Oldsmobile Cars
Classic · 13 models
The 442 of the 1960s. The Toronado of the 1960s and 1970s. The Cutlass of the 1980s. Oldsmobile died in 2004 but the products live on.
ClassicOldsmobile was one of the founding GM brands, dating to 1897 (founded by Ransom Olds, four years before GM was created). For most of the 20th century, Oldsmobile was GM mid-tier brand, positioned between Chevrolet/Pontiac and Buick/Cadillac. The brand produced some genuinely innovative vehicles before slow decline through the 1990s and final discontinuation in 2004. The 442 of 1964-1971 was the brand performance peak. The 442 designation originally meant 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed transmission, dual exhaust. The car competed with the GTO, Chevelle SS, and Mustang in the muscle car category. The 442 W-30 with the 455 V8 made 365 horsepower and was one of the most respected American performance cars of its era. The Toronado (1966-1992) was the brand engineering showcase. The original Toronado used front-wheel drive in a full-size luxury coupe, the first American FWD car since the 1937 Cord. The 425 V8 drove the front wheels through a chain-driven turbo-hydramatic transmission. The Toronado was Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1966 and remains an engineering curiosity celebrated by enthusiasts. The Cutlass was Oldsmobile volume seller. The Cutlass nameplate ran across multiple platforms from 1961 to 1999, and was the best-selling car in America for much of the 1970s and 1980s. The Cutlass Supreme, 442, Calais, and various other Cutlass variants represented different positioning within the line. The Aurora (1995-2003) was the brand attempt at a modern flagship sedan. Northstar V8, four-door sedan, premium positioning. Reviews were positive but commercial reception was modest. The Bravada SUV (1991-2004) was the Oldsmobile crossover that came closest to modern relevance. On WhipJury, Oldsmobile submissions are heavy on classic 442 cars, restored Toronados, Cutlass Supreme builds, and the occasional Aurora.
Oldsmobile models we cover
The 442
The 442 launched in 1964 as an option package on the F-85 and Cutlass models. The original meaning (4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed transmission, dual exhaust) evolved over the run. By 1968 the 442 was its own model rather than an option package. The 1970-1971 442 W-30 with the 455 V8 making 365 horsepower (factory rating, likely more in reality) is the apex of the run. Clean W-30 examples now sell at strong prices.
The Toronado
The Toronado pioneered front-wheel drive in a full-size luxury coupe in 1966. The 425 V8 drove the front wheels through a chain-driven turbo-hydramatic transmission, an unusual configuration that was made possible by GM extensive engineering investment. The styling (designed by David North) won design awards. Subsequent Toronado generations through 1992 carried the FWD luxury coupe formula. The 1966-1967 first generation is the most desirable.
Oldsmobile on WhipJury
442 submissions in restored or modified form are common and reliably do well in voting. Classic Toronados are rare but always memorable. Cutlass Supreme builds (especially with engine swaps) appear regularly. The community treats Oldsmobile as the dead brand whose products live on through enthusiast care.