When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I’m looking for some help. I am a car wholesaler with normal inventory of late model used cars. My partner and I bought a really beautiful 1972 442. I am hoping you guys can help me figure out exactly what we bought
You have a 1972 Cutlass Supreme that may or may not be a real 442. Unfortunately, in the 1972 model year the 442 was demoted to a "handling and appearance package" that was available on a number of Cutlass models. There is nothing in the VIN that will prove the car is a real 442. The wing and incorrect stripes and (likely) reproduction hood suggest that this is a clone, but there's no easy way to prove that either. On the plus side, the lack of stainless rocker molding and OLDSMOBILE letters on the trunk suggest that it is either real or a well-executed clone (many people neglect to remove those items when they turn a Cutlass Supreme into a Faux Four Two). The wing was not factory available in the 1972 model year and it was never offered on the convertible period. Also, a real 1972 442 would still have the Cutlass Supreme emblem on the glovebox, though many of us swapped that for the 1971 442 emblem back in the day. The VIN will provide more info, as will photos of underhood and suspension, but without a build sheet or broadcast card or other documentation it can't be proven.
You have a 1972 Cutlass Supreme that may or may not be a real 442. Unfortunately, in the 1972 model year the 442 was demoted to a "handling and appearance package" that was available on a number of Cutlass models. There is nothing in the VIN that will prove the car is a real 442. The wing and incorrect stripes and (likely) reproduction hood suggest that this is a clone, but there's no easy way to prove that either. On the plus side, the lack of stainless rocker molding and OLDSMOBILE letters on the trunk suggest that it is either real or a well-executed clone (many people neglect to remove those items when they turn a Cutlass Supreme into a Faux Four Two). The wing was not factory available in the 1972 model year and it was never offered on the convertible period. Also, a real 1972 442 would still have the Cutlass Supreme emblem on the glovebox, though many of us swapped that for the 1971 442 emblem back in the day. The VIN will provide more info, as will photos of underhood and suspension, but without a build sheet or broadcast card or other documentation it can't be proven.
UH-OH! Maybe we should have stuck to the late models we know very well. Just kidding, this car is so beautiful, and drives amazing.
I appreciate your quick response. I’ll get more pictures of under the hood and suspension.
Hi Phil (or better yet if you’re from Philadelphia - go Phillies) beautiful car - unfortunately 1972 is the most faked/ cloned/ tributed year for 442s, as they reverted back to an option package in ‘72 and not a stand alone model.
The VIN can be helpful, if yours has an X as 5th digit you hit the jackpot, if not the fifth digit will still tell you what the factory installed motor was. Also, if you have original paperwork such as dealer invoice or window sticker that can also help document the car. The rear wing would be a later add-on and not available in 72.
Many on here are much more knowledgeable than I, but my first 442 was a V code 72, and holds a special place in my heart - they’re gorgeous, especially as a soft top. So whether you have a Cutlass or a 442 it’s a beauty - and quite prudent of you to ask the experts on CO to help you out. The reason this year is the most faked /cloned/ tributed is due to resale values - which can be tripled if it’s a bonafide 442 versus a cutlass / cutlass supreme.
Last edited by vCode442; Sep 11, 2020 at 05:37 PM.
If there is an X in the 5th character of the VIN, you have a 442 and a rare one at that (W-30). Since the W-30 emblems aren’t on the car, I doubt you’ll find the X in the VIN. Otherwise, as Joe mentioned, you will need the build sheet to prove that it’s a 442. Looks like a nice car either way. I have a “U” code 1972 convertible (455 / auto). I’m pretty sure it’s an original 442, but I’ve never searched for the build sheet to prove it. I just enjoy it assuming that it is a real 442 and insure it accordingly.
The VIN on the tag at the base of the windshield is actually 3J67M2M226769. That decodes as follows:
3 = Oldsmobile Division
J = Cutlass Supreme model line
67 = convertible
M = 350 4bbl dual exhaust (200HP net)
2 = 1972 model year
M = Lansing, MI assembly plant
226769 = sequential build number
As I noted, you could order the 72 Supreme convertible with the RPO W29 442 package - the VIN would be the same whether it has it or not.
Did they make a 442 with a 2-barrel in '72?
This will settle a debate with a friend.
Thanks.
The 442 "appearance and handling" package was an option for the 1972 model year, not a separate model. It could be ordered with any engine otherwise available in the Cutlass line, including the VIN H 350 2bbl single exhaust motor with a pavement-ripping 160 HP net. That's a long-winded way of saying "yes".
Hi Phil (or better yet if you’re from Philadelphia - go Phillies) beautiful car - unfortunately 1972 is the most faked/ cloned/ tributed year for 442s, as they reverted back to an option package in ‘72 and not a stand alone model.
The VIN can be helpful, if yours has an X as 5th digit you hit the jackpot, if not the fifth digit will still tell you what the factory installed motor was. Also, if you have original paperwork such as dealer invoice or window sticker that can also help document the car. The rear wing would be a later add-on and not available in 72.
Many on here are much more knowledgeable than I, but my first 442 was a V code 72, and holds a special place in my heart - they’re gorgeous, especially as a soft top. So whether you have a Cutlass or a 442 it’s a beauty - and quite prudent of you to ask the experts on CO to help you out. The reason this year is the most faked /cloned/ tributed is due to resale values - which can be tripled if it’s a bonafide 442 versus a cutlass / cutlass supreme.
I don't think "PhilaOV" is a Philly guy. I never saw the car in Philly, all of the plates are from NJ and the homes are not Philly homes. Nothing on the car identifying Eagles.......
The vin decodes a
J (Cutlass Supreme)
67 (Convertible)
H (350 2-barrel).........Now has a W-30 Intake with a 4-barrel carb.
M (Lansing, MI)
Does the W-30 intake with the 4-barrel carb change the HP, If so how much? Approx. of course
H (350 2-barrel).........Now has a W-30 Intake with a 4-barrel carb.
No, it doesn't. The W30 intake is for a big block and is about 1.5" wider than the intake on your 350. And no, the W30 (and W31) aluminum intakes do not improve flow, since they are dimensionally identical to the cast iron intakes. The only difference is the weight.
