Model Cars

Olds 442 Staff Car

Alternative Name: Chief's Special
Subvariant title: 2011 HWC Neo-Classics
26 Variants  | 1 Prototype  | 1 Custom
The Olds 442 is a Hot Wheels casting designed by Larry Wood which debuted in the 1971 Hot Wheels range of vehicles, based on the 1970 Oldsmobile 442. It is undoubtedly the rarest overall casting of all cars from the Redline era (1968-1977). It is highly sought after and even cars in poor condition are somewhat valuable.   It was manufactured in 1971 and was produced at the Hong Kong factory. It features an opening hood which displays a detailed motor. The glass varies from being completely clear, to having a slight light blue tint. It was packaged with a decal sheet of white stripes with stars which was to be applied by the owner, it also came with either a metal or plastic 'Collectors Button'.
 
All production versions came with a white interior. Some Spectraflame Red cars have been found with a black interior and it is unknown whether they were a pre-production prototype or a very short run early in production.   It was painted in a variety of Spectraflame colors. While all original Olds 442 are hard to find, no matter the color, Purple is the rarest and is the rarest of all Hot Wheels from the Redline Era (excluding prototypes).   In 1973, the Olds 442 was given a light dome in the roof and renamed the Police Cruiser. Similar versions with lights on the roof were released under the names Fire Chief, Maxi Taxi and Staff Car over the next few years.
 
The Olds 442 was re-tooled in 2004 for the HotWheelsCollectors.com Series 3 Real Riders. And that same casting from 2004 made an apearance in the Neo-Classics Series 10 as the Olds 442 Staff Car. It has shiny coat in Spectraflame olive green, rides on traditional Neo-Classic redlines and shows off a monster engine under the opening hood. This car is sure to "salute" you once in your collection.
Member Rating
3.56 of 5 (3 Ratings)

When you buy from an external link below, hobbyDB may earn a small commission.