1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

This 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible is a rare, highly desirable example from the final year the 4-4-2 stood as its own standalone model. Showing 70,400 miles, it pairs the potent 455ci Rocket V8 with a Muncie M20 wide-ratio 4-speed and a Hurst shifter for a genuine, hands-on muscle car experience. Its documentation is a standout: the engine block casting number matches the VIN, and the cylinder head casting number confirms a correct 1971 455. With only 1,304 4-4-2 convertibles built for 1971 — and just 183 of those ordered with the 4-speed — this open-air, big-block, four-on-the-floor combination represents one of the most sought-after configurations from Oldsmobile’s classic muscle era.

Engine & Transmission

455ci Rocket V8
Engine block casting number matches the VIN
Cylinder head casting number identifies the heads as a 1971 455
Muncie M20 wide-ratio 4-speed manual transmission
Transmission identification dated 4/14/71
Hurst shifter
Edelbrock intake manifold
Headers with dual exhaust

Exterior

Matador Red paint (originally finished in Lime Green)
Ram Air hood
White power-operated convertible top
Super Stock III wheels
BFGoodrich white-letter tires (purchased 8/25/22)
Long, sculpted 1971 4-4-2 body lines

Interior

White vinyl upholstery
Classic early-’70s muscle car cabin presentation
Hurst shifter mounted for direct driver connection

Suspension & Chassis

GM A-body convertible chassis
Power-operated convertible top mechanism

Additional Info

Final year of the 4-4-2 as a standalone model
455 made standard across the 4-4-2 lineup for 1971, base rated at 340 horsepower (gross)
8.5:1 compression reflects the era’s shift toward lower-octane fuel — a key transition point in Oldsmobile muscle car history
70,400 miles shown
1 of only 1,304 4-4-2 convertibles produced for 1971
1 of only 183 built with the 4-speed manual transmission
Documented matching-numbers engine block with confirmed 1971 455 cylinder head castings
Performance upgrades: Ram Air hood, Edelbrock intake, headers, and dual exhaust

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