1964-1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass 4-4-2

by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

The 1964-1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass 4-4-2 was Oldsmobile's counterpart to the Pontiac GTO in the burgeoning mid-size muscle market. It wasn't a separate model in these years but rather an option package usually ordered on the sporty Cutlass two-doors.

The series was an outgrowth of the "Police Apprehender Pursuit Package" (option B-09) that was theoretically available on any '64 F-85 or Cutlass. It was renamed 4-4-2 to denote four-speed floorshift manual gearbox, four-barrel carburetor, and dual exhausts.

The package also threw in heavy-duty suspension, wider wheels and tires, special rear axle and driveshaft, heavy-duty engine mounts/steering gear/frame, front and rear stabilizer bars, 11-inch clutch, 70-amp battery, and special nameplates. For 1965, the designation stood for a new standard 400-cid V-8 with four-barrel carb and dual exhausts. The 4-4-2 package could be combined with any trim level from plain to fancy.

Exhilarating performance was guaranteed in these cars: 0-60 mph came up in 7.5 seconds, the standing-start quarter-mile in 17 seconds, and top speed was around 125 mph. Road manners were a cut above its competitors'.

Pluses of the 1964-1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass 4-4-2:

  • A stormer from the good old days
  • Capable handling
  • Reasonable size
  • Nice styling
  • Strong appreciation
  • Convertibles rare
  • Milestone car status

Minuses of the 1964-1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass 4-4-2:

  • Thirsty and doesn't like today's low-calorie gas
  • Not as quick as a GTO

Production of the 1964-1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass 4-4-2:

  • 1964 Holiday 2-door hardtop: 2,999
  • 1965 Holiday 2-door hardtop: 21,535; convertible: 3,468

Specifications of the 1964-1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass 4-4-2:
Wheelbase, inches: 115.0
Length, inches: 203.0/204.3 (1964/1965)
Weight, pounds: 3,141-3,338
Price, new: $2,700-3,200 (base; approximate)

Engines for the 1964-1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass 4-4-2:

Type Size Horsepower Years
ohv V-8
330 cid 310 1964
ohv V-8 400 cid 345 1965

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