1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2

Buzz

©2007 Publications International, Ltd. While Oldsmobile pioneered the muscle car concept with the 1949 Rocket 88, it wasn't until mid-1964 that they revisited this approach. This time, they introduced the 4-4-2 option for the F-85 Cutlass series [above]. Explore more muscle car images.

In 1964, Oldsmobile responded to the Pontiac GTO with the introduction of the Cutlass 4-4-2. Some argue that the original muscle car was the 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88, which featured a 135-bhp V-8 engine from a larger model fitted into a midsize car. Inspired by Pontiac's 1964 Tempest GTO, Oldsmobile felt the need to compete.

By midyear, Oldsmobile had adapted its Police Apprehender Pursuit package for the new F-85/Cutlass series, built on the same chassis as the Tempest/LeMans.

Muscle Car Image Gallery

The package utilized the most powerful engine in Oldsmobile's lineup, a 290-bhp 330-cid V-8, enhanced with a high-lift cam, a dual-snorkel air cleaner, and several minor adjustments to boost output to 310 bhp. The combination of a four-barrel carburetor, a Chevy-built Muncie four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts inspired the name 4-4-2.

Available on all body styles except the station wagon, the 4-4-2 package added $285 to the F-85 or $136 to the higher-end Cutlass. It featured a heavy-duty suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars, along with "tiger paw" tires. Designed for balanced performance, some reviewers hailed it as the best-handling midsize car in GM's lineup.

Equipped with the standard 2.54:1 axle ratio, the Cutlass 4-4-2 achieved a 15.6-second quarter-mile at 89 mph in Car Life's tests. In contrast, a 290-bhp Cutlass was two seconds slower to 60 mph and 1.3 seconds slower in the quarter-mile.

While Pontiac effectively marketed its GTO to young enthusiasts as a factory-built hot rod, Oldsmobile approached its new muscle car with caution. One of the few ads featured a four-door F-85 sedan with police officers, lacking even the tri-color 4-4-2 badge. Performance enthusiasts weren't accustomed to considering Oldsmobile, resulting in only 2,999 units sold in its debut year. In contrast, Pontiac sold over 32,000 GTOs in 1964.

Return to Classic Muscle Cars Library.

Oldsmobile produced some of the most stylish, sophisticated, and powerful muscle cars. Explore profiles, photos, and specifications of these iconic vehicles.
Muscle cars came in various forms. Discover features on over 100 muscle cars

, complete with photos and detailed specifications for each model.
Muscle cars developed a unique culture. Dive into the details by reading How Muscle Cars Work.

These profiles of muscle cars include photos and detailed specifications for each model:

The 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator broke free from Mustang's shadow with its bold stripes and spoiler.
Make way for the legendary 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi, one of the most formidable muscle cars ever built.
The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am blended sports-car agility with raw muscle car power.
The rare and powerful 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was defined by its all-aluminum, race-proven V-8 engine.

The engine is the heart of a muscle car, defining its bold character. For a comprehensive guide on car engines, check out How Car Engines Work.
Horsepower is the lifeblood of muscle cars, but what does it really mean? Discover the answer in How Horsepower Works.
NASCAR race cars exemplify the muscle car ethos of raw power. Learn what drives these high-performance machines in How NASCAR Race Cars Work.
Considering a 2007 muscle car or any other vehicle? Explore Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information for insights.

The 1964 Oldsmobile 4-4-2

Specifications

Wheelbase, inches: 115.0

Weight, lbs: 3,770

Number built: 2,999

Base price: $3,350

Top Available Engine

Type: ohv V-8

Displacement, cid: 330

Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.

Compression ratio: 10.25:1

Horsepower @ rpm: 310 @ 5200