Lane Exact Detail 1972 Olds 4-4-2 in Viking Blue

19 Apr, 2009

Lane Exact Detail 1972 Olds 4-4-2 in Viking Blue

You can thank John Z. Delorean for the Olds 4-4-2. It was brought to life to compete with the Pontiac Temepest GTO which had proved to be an unexpected success midway through the 1964 model year. The car arrived late in the ‘64 season and Oldsmobile called the option package 4-4-2 based on the combination of four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission and dual exhaust. It was available on Cutlass and F-85 models and could be ordered on coupes and sedans, of which only ten were built.

In 1965 the Pontiac GTO received corporate sanction from General Motors and so Oldsmobile countered the attack with the big-engine 4-4-2. The option package was renamed and a new 400 ci engine became standard and the definition of 4-4-2 was restated as 4

00 cubic inches, 4 -barrel carb, and 2 exhausts. Engine output was quoted at a modest 345 horse-power to placate the government and insurance industry. The 4-4-2 became a completely separate model from 1968 thru 1971 and was reninstated as an option for 1972.

Collectors of diecast model cars will be delighted to know that Lane Exact Detail has released a 1:18 scale rendition of the 1972 Olds 4-4-2, made from a whopping 187 parts!

The big, muscular coupe is finished in authentic Viking Blue with contrasting white pinstripes and trim. The distinctive split grille is also there in faux chrome-plated glory. Under the hood sits the wired and plumbed Oldsmobile Rocket 350 V8 engine, which was originally available in two outputs – either 160 or 180 horsepower – and if that still wasn’t enough power, the optional 455 cubic inch engine had three different states of tune, all the way up to 300 horsepower! The rest of the model’s engine bay contains a good level of detail; the AC Delco battery is wired and the brake lines exit the brake booster!

The doors of the pillarless coupe open to allow access to the interior. The combination of white trim and black carpet is a reminder of just how stylish the 1970’s really were! (Bell-bottoms anyone?) The trim looks smart and the woodgrain finish on the dashboard and center console complete the interior decor. The bucket seats fold forward to allow entry to the rear seat where the passengers had lap-type seat belts, matching those in the front, which also had sash belts that attached to the ceiling. The Lane Exact Detail dieast model also sports correct, folding sun visors. The one disappointment of the model might be the dashboard, which is a little basic. All the gauges are there but are only decals, lowering an otherwise high standard of detail. The rest of the dashboard has been accented by the chrome-llok trim around the vents, air conditioner controls and radio. The big shifter for the automatic transmission take center stage in the console.

The model’s trunk benefits from having a spare tire, as well as a jack molded into the floor. The authentic decal instruction for tire changes are even there; clearly printed and easily readable!

The Firestone wide oval tires are well molded and the white-letter sidewalls look just right. The wheels are color-coded to the bodywork and the use of chrome finishing really lifts the entire presentation. Sitting on a fuly-operational suspension complete with front and read coil springs, the model can be displayed with its front wheels in different positions thanks to its poseable steering. Underneath the car, the dual exhaust-pipe system runs from the engine compartment and ends in twin chrome tips.

The model’s differential and driveshaft are equally well detailed and Exact Detail’s use of wire to replicate the fuel lines is feature we especially appreciate!

The 1:18 scale Lane Exact Detail 1972 Olds 4-4-2 in Viking Blue (Diecast Part Number 313) is a licensed product of General Motors and was produced in a limited edition run of only 996 diecast pieces. If Viking Blue or a coupe is not your preference, you’ll be happy to know that Exact Detail has already produce the Olds 4-4-2 in other combinations and has plans to expand on the product line with even more offerings. Might was well start clearing some shelf space now!

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