440 Torque

[@EmperorXaozx]

@@ScarlettFire341 My point being it isn't as potent as it could be otherwise. The British should remember the base is not the peak with muscle cars.

[@andrewpreston4127]

Jayemm never looks remotely at ease with these American cars. I mean, in the early 80's, I owned a '74 Plymouth Satellite here in the UK. It had a little V8, the 318ci, and by 1974 the engines had been emission controlled down to, for the 318, what was said to be a paltry 150bhp. And yet, I used to move it along a lot faster down those country roads than Jayemm is managing. I think if you put Jayemm into one of those big Ford Galaxies that get hurled round Goodwood, he'd absolutely wet himself.

[@HugoPerez]

Winga dinga dinga

[@Graham_Wideman]

7:00 "size of a whale" -- that must be one of your smaller English whales. The 442 was classified as "mid-sized" at 203 inches long. I think the B52's reference to a Chrysler whale was probably a Chrysler New Yorker, at 232 inches long or so.

[@DjAlyX1]

I thought the same thing, at 203 inches it's almost a compact 😂 my caddy is 233 inches

[@anyau]

nice

[@MasterMalrubius]

But you didn’t thumb up.

[@anthonyrippo1223]

it came with a Rochester Quadrajet Carb not a Holley

[@markchip1]

Who else noticed the Kouger following behind?

[@LiamE69]

Surely if you want to go all Love Shack you'd want a Chrysler...

[@Android-vk8yh]

You're living the American dream in these cars be nice to drive down front of the beach in this one, I'll try and find the video of the car behind who was the guy driving past in the video in the brown coat and the cap???😂

[@natebowers226]

You are so wrong. 442 in 1964 was for 400 engine 4 speed and dual exhaust. In 1969you could get an auto transmission as an option starting in 1968

[@ScarlettFire341]

Never Ever call it a 4 Forty 2, it has ALWAYS BEEN A 4-4-2 and Nothing Else

[@04dram04]

American Muscle cars are cool, but the the fuel economy is a total killer. That car probably get 7mpg on a good day

[@johnchurch4705]

Who cares as it’s not driven daily, my friend has a 70 Mach1 mustang, get asked the same thing by the general public at car shows. These are cars to take out and have fun, limited mileage insurance, Mot and tax exempt so cheap running costs and easy to fix.

[@nigel.w]

Just the right size Yank tank for a nice Sunday drive in the UK. Grab a nice ice cream in a country village. Drive with one finger. And imagine it's 50 years ago. Of course, you'll likely need a vivid imagination if somebody spoils the moment for you, which is sadly rather likely.

[@texlad04]

That type of steering persisted in some form until the last of the dinosaurs died in the 1980s. These cars seem cool now but I cannot imagine having one as a daily now. And with this ancient big block and the weight you are probably looking at single digit mpg (US not Imperial) in the city and maybe 10 overall unless there is a lot of motorway driving in the mix. Even with cheap US petrol prices...just wow.

[@John-209]

Is that a beautiful vehicle in the UK?

[@Brass-and-Bullets]

Yes it is, i have had the pleasure of driving it.. you should have a look at it!

[@713vinh]

Even though I'm an American I don't have the love for American muscle cars. I do love classic European cars and own only German cars, go figure.

[@leenevin8451]

2:21 lol where do you drive?

[@censored1360]

not a bad review considering you are driving in the wrong lane haha

[@cra_55]

I got a KFC ad on this

[@amdays]

WTF???? This is my car...!

[@georgecollins2412]

1:51 Please stop calling it “four forty-two”! Please pronounce it as “four four two”!

[@anthonywebb4068]

In the 80's my late father imported cars from the States, not just yank cars but classic brit and Italian exotics, all LHD, I drive a hell of a lot of them and couldn't stand driving LHD in the UK, great for a Euro trip but not for driving around the UK and I really just dont get the appeal of a big American car, yes, I get the V8 thing but too big and not my idea of driving enjoyment. Sorry James, dont get it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Not every car is for every one, nothing wrong there!

[@anthonywebb4068]

@@JayEmmOnCars indeed, otherwise we would all be driving around in the same and I'll still be watching your channel.

[@rickc2102]

The only Olds I could see myself ever wanting. Still, with that level of performance and pollution, I'd be more inclined to want it electrified.

[@Brass-and-Bullets]

The most sacrilege statement ever made.

[@p.k7191]

Ew electric

[@michaelisaacson9735]

Yeccch. Exactly what we avoided. Hideous car by a company that specialized in hideous cars (well, that's not fair...ALL American cars were hideous). Couldn't handle, no technology to speak of, just....ick.. 442's, Trans-Ams, Camaros of whatever flavor, Mustangs, etc were all the cars desired by the hoi-polloi with mullets who didn't have a clue about sports cars. We busied ourselves with a '59 Bugeye, several 124 spiders, and various Japanese motorcycles. Maybe it's fun for you to drive one but I had to look at them.

[@detaart]

Having some experience with american cars (bit of restoration, general wrenching, etc), i can see how this appealed to you ... however ... Sure, this type of old school american cruiser or muscle car, etc etc is nice ... for maybe once a month. When you start driving this thing more often, you will realize just how terrible it really is. Might sound harsh, but ... from a technical point of view, these cars are horrible. Now, sure, it will go on forever as they say ... as long as you carry a big toolbox with you. They aren't very good. Never were. When it comes to these old american cars ... the motors are usually okay (ignition and carb issues aside, but that applies to all cars of the era), the transmissions are shit and the electrics ... well, just be happy this one wasn't on fire. Europeans just love the experience of a big lazy motor, because it's so alien to us. But once you get over that ... what is left isn't exactly anything to write home about. They sound good, they look cool and they are mostly very comfortable, but ultimately, these old cars are just horrible things. Lots of displacement, no power, no revs. So thirsty you might as well pour gas in a barrel and light it on fire. Not a fan, but that's because i know that these are ultimately badly built, cheap cars. They don't age well. Most require a ton of work to put right, and even when they do work right ... it won't be for long. If you take one of these, upgrade the suspension geometry to something more modern (body on frame allows you to do pretty much anything), put a modern motor in it (LS or the like) or just upgrade the lump in it with EFI, then they are good, fun cars. Right now, this one is just a mechanic's invoice on wheels that can't wait to kill you if you ever need to use the brakes or avoid an accident.

[@jamesengland7461]

You can be forgiven your cynicism about the American cars of this era, but your comment about them having no power is laughable nonsense. The performance models of the day ran 14-13 second quarter mile times, with speeds around 100mph, stock, even on the awful tires of the period. Most European cars couldn't hope to come anywhere near that. Most European cars couldn't even handle American highway speeds.

[@detaart]

@@jamesengland7461 This thing has a 6.5 litre engine with 350 (old) hp ... quarter mile time is 15.2 seconds as tested by motor trend back in the day. A bmw 3.0 csi (the regular one) from 1975 did it in 15.7 seconds. With less than half the engine displacement. No ... power ...

[@johnchurch4705]

It’s not about power but the amount of torque the engines produce, plus back axle ratio as the higher the number, more acceleration, lower number more top end and relaxed cruising.

[@jamesengland7461]

@@detaart that's not the highest performance model.

[@Richard-vu7kh]

I owned a ‘68 442 until I sold it in 1984. I had it compression checked before selling - still tight and on the numbers. I put 180,000 miles on it - never gave me any problems. It was quicker and more nimble than the new Volvo S60 I currently drive, and far more comfortable. The Volvo rides like a buck-board on the crummy roads here in Nova Scotia...repairs are more costly, and require a mechanic with a degree in rocket science. Domestic brands such as Oldsmobile are history now. Domestic American cars have become mostly uniform, sensible, and lacking unique distinction. If you like hiking boots, jelly beans and soccer balls, you’ll really appreciate the design of American and Japanese SUV’s....however, they have wonderful sound systems and lots of buttons and gadgets which make one feel very high-tech !

[@4Kandlez]

If this is an American dream I dread to think what an American nightmare is, and it sounds like a wet fart.

[@Aj-dq6fe]

Typical pointless American headrests that don’t even reach your neck never mind your head.

[@johndillinger8482]

68 and 69 442's have the worst engines Olds put out.Terrible design.

[@user-vm2im8gj7g]

So I have a 1969 olds 442 convertible and a 1968 olds 442 convertible. These cars are so easy to work on. No computers or high tech gadgets. When I take the 442 out it turns heads everywhere I go. I have a hybrid as well but the 442 rides better and is more comfortable to ride in. The fuel efficiency isn’t good at all in the Oldsmobile but you don’t purchase a car like that to worry about a few $ at the pump. I think I’m going to fire one of the old girls up right now and go for a ride! Love the video!