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1973 Oldsmobile 442 Option Package
This was a transitional year for this model. There was an all new body design. It featured massive 5 foot long doors and energy absorbing bumpers. The rear windows were fixed and the roof was re-inforced in anticipation of roll-over standards being imposed by the US government. These cars were a few hundred pounds heavier and slightly larger than the 1972's. The introduction was delayed by a strike in 1972. The 4-4-2 option was reduced to a handling and appearance package code W-29 available on Cutlass and Cutlass "S". It consisted of a louvered hood, FE2 suspension, specific grilles, emblems and stripes. Items like dual exhuast, Super Stock wheels etc. all had to be ordered a la-carte. This was all part of the industry wide weaning of the US from large, powerful cars. 1970 was the pinnacle year for the 4-4-2. 1971 through 1977 saw a gradual reduction of options and emphasis on performance. In 1973 you could build a "real" 4-4-2 from Olds, but you had to really study the literature and have a dealer who knew what they were doing, which was quite rare. The W-30 was officially not available, but the 1972 "V" code 455 was there, but only with the 4 speed wide ratio M-20 transmission. 1973 was also the last year of the manual transmission in the Olds "A" body. The "V" code produced 270 net HP, the "U" code 455 AT produced 250 HP, while the "K" code 350 single exhaust produced 180 HP and the "M" code 350 with duals produced 200 HP. Positraction rear ends, axle ratios, gauges, Super Stock wheels, HD cooling and many sport type options were available, but these had to be ordered. The "V" code engine was also available in the Hurst/Olds without A/C,code W-46,the W-45 "U" code was standard with A/C. Both versions used the Turbohydramatic 400 transmission.
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