The Oldsmobile 442 — often referred to as the Cutlass 442 — is one of the most iconic American muscle cars, produced by Oldsmobile (General Motors) from 1964 to 1980, with brief revivals in 1985–1987 and 1990–1991.

Introduced in 1964 as an option package on the Oldsmobile F-85 and Cutlass, the 442 was a direct response to the success of the Pontiac GTO. The name “4-4-2” originally stood for four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhaust

Over time, the badge came to signify a high-performance package, even as engine and transmission options evolved.

The Oldsmobile Cutlass W‑31 was a high‑performance package introduced in 1968 for the F‑85, Cutlass, and Cutlass S models, and discontinued after 1970.

It was designed as a small‑block alternative to the big‑block W‑30 package, which was exclusive to the 4‑4‑2 line.

While the W‑30 was Oldsmobile’s most famous “W‑machine” and dominated the 4‑4‑2, the W‑31 was aimed at high‑RPM performance rather than maximum torque. It was marketed as a “giant killer” — a capable, affordable performance option for Cutlass owners who wanted more power than the standard 350 V8 but didn’t need the massive displacement of the 400 or 455.