During the Muscle Car wars of the 1960s and '70s, the Olds 442 was one of the earliest combatants and consistently among the strongest contenders. The 442 debuted as an option package for 1964 F-85 and Cutlass models which were part of GM's family of “A” body intermediates. The 442 name originally came from the car having a 4-barrel carb, a 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhaust. This definition varied over time, but the 442 remained true to its performance mission. By 1968 the 442 became a standalone model, still based on Oldsmobile's popular Cutlass. As 1971 dawned the golden era of Detroit muscle was fading, but that year's Olds 442 W-30 was one of the last true standouts of this exciting period. W-30 denoted the ultimate 442, and it's the version that Revell choose for this kit. The W-30 performance option package included a specially prepared 455-cube V-8 good for 350 horsepower and a distinctive twin-scooped hood with functional ram air induction, along with bold hood and bodyside stripes.