Phantom197

Hey guys, I found this car on craigslist. http://chambana.craigslist.org/cto/5217628684.html

Will get pics soon. Im on my phone so not sure how I can do that. Its red, with black buckets, turbo 350, olds 350, 2 barrel carb. Has a 4 barrel extra brand new and a holley 650 intake. 1 owner car. Guy said he bought it new in '73. Has all 442 stuff (trumpet tips, 442 bumper, hood with louvres) only thing is that is has 72 cutlass grills that are painted black with the 442 emblem. It also has the "stainless rocker panel trim" that I heard was a delete on the 442(?) Has a rear wing added on that is black. If anyone wants to show me how to get pics on here please help. Also he cant remember what it was that he bought a 442 or cutlass. He said the title says coupe.

Allan R

Proceed cautiously. I think you already know that CL can be a hit or miss as far as what people will put on there

The 72 Cutlass and Cutlass S both came with 350 2bbl and 350 AT from the factory. Maybe he meant that he bought it new when the 73 models came out? Most dealers wouldn't have a new 72 car on the lot in 1973. I could be wrong though. The A51 (buckets) is an option, so it likely has a console shifter too?

Actually the 442 stuff you mention was not part of the standard 1972 442. Trumpet tips and cutout bumper only came on 1972 455 equipped 442s. You're right that the 442 never came from the factory with rocker stainless, it was part of the 'delete' that was part of the W29 package. 442's had special grills, so standard Cutlass grills painted black are just wrong. All Cutlass / Cutlass S models came with faux louvers from the factory. The only difference on the 442 is the louvers were black instead of body color.

Deck lid wing was never offered in 72. This is an owner or dealer add on. The title should say coupe if it's a 2 door. I don't think they were specific about whether it was a hardtop or sports coupe.

Here's a link that should help you get started with some pictures. How To Post Pictures

Good luck with the pics. Can't wait to see if this is really a car that is worth the 10k ask.

joe_padavano

Actually, it isn't unheard of. If dealerships had new cars on the lot towards the end of the model year, people would often wait to see the new cars come out before buying, and there would naturally be deep discounts on the prior model year cars. I remember this being a common practice back in the day.

Keep in mind that bucket seats did not automatically include a floor shifter. That was an extra cost option. I've seen more than a few cars with buckets and a column shifter.

Allan R

Yes, I agree with what you say. What I was referring to is the statement that it was bought new in 73, which would be around 4-5 months? after the introduction and dealer acquisition of new model stock.

joe_padavano

Still not unheard of. How long did Rallye 350s sit on dealer lots? In some cases the dealers had to install chrome bumpers to get the cars sold.

Phantom197

Im sure that it peopably just didnt get sold, just like how some 2013 cars are still for sale. Also, in 1973, the 1974 cars were already out. Maybe they held onto a few 72's for if people didnt like the collonade style.

Allan R

Dealers don't hold inventory like you suggest. Their livelihood depends on moving product, and they also have to meet head office sales objectives. In your scenario, if the colonnade series wasn't well received I'm pretty sure any 72 stock would have sold out faster. IMO it's more likely the car was traded in early 73 for a new car and was simply lower mile trade in inventory that could be sold at close to invoice, like a demonstrator.

oldcutlass

I've seen many previous years model still on the lot the following year. Depends on the amount of inventory a dealer stocked and model. I bet you can still find a few 2014 pickups still in dealer inventory today. Demo service vehicles could also been sold after the 1st of the year.

Here are some new 2014 trucks:
http://www.prestonford.com/search/ne...md100/v:1,p:2/