1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass Coupe
Refining its strategy for '65, Oldsmobile made the 4-4-2 a $190 option on the F-85 pillared coupe and a $156 extra on the Cutlass coupe, two-door hardtop, and convertible. The 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 had arrived. Styling of these midsize models was updated, with the 4-4-2 distinguished by chrome bodyside tines. Marketing was hipper, too. Instead of a couple of cops in a bland '64 sedan, the Cutlass 4-4-2 advertising burst with references to cubic inches and horsepower. Buzzwords like "kicks" and "cool" flew freely. One spot showed nothing but blurred asphalt and the declaration, "Olds 4-4-2 was here!"
"Tear along the dotted line" could come with this consignment: a 1965 Oldsmobile 442 clone resto-mod. Like driving a new hopped up 1965 car, plenty of interesting upgrades (gray base rubber coated roof, Kooks headers, Pypes exhaust, air bagged suspension, a 350 blinged out V8 and many more below in this description). Not your grandfather's Oldsmobile by a LONG shot!
Exterior
Very good is the buzz word on this 2-tone exterior which this writer will dub light egg cream it is that deliciously done. Laser straight steel panels, no rust, miles deep paint and plenty of chromed trimmings just mirror-like. Utilizing the original design front grille with its large central horizontal bar with O L D S M O B I L E badge, flanked by dual headlights and a lower pristine bumper to announce your arrival (as if they wouldn't hear you!) Also screaming out mainly to your eyes are some just above the rocker trim pieces that run fore to aft, and wheel well surrounds that are smooth and dent free, On the rear quarter is a mini hockey stick cove surrounded by chrome and a centrally located 442 badge. Not to be outdone is the long and straight hood, with a chrome trim spear that warps around the front of the hood as it dives toward the grille, then races rearward to the windshield...just peachy. Window surrounds are great, and a shout out to the roof which is the two tone part, presenting in gray with a rubber based paint...snappy! On back is the two bedroom apartment sized sleek trunk, a rear panel with a central aluminum trimming and 2 horizontal taillights under the trunk and fender created cove. Dual exhaust peek out the bottom, and you have to listen to one of the many whistles shouting out this particular one, the Ridler surfers cross styled wheels in 18 inches wrapped with low profile radial rubber. Let's say a whistle and a bell!
Interior
Borrowing its styling from the mid 1960's the interior is now in Legendary interior form and utilizes many shades of gray (there was a novel about that if I recall??!! But I digress...) Just beautifully done door panels, front buckets and a rear bench using the gray shades. Slipping up through the center is the thin aluminum panel topped 60's styled central console complete with modern Hurst shifter. The dash has been completely redone with white faced AutoMeter gauges with round matte finish aluminum bezels, a digital Pioneer sound system, and the air bag controller. This all sits in a darker gray panel which is surrounded by more...you got it light gray! A padded leather covered rally steering wheel fronts this new menagerie and is topping an adjustable steering column. Into the toe kicks have been molded speakers and some smaller tweeters, and the sound from that Pioneer head unit could best be described as "Kick Ass" Beautiful carpet floods the floors in gray tone, and above is a near perfect gray headliner. A more mod take on the original 60's interior, but still retaining that Olds charm.
Drivetrain
Flipping the hood, we see a beautifully done 1970 Olds blocked 350ci mill. This is topped by 1972 7A Cylinder heads, Crane Cams, a 484/.512, 216/228 .0050, a steel roller timing set, Comp cam studs, and guide plate, a Scorpion roller rocker, Petronix distributor, and an Edelbrock intake and 4-Bbl Carb. Strapped to the back of this belled and whistled mill is a 350 Turbo automatic transmission. Way back is a Ford 9-inch rear axle with 3.25 ratio. All polished and spit shined and performance to match its shine.
Undercarriage
No rust to speak of, just more snappy add ons like Ride Tech air ride with Ride Tech A arms, front disc brakes and rear drums, Kooks headers melting into Pypes exhaust, and other fine accoutrements slapped on for convenience.
Drive-Ability
Slipping into this car is like traveling back in time only in a Space-X rocket. Wonderfully done and beautifully comfortable, this car fired right up and manhandled the test track. Just excellent acceleration, straight bias free panic stopping, handling on rails, and a smooth cruise at highway speed. An overall thrilling experience to drive, and a real head turner to boot.
Every now and again we get a build that comes from an individual who is UBER talented, and works the balance between old and new like a master magician. This car is definitely one of those cars, and it needs to be seen to appreciate. Excellent build quality, beautiful exterior, multi tone gray interior, and under the hood, pure ahhhhh! I'm ready to give you my safe word!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.