This was a high-water mark in 4-4-2 specification. The four-barrel 455 was rated at 365 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 500 pounds/feet of torque at 3200. Compression was 10.50:1, dual exhausts were again standard, as was a special handling package with front and rear stabilizer bars and G70x14 glass-belted tires.

This 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 has the factory-blueprinted 370-bhp 455 and fiberglass hood with functional scoops.

The W-30 option upped horsepower to 370 via air-induction and other performance goodies, including an aluminum intake manifold and a low-restriction air cleaner. The fiberglass hood with its functional air scoops, plus a rear-deck spoiler, were part of the W-30 package and were also available as free-standing options on other 4-4-2s. Front disc brakes also were available, and the W-32 returned as a detuned, more streetable version of the W-30.

The Hurst camp had proposed something different for the 1970 edition of the H/O. Instead of the previous big-cube, high-roller 4-4-2s, it wanted to create a budget hot rod based on the F-85 coupe body.

The car would use the 325-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8 that was part of the W-31 option available on the Cutlass S and on the F-85 two-door sedan. Olds didn’t accept the idea, so there was no Hurst/Olds in 1970.

Olds did, however, apply the concept to the Cutlass and F-85 line as the W-45 option package. Better known as the Rallye 350, these cars were painted Sebring yellow -- even the bumpers and wheels were body color -- and had orange and black striping, hood scoops, and trunk-lid spoilers. Just 3547 Rallye 350s were built in this, their only year.

The 4-4-2, meanwhile, saw production fall to just 19,330. That included 14,709 of the $3376 hardtops; 2933 of the $3567 convertibles, and 1688 of the $3312 pillared Sports Coupes.

*Net ratings
**1971-72

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*Source: Car Craft
**Hand assembled engine

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