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Why do people insist on calling Oldsmobile’s main muscle car a “Cutlass 4-4-2”? As an optional package or a bona fide model, the 4-4-2 had its own identity. Do people call GTOs “LeMans GTO”? Nope. Yet the 4-4-2, now deep into its fifth decade of existence, continues to suffer from being misidentified.

This example is a 1969 4-4-2 with a VIN that begins with 344, which makes it a 4-4-2. What is so Cutlass about it? A dismissive Oldsmodude would say the car was being peddled by a flipper or Chevy guy, but the truth is that plenty of people should know better.

Oldsmobile introduced the B09 package in 1964 for any F85 or Cutlass coupe or sedan. It included a 310-horsepower 310, 4-speed manual transmission, dual exhausts, upgraded suspension, rear stabilizer and more. It was named “4-4-2” due to the 4-speed transmission, 4-barrel carburetor, and 2 exhausts, in line with Oldsmobile’s numeric naming system at the time.

Thanks to the Pontiac GTO’s success, Oldsmobile worked quickly to bring something more competitive to market, resulting in an all-new 345-horsepower 400ci especially created for the package. As the standard transmission was now a 3-speed manual, the name now derived from 400 cubic-inches, 4-barrel carburetor, and 2 exhausts. The package was available on F85 and Cutlass two-doors through 1966.

In some respects, calling a 1964-66 version a “Cutlass 4-4-2’ would not be out of bounds in order to distinguish between trim levels, as F85 and Cutlass A-bodies had different interior and exterior trim, though when’s the last time you’ve seen someone say “F85 4-4-2”?

For any topic, there’s always bound to be someone who’s misinformed. Maybe someone is wet behind the ears. Or maybe Uncle Joey led them astray. Perhaps the Internet did a poor job of providing good information since it’s already a wasteland that makes it difficult to discern between good and bad information. Who knows?

Perhaps I should be more relaxed when I get annoyed when people call an Oldsmobile 4-4-2 a “Cutlass 4-4-2,” but sometimes (irony of ironies!) old habits die hard. Whether a package or model, the 4-4-2 had a unique identity that usurped its origins. Even the badge on the dashboard after 1964 proclaims it as a 4-4-2.

Buick folks have a similar problem with the Gran Sport. For 1965-66, the mid-size performance car was called the Skylark Gran Sport. Starting in 1967, it became the GS 400 (plus its GS 340 stable-mate). At times, you’ll see people write “Skylark GS Stage 1” even though the GS had shed its Skylark duds several years before. What’s next, a Belvedere GTX?

That’s a story for another time.

Nineteen sixty-six was the only year Buick featured three Gran Sport models: Skylark, Riviera and Wildcat. Both the Skylark and Riviera GSs first appeared in 1965 and would continue into the 1970s, while the Wildcat GS would only appear in 1966. It’s an enigmatic vehicle that rarely pops up for sale, which is why this 1966 Buick Wildcat GS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Branson, Missouri is our Pick of the Day. (Click the link to view the listing)

The 1962 Wildcat was a sporty, mid-year sub-model for the Invicta but, in 1963, the Wildcat completely replaced the Invicta series and played the role as a mid-level full-size model in Buick’s portfolio, situated between the LeSabre and the high-zoot Electra through 1970. Though not a sporty model, the Wildcat often appeared to play that role, much like the Chrysler 300 did for Chrysler from 1962-71. However, there only was one truly performance-oriented Wildcat, and that was the one ordered with the Gran Sport package, which included an upgrade to the 425ci “Nailhead” with 340 horsepower (aka “Wildcat 465,” the number based on the torque rating), Positraction rear, and ride and handling package. The package was available on all Wildcat and Wildcat Custom two-door models, plus the Super Wildcat 465 was available with dual quads for 360 horsepower.

Only 1,245 Wildcats were built with the Gran Sport package, making them a rare curiosity that often is not on the radar of 1960s fans. “This car has undergone a restoration of all of its drivetrain and new interior and paint,” which includes the dual-quad engine paired with the Super Turbine automatic, though the seller doesn’t state whether this vehicle is one of the 21 built with this engine or it’s an owner upgrade. “Car is absolutely beautiful and runs and drives excellent. Air blows cold and everything on the car works as it should. New wheels and emblems all around.” Mileage shows 1,755 though there is no claim that it is original.  

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Distinguishing the Gran Sport version of the Wildcat is an endeavor of subtlety. Gran Sport badges grace the grille, while GS badges flank both rear fenders and trunklid. The VIN prefix (46437) designates this as a Wildcat two-door Sport Coupe (meaning it doesn’t feature the Custom’s fancier interior), making this Seafoam Green example one of 164 regular Wildcat hardtops with the GS package. Other options include console with integrated tachometer situated between the black buckets, and Buick’s evergreen mag wheels.

Seller concludes, “[This] car is a great restoration and is sure to turn heads everywhere it goes.” The asking price is $38,000 for this unusual piece of Buick history, which would make a nice addition to an owner with both Skylark and Riviera Gran Sports.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

This custom 1930 Ford Model A hot rod, otherwise known as “Rod-Riguez” was built by Junichi Shimodaira, owner of Paradise Road in Nagoya, Japan. Inspired by his idols, George Barris and Ed Roth, Shimodaira went with a proper 303ci Rocket V8 from a 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket V8 hooked to a Hydramatic four-speed automatic.

Finished in a custom blend of Candy Copper with pinstriping by Japanese artist Makoto, this 2002 build features a Z’d and boxed frame front and rear, four-inch wedge chop and hand-crafted fenders that give the illusion that they are floating. “Rod” also includes a custom-made grille (a Shimodaira trademark) flanked by 1959 Cadillac parking light pods used for headlights; out back, 1958 Chevrolet parking lights have been reconfigured to taillights. The fully custom interior features unique bucket seats with 1960s Tijuana-style cloth. In addition to appearing in Hot Rod and other publications, Rod-Riguez landed a role on the TV show, “My Ride Rules,” as well as the movie “Licorice Pizza.”

Check out Jeff’s latest 4K video and many others at AutoHunter’s YouTube channel.

Rivian, the builder of the world’s first Electric Adventure Vehicles, is in deep doo-doo with Wall Street. No, it’s not that the vehicles are sub-par, but rather due to a defect in its build, with its stock value falling precipitously. In total, almost 13,000 R1T and R1Ss, plus the company’s commercial vehicle, are being recalled due to a poorly tightened fastener that may dangerously affect steering.

That’s pretty much ALL Rivians build to date. And you’re surprised the company has built that many vehicles despite not having seen one, you’re not alone.

“If you experience excessive noise, vibration or harshness from the front suspension, or a change in steering performance or feel, you should call immediately,” says Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe in a letter to vehicle owners.

If you’re not familiar with Rivian’s lineup, the R1T is the dual-cab pickup truck that has been covered in all the buff books; the newer R1S is a similar vehicle in SUV form that has been in production starting in 2022. There also is a EDV model that is used for commercial purposes. All R1s feature that nifty glowing light bar with the odd vertical headlights — a signature look that clearly that is not derivative, unlike a certain NorCal EV brand run by the guy who possibly wants to own Twitter.

According to filings with the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration, there have only been two reports of the fastener loosening, though it appears there have been several more reports related to the issue, according to Autoblog. The fastener in question connects the Rivian’s front upper control arm and the steering knuckle.

Rivians start at $73,000, which seem somewhat pricey until you start pricing the more premium offerings from the Big Three. Though the steering knuckle “may not have been sufficiently torqued,” chances are Rivian will push through this and fix what needs fixing at no cost to the consumer, with Wall Street approving accordingly. Dan Ives, an analyst with Wedbush, suggests the recall is a “speed bump” in Rivian’s growth story, as the brand has been rated as outperforming its position including its $45 price target.

The recall is not estimated to impact future deliveries for the 2022 calendar year.

The latest episode of News Flash features the new Maserati, Ford GT, Hennessey Bronco, Audi R8 V10 and much more.

0:00 Intro
0:32 New Maserati
1:40 New Ford GT
2:52 Henessey Bronco
3:50 Alpine A110 R
5:02 Audi R8 V10 GT
6:46 Outro

Check out the latest News Flash episode and much more at ClassicCars.com YouTube channel.

As a fan of smaller cars there is a special place in my heart for the hot hatch. Undersized with a peppy engine, they can come across as the underdog but are fun to drive. Muscle cars are awesome with low-end torque, but there is a unique form of pride when you can get great road performance with less horsepower. Plus what’s more fun pushing the limit of a hot hatch on a twisty two-lane road?

If you were a consumer in the mid-80s and prefer American cars you didn’t have a lot of hot hatch options from domestic producers, but Carroll Shelby provided his golden touch to one manufacturer.

The Pick of the Day is a 1986 Dodge Omni GLH-S listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in O’Fallon, Illinois. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Though many know Carroll Shelby worked much of his career with Ford, there was a time in the 80’s that he was heavily improving the performance of the Dodge stable,” the listing states. “The Omni was an economy-minded car designed to help get from point A to point B as efficient as possible. A special trim GLH (for “goes Like Hell”) was introduced in 1984 with help from Mr. Shelby.” 

Shelby’s influence on the Omni was immediate as the horsepower in the 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine was increased from 146 to 175 over the lower model GLH. Mopar fans had a proper hot hatch, but production was limited to 500.

This example is #53 and received a documented restoration, circa 2002-2003. The 2.2-liter inline-four turbo engine’s boost pressure was increased to 16-17 psi and the five-speed manual transmission features an upgraded limited-slip differential.

The asking price is $19,000 for this Shelby hot hatch from Dodge and the listing indicates that it has 10,538 miles since the rebuild. The pictures in the listing show a car that’s in solid shape on the inside and outside.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Has your family ever had a car that became or was an heirloom?

Give us your take in the comments section.

Take a moment and enjoy our photo gallery of 1980s and 1990s Dodge concept vehicles.

1988 Dodge Intrepid concept 

1989 Dodge Viper concept

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1991 Dodge Neon concept

1992 Dodge Epic concept

1994 Dodge Venom concept

1996 Dodge Intrepid ESX concept

1997 Dodge Copperhead concept

1997 Dodge Sidewinder concept

1999 Dodge Power Wagon concept

1999 Dodge Charger concept

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Some classic cars fly under the radar, while others beg for attention. Today’s example, according to its seller, is “Not for the introvert.”

The Pick of the Day is a 1963 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Belfair, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Whenever I drive this car, it attracts a sizeable crowd. Be prepared. It’s a definite head-turner with its unusual design – floating headlights, rectangular steering wheel, and futuristic cockpit.”

The Imperial name dates back almost 100 years when it was first used on a Chrysler model in 1926. In 1955, the Imperial lineup branched off as a standalone brand and it stayed that way for a couple of decades. Formally, it was known as the “Imperial Division of Chrysler Corporation.” Chrysler even went so far as to send notices to state agencies informing them that the Imperial had become its own make.

A second generation for the Imperial line launched in 1957 boasting new design language while retaining a rigid perimeter frame all the way through 1966. “This was the most expensive of the luxury Imperial line in 1963, with only 1,537 built,” the listing states. A repaint was applied in 2007, and the car reportedly has an accident-free history. “The car has been in a private collection for the past 30-something years and always garaged in a climate-controlled facility.”

Power for this four-door luxury sedan comes from a 413cid V8 that was rated at 340 horsepower. “It runs great and cruises down the highway at 70 mph effortlessly,” the seller says. While mechanically sound, this LeBaron does have a few outstanding needs. The specifics mentioned in the listing are an inoperative fuel gauge, radio, power seat, and right rear power window.

The interior is my favorite part about this car, showing a unique and stylish mid-century dash design, complete with control panels that flank the instrument cluster in a setup that looks sort of like tailfins. The push-button automatic transmission is controlled on the left side, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are controlled on the right. No wonder this car gets people talking.

“I am retiring soon, and we have decided to move out of the country,” the seller concludes.

The asking price is $23,000 or best offer for this attention-getting LeBaron.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

What’s your favorite hood ornament?

Give us your take in the comments section.