1966 OLDSMOBILE 442 W30 #18

The '66 442 was the first year of the performance option W30. In the fall of 1965, Oldsmobile offered the 3x2 carburetor setup as a regular production option, L69. In the spring of '66, Olds had developed the Ram Air option, and from that point onwards was known as W30 on the big block cars. Though strictly intended for drag racing, the option had to be included on at least 50 cars built on the assembly line.

NHRA rules required the manufacturer to provide window sticker invoices (Monroney) on the 50 cars to prove that they were shipped to legitimate dealers. Olds built 54 cars in the first three weeks of June, 1966, with this famous option. Most were sold to dealers with drag racing connections.

This particular car was built on either June 2nd or 3rd, 1966 and shipped to Maurer Oldsmobile and Machine in Wilton, Iowa. Allan Maurer was 32 in the spring of 1966 and was informed by the Oldsmobile Zone rep of a special package being available on the 442. The rep advised Allan that he could get one of the cars. Each factory built car got a Ram Air shroud with a number stamped on it. This car has shroud #18. The purpose of the number was that all the shrouds had the top half chrome plated and they had to be identified to match up with the bottom half because the attaching screws were mostly hand drilled and thus no two shroud halves would match up with any others.
Allan did a little street racing (OK, a lot) and was known to drum up some service department business for his dad's franchise by challenging anybody from the Quad state area on a Friday or Saturday night.

This car, special ordered by Allan, arrived at Maurer Oldsmobile by truck on June 6, 1966, coincidentally Allan’s 33rd birthday.

Allan had specified he wanted a red sleeper, meaning the F85 body style, plain interior and a radio. When I interviewed Allan in July, 2008, I asked him how the car came equipped with the optional trim. Allan stated he was good friends with the Zone Reps and they added the trim package by pulling some strings between them and manufacturer.

The W30 package consisted of the tripower carb setup, Ram Air breather and ducting, special cam and valve train, M21 4-speed and 4.11 rear gears. In addition, there were many factory modifications such as locating the battery to the trunk, relocating parking lamps and a few other items.

Allan kept the car until February, 1968 when he sold it to a local enthusiast who continued to do some local racing. Allan managed to drum up some nice tune-up business for his service department in the 20 months he owned the car. He told me he went through a few engines and at least one transmission to earn that business. The car has accumulated only 31,000 miles in 43 years (as of  2009) and has been through at least eight owners.

I acquired the car from a friend who had bought it in 2003. Although repainted in 1995, the interior, trim and glass are all original. The engine is one of the original 54 motors.

The car is now in the hands of a private collector in Houston, Texas.