1969 Oldsmobile 442

1969 OLDSMOBILE 442 UPGRADES & IMPROVEMENTS
The ’69 442 was largely carried over from the ’68 model year with minimal cosmetic changes and some mechanical improvements. The front grille changed, with a more prominent center divider, the trunk lid was changed, the wing window vents deleted (on coupes and convertibles), and the size of the 442 emblems nearly doubled. There was a new double power bulge hood with optional double stripes. Optional front disk brakes got redesigned single-piston calipers. A new exhaust manifold improved performance. Inside, the ignition switch was now on the steering column with a built in steering lock, and front seat headrests were now standard.

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1969 Oldsmobile 442 INTERIORS

1969 OLDSMOBILE 442 INTERIORS
In GM’s hierarchy of brands throughout the 1950s and 60s, Chevrolet was at the bottom, at the entry-level. GM’s ideal buyer was supposed to start out with a Chevy first. Then, as they became more affluent, they’d “trade up” into a Pontiac, which was the next rung in the ladder. As this theoretical buyer matured, they’d buy a more refined, mature car, like a Buick. Once they’d reached that point in life and career where they could afford to indulge themselves a little, they’d move into an Oldsmobile, which was one run below the top-dog Cadillac brand. When GM got into the muscle car business in 1964, every brand except Cadillac jumped on board, and their muscle car entries mirrored this hierarchy, especially inside. The 1969 Oldsmobile 442 was considered the “grown-up muscle car”, or maybe “the upscale muscle car”. And the interiors were considerably nicer and more luxurious that that of the Chevy Chevelle SS or even the Pontiac GTO. From the vinyl and fabric materials to the thick-pile carpeting, to more carpeted surfaces, better-looking dash and consoles, Oldmobile’s muscle car was a cut above the rest.

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1969 Oldsmobile 442 ENGINES

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1969 Oldsmobile 442 PRODUCTION NUMBERS

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1969 Oldsmobile 442 SPECIFICATIONS