The 1970 Oldsmobile 442 brought a 455-cubic-inch V8 into the model’s story. The museum’s pace-car convertible shows how that identity could coexist with comfort equipment. It is an example of the year’s range, not proof that every 442 had its W-30 equipment or convertible body.

Seventh favours intermediate-car muscle over the Camaro’s smaller-engine route. The GSX wins our visual-character tie-break, while Oldsmobile’s comparatively restrained shape offers a credible alternative. Surviving examples need not share one specification.

Sources: Museum record.

Photo: Greg Gjerdingen · CC BY 2.0. Resized/compressed.