1970 Oldsmobile 442 Rocket 455 from North America
Summary:
High performance, appreciating beast!
Faults:
Starter frequently craps out when engine reaches temperatures over 200 (when parked)
Radiator had to be changed due to cooling problems, once changed ran perfect.
Thermostat also changed during the same period of time.
Interior needs SOME work, color is alittle faded in areas, but no dash cracks.
Master cylinder wasn't working right, was the original, but was leaking... Ripped that out and got a re-manufactured one.
General Comments:
Awesome acceleration. 3 gears, v-8 power. Under hard acceleration tires squeel in 2nd gear. 1st gear is up to about 35-40 miles when having the crap ran out of it.
So comfortable. I'm 6 foot, 220 lbs with wide shoulders and I fit PERFECTLY. Drivers seat is all the way back and I can fit back their for a long period of time.
Huge trunk, if that counts at all. Probably fit 4-5 dead bodies in their, don't know why youd want to do that though...
Very good ergonomics actually, however I have a CD player in the glove compartment and its very far to reach, about 31/2 feet. Light beam change is perfectly postitioned (little button by the brake, where dead pedal usually is, just press with toe). Windshield wiper is a little switch that says high, low, and off. No guessing! Original radio player is easy to use and is very simple and clean. Instrument gauge is very nice.
Always gaining in value.
Gas is POOR! I'm getting about 8 mpg city! after a 30 minute cruise I used about 2-3 gallons, about a 8 mile trip with a lot of spirited driving and stop lights.
Easy and cheap to fix. Rip out the engine and you have a trailer with style (not that id do that).
Pretty hard to find, but well worth ANY price when found. I think I read that 8,000 were built in 1970 but id have to double check.
If possible can can anyone email me a website with a VIN decoder and where to find the VIN?
Email me at karodak@yahoo.com for info if your thinking of purchasing a 442 or cutlass.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd July, 2003
30th Dec 2003, 23:14
"8000 built in 1970"? The actual figure is more like about 19,300.
Re the gas mileage--what did you expect with a 455 engine? Especially if you do a lot of "spirited driving" as you call it.