why was there a 3 speed standard transmission option in the 1969 oldsmobile 442?

475

Asked by Rondo Jun 21, 2018 at 12:29 AM about the 1969 Oldsmobile 442

Question type: General

why was there a 3 speed standard transmission option in the 1969 oldsmobile
442?

11 Answers

The people that made that decision are all dead and gone. 3 speed manuals were the cheapest transmission available at the time so it was the "economy" choice.

475

no they wern't cheap with a Hurst shift and my friend had that car with a 3 speed and special posi rear and it beat out a 4 speed same car same engine.

6 people found this helpful.
50

Thanks for your comments on the Olds three speed which was correct. The 3 speed Olds standard shift on the floor was the most expensive transmission. There weren't many made, they all came in a 4.4.2. with a hurst shifter that had a special posi rear. You were right, there were no 4 speeds that could beat it thru the gears. I had a canary yellow one with black stripes across the rear and I never lost to anyone with a 4 speed manual or automatic. I still have it today with a turbo auto trans, 52,000 miles , red in color.

5 people found this helpful.
20

I had the same transmission in a 1969 Pontiac GTO. Was the Ford based Dearborn transmission used by GM. Was a toploader 3 speed similar to the Ford top loader four speed. Better than any other manual transmission I ever had from GM.

2 people found this helpful.
30

Got complete dearborn 3 speed w/hurst shifter and 442 logo original shifter boot backup switch and drive shaft yoke near mint. Anyone interested

3 people found this helpful.
20

I had a 1969 442 with the 3-speed. I was incredibly fast. I could pull the front wheels off the ground between 1st and 2nd and once had it up to 140MPH. In 1969 the insurance companies added a high premium if the car had a 4-speed which is why I opted for the 3-speed.

2 people found this helpful.

The 1969 442 had the Dearborn(Ford) heavy duty 3 speed as standard equipment,the Muncie 4 speeds were options.My understanding is that Olds did not want to invest in developing a heavy duty three speed since they figured most would want the optional Muncie. Seams they were correct in buying the Ford Toploaders and not investing $$.

20

hello how do i tell if my 1968 hoiday coupe has a factory 3-speed

2 people found this helpful.
20

The Ford "Dearborn" top loader 3 speed manual trans, standard in GTO, 442, and Buick Gran Sport 1965-1969 was probably the toughest transmission ever put in a passenger car in the US. I had one in a 1969 GTO, much better than my 4-speed '69 GTO and 4 speed 1968 Olds 442.

I am looking for a yoke for a Dearborn 3 speed transmission for my 69 Gto convertible. I need the yoke for the front of the drive shaft. I had a 3 speed Dearborn in a 69 Gto convertible in high school that my dad bought brand new. I put a Muncie 4 speed in it and slowed it down.

Your Answer:

442

Looking for a Used 442 in your area?

CarGurus has 47 nationwide 442 listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1969 Oldsmobile 442

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Douglas Webb
    Reputation
    190
  • #2
    GuruJCTZX
    Reputation
    110
  • #3
    classy442
    Reputation
    80
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Corvette
773 Great Deals out of 14,458 listings starting at $3,900
Used Chevrolet Camaro
592 Great Deals out of 8,397 listings starting at $1,977
Used Dodge Charger
808 Great Deals out of 14,989 listings starting at $2,500
Used Pontiac Firebird
14 Great Deals out of 362 listings starting at $6,991

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.