1971 Oldsmobile 442

1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible - 70,400 miles shown- 455ci Rocket V8- Engine block casting# matches VIN- Cylinder head casting# identifies as 1971/455 ci- Muncie wide ratio 20 4-speed transmission- Transmission identification of 4/14/71- Hurst Shifter- Ram Air Hood- Edelbrock Intake Manifold- Headers/Dual Exhaust- Matador Red (originally Lime Green)- White Vinyl Upholstery- White power-operated Convertible Top- Super Stock III wheels- BF Goodrich White Letter Tires (Purchased 8/25/22)- One of 183 produced with 4-speed, convertible in 1971This 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible is a highly desirable example of Oldsmobile's final year of 4-4-2 as a standalone model, combining big-block V8 power, a 4-speed manual transmission, and open-air cruising. Showing 70,340 miles, this car is powered by a 455ci Rocket V8 with an engine block casting number that matches the VIN. The cylinder head casting number also identifies the engine as a 1971 455, providing valuable documentation of its drivetrain. With only 1,304 4-4-2 convertibles produced for 1971, these cars are already uncommon, and the 4-speed combination makes this example particularly special.Behind the 455 is a Muncie wide-ratio M20 4-speed manual transmission, with a transmission identification date of April 14, 1971, and a Hurst shifter providing the classic muscle-car connection between driver and drivetrain. For 1971, Oldsmobile made the 455 standard across the 4-4-2 lineup, with the base engine rated at 340 horsepower under the period gross-horsepower measurement system. The lower 8.5:1 compression ratio reflected the industry's move toward lower-octane fuel and tightening emissions requirements, making the 1971 cars an important transition point in Oldsmobile muscle-car history. This 4-4-2 has also been equipped with several performance-oriented upgrades, including a Ram Air hood, Edelbrock intake manifold, headers, and dual exhaust. Together with the 455 Rocket V8 and 4-speed transmission, these additions give the car the aggressive character enthusiasts expect from a classic Oldsmobile muscle car while enhancing its visual presence. The car rides on Super Stock III wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich white-letter tires purchased in August 2022, providing a period-inspired appearance that complements the muscular body lines.Originally finished in Lime Green, the car now wears an attractive Matador Red exterior that contrasts beautifully with its white vinyl upholstery and white power-operated convertible top. The combination gives the car a distinctly classic presentation while highlighting the long, sculpted lines of the 1971 4-4-2 body. With the top down, the car delivers the open-air experience that makes these convertibles so desirable, while the white interior and Super Stock III wheels reinforce its unmistakable early-'70s muscle-car character.Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this Oldsmobile is its rarity. According to enthusiast production records, only 183 1971 4-4-2 convertibles were produced with the 4-speed manual transmission.  That makes a 455-powered 4-speed convertible an exceptionally uncommon configuration. With its matching-numbers engine block, documented 1971 455 cylinder heads, Muncie M20 4-speed, Hurst shifter, Ram Air hood, performance upgrades, and striking red-and-white presentation, this 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Convertible represents a rare opportunity to own one of the most desirable combinations from the final chapter of Oldsmobile's classic muscle-car era.