1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1966 OLDS 4-4-2: TRI-POWER ROCKET – Car Guy Chronicles“
Cutlass in 1966 – Much More Performance for 442
The big news at Oldsmobile was the Toronado FWD Sports Luxury car, but the Oldsmobile mid-size body style was cleaned up, and while overall the dimensions were not that different, the car looked longer and wider. The 442 received triple 2-barrel carburetion and a ram air option. A 4-door hardtop sedan called the “Cutlass Supreme” appeared in the Cutlass line. The muscle cars wars were heating up!
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Resources
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1966 Oldsmobile Service Manual Covers All Models PDF Download
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1966 Oldsmobile A Body
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Oldsmobile Engine Modification & Tuning Guide
GEN 2 V-8 1964 – 1987
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1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts
NOTE: Vista Cruiser was considered a special separate model line and is not covered here.
The F-85 continued to grow in popularity with traditional full-sized car buyers began looking to the Oldsmobile intermediate series. This year there were several sub-groups under the Mid-size series, F-85 Standard, F-85 DeLuxe, Cutlass and the 442 option (the 442 was not its own series this year). New was the first in-line six cylinder since the Oldsmobile L-Head of 1950, replacing the Buick V-6 used in 1964-65.
442 Sales actually decreased this year from 25,003 down to 24,180. Did the increased production of the other GM mid-size performance cars impact Oldsmobile or was it Ford and Mercury’s big block entries?
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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In order to go head to head with the GTO, Oldsmobile first released the W-30 “Outside Air Induction” option as a kit. It contained all the parts for the system plus a special 308° camshaft and springs. Later, the factory built 54 cars with this option to qualify for NHRA. See the 1966 W-30 Installation instructions HERE.
The Cutlass Supreme name first appeared for the 1966 model year -a new intermediate four-door hardtop sedan—also known as the Holiday Sedan. In addition to the new body style, the Supreme featured a plusher interior that included a bench seat with armrest, full wheel covers and deluxe door panels among other items – it also had “CS” emblems on the rear C-pillars and trunk lid.
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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F-85 Standard – The Standard version was devoid of most bright metal, but otherwise the same as the upscale models. F-85 standard equipment consisted of front and rear seat belts; padded dash; windshield washer; two-speed wipers; backup lights; outside rear view mirror and vinyl floor covering.
Only three models were available in this line: 2-door Club Coupe, 4-door Sedan and Station Wagon.
F-85 Deluxe – There were three models in this series: 4-door sedan, 2-door hardtop coupe, 4-door hardtop sedan and station wagon. Identifying Deluxe F-85s were full size hub caps, and bright work in the wheel openings. The rear fascia had a bright panel running between the tail lights with “Oldsmobile” in block letters spanning the entire length. DeLuxe equipment consisted of front and rear seat belts, padded dash, windshield washer, two-speed wipers, backup lights, outside rear-view mirror, plus foam padded seat cushions, carpeting, chrome roof moldings, and DeLuxe steering wheel.
F-85 Deluxe Models were 2-door Club Coupe, 4-door Sedan, 4-door Holiday Hardtop Sedan, and Station Wagon.
Cutlass – There were three models in this series: 2-door sport coupe, 2-door Holiday hardtop coupe, 4-door Cutlass Supreme Hardtop Sedan, and Convertible – no station wagon was available. Identifying the Cutlass were full size hub caps, an wide belt line molding running the entire length of the car and bright work in the wheel openings. The rear fascia had a bright panel running between the tail lights with “Oldsmobile” in block letters spanning the entire length. Floor covering was carpeted and seats were available in pleated vinyl or fabric pattern inserts. Door panels featured bright trim and a surface that matched the seats.
The 250 HP 330 CID V-8 was standard with the 320 HO version optional as well as a regular fuel 310 version. Bucket seats were standard in all models in the line except for the 4-door.
Cutlass Models were 2-door Sports Coupe, 2-door Holiday Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Holiday Hardtop Supreme, and Convertible.
442 – The 442 option was available on all 2-door models: Coupe, Sport Coupe and Convertible regardless of the line selected, F-85, F-85 Deluxe, and Cutlass. All Key in the 442 option was the 350 HP 400 CID V-8 and the handling package. All 442s, regardless of model line were distinguished by the traditional 442 emblems in the grille, rear fascia and rear fenders, as well as a faux exit vent behind the front wheel opening in the fender. The grille also was unique with a thin single horizontal bar and a blacked out center section.
Optional were the L-69 Tri-Carb and the W-30 Installation package. Factory-built W-30 cars numbered 54 and were available only to sponsored race teams, unlike what was purported to have happened.
You can see all the special equipment in the package by referencing the “Looking for Action” Brochure HERE.
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 155 HP 250 CID I-6
- 250 HP 330 CID V-8
- 310 HP 330 CID V-8
- 320 HP 330 CID V-8
- 350 HP 400 CID 442 V-8 AMT
- 350 HP 400 CID 442 V-8 SMT
- 360 HP 400 CID L-69 442 V-8 SMT
- 360 HP 400 CID 442 W-30 V-8 SMT
- NOTES
250 CID I-6 – All Transmissions. In-line six cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.530 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.50:1.
Horsepower: 155 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 240 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.389″ (intake), 0.390″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7026027 (automatic) 7026028.
330 CID V-8 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9385″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 335 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.389″ (intake), 0.390” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7026058 (automatic) 7026056; (manual transmission w/air conditioning) 7026059 (automatic w/air conditioning) 7026057.
330 CID 4-Barrel Low Compression V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9385″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 310 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 340 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 52°, Lift 0.433″ (intake), 0.433” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission) 7026255 (automatic) 7026254.
330 CID 4-Barrel High Compression V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9385″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 320 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 52°, Lift 0.433″ (intake), 0.433” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission) 7026255 (automatic) 7026254.
400 CID 442 –4-Barrel V-8 Automatic Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.000″ x 3.975″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 440 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 52°, Lift 0.431″ (intake), 0.433” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4MV (Quadra-Jet) 4-barrel Model 7025256.
400 CID 442 4-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.000″ x 3.975″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 440 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 286°, Exhaust 286°, Overlap 58°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4MV (Quadra-Jet) 4-barrel Model 7025250.
400 CID Option L-69 442 3-2 Barrel V-8 –Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.000″ x 3.975″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 360 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 435 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 286°, Exhaust 286°, Overlap 58°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Carburetors: Three Rochester 2GC 2-barrel Model (front) 7026055, (middle) 7026056, (rear) 7026057.
400 CID 442 3-2 Barrel Option W-30 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.000″ x 3.975″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 360 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 435 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve springs: Special high strength 218 lbs. open pressure.
Camshaft timing: Intake 308°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap 82°, Lift 0.474″ (intake), 0.474” (exhaust).
Induction: Forced Air (OAI) In front bumper.
Carburetors: Three Rochester 2GC 2-barrel Model (front) 7026055, (middle) 7026056, (rear) 7026057.
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All : 115 inches.
- Overall length: All: 204.2 inches.
- Overall height: All 2-door 53.6 inches, All 4-door 54.5 inches.
- Overall width: 75.4 inches.
- Front track: All: 58 inches.
- Rear track: All: 58 inches.
- Standard tires: 7.35 x 14, 4-4-2: 7.75 x 14 on 14 x 5J rims. Police 7.75 x 15 on 15 x 5K rims.
- 4-4-2: 7.75 x 14 “Red Line” Nylon cord tires mounted on 14 x 6K rims. Note: These tires were optional on all 2-doors and police.
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1.
- 330 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
- 400 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 330 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1.
- 400 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1.
- Maximum Stall:
- I-6: Low – 2.75:1, High – 1..95:1.
- V-8: Low – 2.45:1, High – 1..980:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 SMT: 3.08:1.
- I-6 AMT: 2.78:1.
- 330 CID V-8 SMT: 3.08:1; Optional 3.23:1.
- 330 CID AMT: 2.78:1; Optional 3.08:1.
- 400 CID V-8 SMT: 3.55:1.
- 400 CID V-8 AMT: 3.23:1.
NOTE: For more powertrain information, you may access the 1966 Oldsmobile mid-size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE and the 1966 Oldsmobile 442 Specific AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 4-4-2 package: 400 CID, 350 HP V-8, heavy-duty chassis and suspension, and special internal and external 442 trim. Available on F-85 and Cutlass two-door models ($152).
- Three speed manual transmission was standard on all models except 4-4-2.
- Automatic transmission ($223).
- Three-speed manual floor shift transmission ($84). Standard on 4-4-2.
- Wide-ratio four-speed manual floor shift transmission ($184).
- Close-ratio four-speed manual transmission with floor shift ($184).
- 310 horsepower 330 CID V-8 ($33).
- 320 horsepower 330 CID V-8 ($53).
- Positive traction rear axle ($46).
- Heavy-duty clutch ($5).
- Available rear axle gear ratios: 2.73:1, 3.93:1, 3.08:1, 3.23:1, 3.42:1, 3.90:1 and 4.33:1.
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- 4-4-2 Handling and Performance Package ($152).
- Air conditioning ($343).
- Bucket seats ($141).
- Clock ($16).
- Courtesy lamps ($9).
- Electric clock ($15).
- Floor mats ($7).
- Headrests ($52).
- Outside mirror ($5).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Power antenna ($29).
- Power brakes ($41).
- Power convertible top ($68).
- Power door locks ($68).
- Power seat ($69).
- Power steering ($94).
- Power trunk ($12).
- Radio ($64).
- Radio, AM/FM ($147).
- Radio, deluxe push button ($88).
- Radio, deluxe signal seeking ($128).
- Rear radio speaker ($15).
- Rear window Defogger ($21).
- Sports console ($68).
- Tachometer ($52).
- Tilt steering column ($41).
- Tinted windows ($30).
- Trunk release ($15).
- Two-speed wipers and washer ($23).
- Two-tone paint ($20).
- Vinyl roof ($74).
- Wire wheel discs ($61).
NOTE: For more information on options and accessories view or download the 1966 Oldsmobile Salesperson’s Specs Book, found HERE.
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1966 Oldsmobile Full Line Brochure
1966 Oldsmobile Sports Models Brochure
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Fold Out Brochure
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Print Ads
1966 Oldsmobile Salesperson’s Specs Book
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Oldsmobile 442 AMA Specifications Sheets
1966 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Installation Info
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Tri-Carb Adjustment Info
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Tri-Carb Installation Info
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Tri-Carb Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Tri-Carb Road Test – Popular Hot Rodding Magazine
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test with 5 Others – Car and Driver Magazine
1966 Oldsmobile 442 Tri-Carb Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1966 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 is National Champ- Super Stock Magazine
1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1966 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Convertible
The 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Convertible was the most upscale convertible offered, 3,093 were sold with 240 Tri-Carb equipped.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Holiday Hardtop Coupe
The 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Holiday Hardtop Coupe was easily the most popular 442 model that year. 14,680 were sold with 16 w-30 equipped and 1,171 fitted with Tri-Carb.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Sport Coupe
The 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Sport Coupe was the next choice of serious racers. 4,175 were delivered, with only 5 equipped as a W-30.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 442 Holiday Hardtop Coupe
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 442 Holiday Hardtop Coupe was the entry level 3-door hardtop in the 442 line 1,403 were sold with 8 being factory-equipped as W-30s.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 442 Club Coupe
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 442 Club Coupe was the lightest and most basic 442. It was a good choice for racers, 829 were sold, of which 25 were W-30 equipped.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 4-door Hardtop Sedan
The 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 4-door Hardtop Sedan was the most deluxe Cutlass offered this year. It was very popular, with about 4,000 being part of the 30,871 4-door hardtops sold.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible
The 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible was the only convertible in the line, except for the 442 optioned version. 12,154 buyers bought this car.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Holiday Hardtop Coupe
The ever popular 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Holiday Hardtop Coupe was the second best seller in the line that year with 44,633 delivered.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-door Sedan was the most upscale 4-door sedan in the line. It was part of the 58,472 production run of upscale sedans.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sport Coupe
The 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sport Coupe combined Cutlass class with the less expensive body style. 17,455 were produced.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Hardtop Sedan
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Hardtop Sedan was the entry-level 4-door hardtop. 13,924 buyers chose this model.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Holiday Hardtop Coupe
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Holiday Hardtop Coupe was the entry level 2-door hardtop in the Olds mid-size line. It was quite popular with 36,910 delivered.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Sedan was an upscale version of the base F-85 version. It’s added brightwork and upscale interior made it the most popular mid-size Olds that year, with 58,472 produced.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Station Wagon
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Station Wagon was the top standard wagon in the Olds mid-size line that year, with the Vista Cruiser being a separate line. 16,550 were sold.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 4-door Sedan was solid transportation with Oldsmobile quality, if a bit plain. 10,370 customers opted for this model.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Club Coupe
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Club Coupe was the base two-door in the line. It was popular enough that 19,047 were delivered.
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Station Wagon
The 1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Station Wagon was the base wagon in the mid-size line. No brightwork, a more spartan interior marked this model. Only 3,812 were sold.