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Allan R · 07-09-2008, 09:34 PM

Here ya go my friend,

I have the original 1972 Dealership guide sitting right beside me. So to clear up the mystery between the Cutlass and f85. Joe is right...to a point...mechanically they are the same. The lower priced end of Oldsmobile is the f85 for people who wanted Olds but were on a tighter budget. Badging the car as an f85 is something of a carry over from the 60's. 1972 is the last year of the f85. So you're not alone. Cutlass/F85 available in 2 door coupe (post and non post) or 4 door pillared sedan. These lower priced cars usually came with the Rocket 350 L32 and TH350 power team. Trim lines were very downscale for f85 / Cutlass- mostly just the nameplate was put on. You might see some with reveal mldgs or rocker chrome, but not much else. So, the fastback "just Cutlass" is really the same car as the F85. Also, the interiors were very plain with no woodgrain (except around the gauge cluster) on the dash or door trim.

Cutlass S was the "sport" model offered by Olds in 1972. It was only available in the 2 door coupe (post and non post) ;the non post car being the more popular and higher production. 442 was offered as a w29 option package (appearance decals, badging 3:23 posi, and upgraded FE2 suspension) on the Cutlass S and Supreme models only. NB: the glove box emblem on a 1972 442 should not say 442. It should say either Cutlass or Cutlass Supreme.

And finally, if you're not sure about whether it's produced as an f85, Cutlass, or Cutlass S check the VIN and the cowl tag.

Allan R

07-09-2008, 09:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
Allan R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 492	Cutlass or f85??? Here ya go my friend, I have the original 1972 Dealership guide sitting right beside me. So to clear up the mystery between the Cutlass and f85. Joe is right...to a point...mechanically they are the same. The lower priced end of Oldsmobile is the f85 for people who wanted Olds but were on a tighter budget. Badging the car as an f85 is something of a carry over from the 60's. 1972 is the last year of the f85. So you're not alone. Cutlass/F85 available in 2 door coupe (post and non post) or 4 door pillared sedan. These lower priced cars usually came with the Rocket 350 L32 and TH350 power team. Trim lines were very downscale for f85 / Cutlass- mostly just the nameplate was put on. You might see some with reveal mldgs or rocker chrome, but not much else. So, the fastback "just Cutlass" is really the same car as the F85. Also, the interiors were very plain with no woodgrain (except around the gauge cluster) on the dash or door trim. Cutlass S was the "sport" model offered by Olds in 1972. It was only available in the 2 door coupe (post and non post) ;the non post car being the more popular and higher production. 442 was offered as a w29 option package (appearance decals, badging 3:23 posi, and upgraded FE2 suspension) on the Cutlass S and Supreme models only. NB: the glove box emblem on a 1972 442 should not say 442. It should say either Cutlass or Cutlass Supreme. And finally, if you're not sure about whether it's produced as an f85, Cutlass, or Cutlass S check the VIN and the cowl tag. Allan R