Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser

1980 Olds 442 Wagon

In 1980, the Olds 442 model returned to its roots as a performance car, as it had a larger 350 V8 engine not available on other Cutlass models. It included W-30 badging on the front fenders, less dramatic graphics, and the car shared identical powertrain (minus the Hurst Shifter) with the '79 H/O. Available only in gold over white or gold over black paint, a total of 886 were built, 540 in black, and 346 in white. The MSRP price of a Cutlass Calais in 1980 was $6,919.57. Option W-30 4-4-2 Appearance and Handling Package cost $1,255.12. This package consisted of: Gold Accent Paint Scheme (Y71), Painted Grille Face, Applique Pillar Molding, Aluminum Sport Wheels, "W-30" Decals on Front Fender, Tail Lamp Bezel and Rear Window Molding to Match Body Color, "442" Emblem on Sail Panel and Deck Lid, Engine 5.7 Liter (350 CID) V8, 4-bbl (L34), Sport Console (D55), Rallye Suspension Package (FE2), Tires P205/70R14 Steel Belted Radial Ply Blackwall with Raised White Letters (QFV) and Digital Clock (UE8). The W-30 4-4-2 option was not available in California. A sample of included options: Interior color -- Camel Tan fabric, as well as White Vinyl, (Black could be ordered for Black/Gold cars), Custom Steering Wheel (NK3), Tilt column (N33), Gauge cluster, AM/FM 8 Track Radio (UM2), Cruise Control (K30), Delay Windshield Wipers (CD4), Tempmatric Air Conditioning (C65), Dual Remote Mirrors, 442 Door Panel Emblems, Rear Window Defogger, 6-Way Power Left Bucket Seat (AC3). The 350, (VIN "R", engine code tag "AR"), 3A heads, 4-bbl M4MC Rochester Carb, 8.5:1 compression, 170 hp@3800 and 275 torque@2000. Turbo-Hydromatic 350 Transmission (Code "LJ", special W-30 application). Code "AB" non-locking 2.73 rear axle. A cross-flow muffler gave a "factory" dual exhaust appearance. The 442 option was not available 1981-1984, but the Hurst/Olds returned for 1983 and 1984.

Oldsmobile never produced a 442 Wagon, but if they had, it would likely have looked like this. This car was stripped and painted the original factory gold and white colors, and features a 1976 350 Olds engine, new Performer cam and in-tack, Holley Street Avenger carb., new high volume oil pump, double roller timing chain, valve springs, water pump and all new gaskets. The rebuilt TH350 transmission and 2.73 posi rear-end are from a '79 Hurst/Olds. The rebuilt quick-ratio steering box and the larger factory sway bars are from the same car. The bushings were replaced with urethanes, and the car has been lowered 2" with Rancho springs and upgraded with new Monroe gas shocks. A brand new 4 core radiator and a transmission cooler were installed, and it has a heavy duty clutch fan along with a thermostatically controlled electric pusher fan. It also has a brand new A/C compressor and has been switched to 134a. A new headliner, buckets sets and carpet were installed, along with the addition of the correct 442 console and corresponding steering column and gauge cluster. The brakes have been completely gone through, W-30 factory wheels were installed, and it has a true dual exhaust with crossover pipe.