1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass
by: Rex Coker
Posted on: Thursday, April 24th, 2008 at 4:48 pm by: Rex Coker
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In 1966 the Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 was the mid-life crisis most men would succumb to when pressured by the wife to buy a family car. It looked the subdued, but get under the hood of this classic Oldsmobile, and you will feel its power.
On the outside it looked sporty, yet still conservative as you might expect in a family car. However, looks can be deceiving when you pull up to a red light beside one. The Oldsmobile cutlass 442 had many hidden secrets to con the competition. Under the hood was a powerhouse with a 400 cid V8.
The 442 foot-pounds of torque boosted the horsepower to 350, and for another $110.00 you could buy the tri-carburetor package that would give the engine 360hp with elapsed times in the high fourteens at 97mph. It was truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The 3 and 4 speed Hurst shifters and linkages added to the smoothness and agility from the start. A wheel base of 115.0 inches with sway bars in front and back made the Oldsmobile steady and sure on its feet.
The Oldsmobile’s weight of 3,600 pounds made it look like a whale on the starting line but the high compression of its engine and its ability to leave the line like it was a rocket had many people turning their heads in disbelief.
There were only 21,997 of these cars built and at a price of 3,500 dollars which for that day was a car worth the money. Even though Oldsmobile limited its 442 engine to just the convertible model it was still a very good car to own and appreciate.
The Cutlass’ leather interior with wood grain laminates on the dash board and doors made it unique. The pistol grip shifter with the Hurst logo emblazoned across the handle and the 442 logo on the glove compartment gave the rich black theme of the cars interior a mystic appearance and allure to its owner.
It was a nice car to put the muscle cars of the day to shame by looking completely stock on the street and knowing you that had a secret weapon at your beck and call. The Oldsmobile cutlass embarrassed many a muscle car just by its looks.
The Cutlass was a joy to drive, a powerhouse when needed and a classic to any owner at any time…past or present.
