[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by Lightfoot

Never heard that, but I suspect it is misinformation that has been repeated. Example; a Z-28 squad car becomes a 442.
If there were any police forces that wanted a '78 mid-size GM, I can't see why they would overlook the Malibu/Lemans, which were the least expensive.
Maine State Police had some '81 Malibus in their fleet but I'm 99% sure those were 305 4bbl equipped.

About 5-6 years ago there was a '78 Cutlass 442 4spd at a classic car dealer in Illinois. (internet)
It was advertised as a 350 (SBC), but no factory documentation, and no mention of the VIN to show proof of such.
The engine photo looked suspicious to me.

The guy with the 78 442 said the 305 was the biggest offered for his car, he had a fetish for the 78 & up Cutlasses.
I had a cop car book and it mentions the 78 or 79 9C1 being offered with the same LM1 (350) as the Impala/Caprice/Nova.
Makes sense, since the Nova was on it's way out by 79 and it was a successful cop car and the Malibu would be the replacement.