I am in the middle of getting a 72 cutlass, and am trying to figure out whether it is an "s" or a supreme. I have tried to match it's appearance which to the best of my knowledge is completely stock (and about 1/8th rusted away) to pictures online and still can't figure it out. I have tried to faq this and can't find what i am looking for there either. any help for a new guy would be appreciated.

 

go to google.com
click on images, and do searches for both.
I'm sure there are 100s of pictures of each.
I believe the big difference is in the interior however.

 

Check these out.
http://www.442.com/vcs/1964_1972/fields.html

 

Your vin will help you determine exactly if it is an S or a Supreme.

 

what does the glovebox door say?

 

The glovebox door "says' that it can be swapped in a few minutes with a handful of screws. As Dan correctly points out, the VIN will tell you what the car is. Post it here.

 

Welcome to the site. Enjoy your new purchase.

The vin will tell the tale, but the quote above is very good way to visually see the difference between the body styles. Nice job Jay!

 

Joe,
I realize the glovebox door can be swapped out, but he's not asking is this an "s" or a 442. The vin is the answer but the glovebox door badge would be a down and dirty quick check.

Juan,
Look at the pictures of the body styles in the link thats been posted above, the clue is the rear quater window shape. The supreme will have a "notched" shape to it where the S will go back to a point.

But the true answer is in the vin or the trim tag.

Post a picture!!