The Pontiac GTO was discontinued for 1975. The Chevelle SS didn’t last beyond 1973. Buick continued the Gran Sport into 1975. But our Pick of the Day, a 1977 Oldsmobile 4-4-2, lasted way beyond its corporate cousins. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Kentwood, Michigan.
Nineteen seventy-three was the first year of General Motors’ “Colonnade” mid-size cars. Certainly, when they were being designed, it was before federal regulations adjusted the bumpers or engine compression. As it happened, lowered compression was required by 1972, with 5-mph front bumpers arriving for the Colonnade’s debut. Perhaps the bumper stuck out like a sore lip in 1973 but, within a few years, facelifts arguably made the fat front bumper (and, starting in 1974, the rear bumper) a bit less conspicuous.
It’s common knowledge that the Cutlass Supreme became America’s best-selling car for several years in the 1970s, evidence that Americans preferred personal luxury pomp over proper high-performance. By 1977, the 4-4-2 package for the Cutlass S was a shell of its former self, lacking the availability of the 455 for the first time. New for ’77 was a standard 231ci V6, with a 260 V8 (available with a five-speed since ‘76), Rocket 350 V8, and Rocket 403 V8 available as options.
“No dainty pin stripes for this available 4-4-2 package,” claimed Olds, touting the “bold stripes” and “special grille to complement that sleek fastback exterior,” as the 4-4-2 was the only model to feature the unique slanted front-end. Available steel-belted radials combined with the FE2 Rallye Suspension helped “keep lean and sway in their place.” The ever-popular Hatch Roof T-tops, Custom-Sport steering wheel, and Super Stock II or III wheels (one gray, the other body-colored) were all desirable options to maximize the sporty nature of the 4-4-2.
The 4-4-2 continued into the downsized years, appearing off and on through 1991. This particular 1977 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 is the last of the Colonnades before the downsized 1978s appeared. This one features the top 403 paired with a Turbo Hydra-matic 350, plus features like bucket seats and console, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt wheel, clock, rear window defroster, special instrumentation cluster, Custom-Sports steering wheel, aftermarket Kenwood cassette radio, and dual exhausts.
“If you’re looking for a very well-maintained, and well-mannered classic car, this is the car for you,” says the seller. For $23,900, be the envy of the school parking lot at your high school reunion.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
