It's only been a couple weeks but I'm already checking the market for my next Olds. I've been looking at a 72 442. I understand all the details about a 442 only being an appearance/handling package for 72. I'm also clear on the fact that a 72 is not as desirable as other years when the 442 was a separate model. I also understand that all 72 motors were way down on performance for a variety of reasons.

Having said all of that, what is the value of these cars relative to other 442's and relative to a standard Cutlass 'S' of the same year? Most of the value guides that I've checked don't seem to reflect a major devaluation of the 72 442.

The car I'm looking over is a documented W29 car with some nice options including sport mirrors, rallye wheel, rallye pac, FE2 suspension, buckets/console, front discs. The car came stock with a 350 but it's been replaced with a 72 455. The interior/exterior of the car would probably rate an 8 or 9.

Based on the minimal details provided and in the absence of any pics, what would be the price range for this car in today's market? Anybody else own one of these cars and have anything to share?

 

Real hard to say without seeing and inspecting. From the info you gave I'll say 7-11k

 

That seems kind of low to me given the number of 442's I see priced a lot closer to 20K. I realize a 72 will never be a high dollar car but I've seen nice Cutlass S cars approaching 10K. I appreciate and respect your opinion but I think that range is on the low side for a documented W29 nom big block car. Then again, I could just be out of touch with the market.

 

just because they ask 20k doesnt mean they get 20k.

a 4 speed with a/c matching numbers 72 442 just sold for $13k

they were asking 18k for it.

 

Your original description said it came with a 350 then in your last post you said it is a NOM big block car? If it is an original big block car it will have a U in the V.I.N.
If it had an original 455 in it then I believe the value would increase maybe 3-5k. OAI would increase the value at least 2k. You didn't say it had it. If it was an original 4spd. car that would add value too. Overall condition such as paint, chrome, undercarriage and interior along with documentation can play a significant role in the value also.
Like I said, it is hard to say without actually seeing the car.
Having said all that ultimately the car is worth whatever someone will pay for it. You could put a price of 20k on the car and you just might find someone who likes the car enough to pay that. I am just going by what I see in today's classic car market IMHO.

 

Check out Nadaguides.com in the classic car section. This is a pretty good guide from what I have experienced. No signups or personal info needed.

There is a quite interesting differences in prices...
Avg value with the W29 package is quite a bit over that of the Cutlass, in same condition. Having the 455 adds quite a bit more, but to a collector, that would kinda cancel itself out since it is no longer numbers matching.

The addition of the W30 adds MUCH more.

However, you must see and drive it to be able to set a true price. Rust, engine / tranny issues could drop the value a lot.

 

This is just my personnel opinion and observation. Nada book values are way out of touch with the reality of today's market. I use the following found in the link below as well as Manheimgold.


http://www.vmrintl.com/cctm/coll_frame.htm

 

4 years ago,my girlfriend bought a documented 70 W-31 for 14k.

asking price was 20k.my first offer was 10k,and we went from there.

pick up the phone and just make an offer.

 

Who cares if it has an orignial big block, ralley wheels or factory 4 speed? Just get the body style you like. If I were in the market for a car like that it would get a built 455, modified manual or automatic transmission, better rear end gears, and aftermarket wheels.

What I am trying to say is that people do so many different things with cars that it is really hard to put a price on something. Especially without doing the purchasing yourself. Post some pics if you have them

 

I paid $14 for a '71 442. Three owner car with all documentation. Power and a/c. I had to repaint and fix a bit of rust. That was 2 years ago. It was an exsceptionally clean car-always garaged. Good luck.

 

If your still on the market I am about to list my 1972 442. All original matching numbers with build sheet. The W29 455 engine has been rebuilt and the body is perfect. It still has the original black front hood badging with all bodywork complete and new lacquer blended in where it meets the original paint on the hood, columns and roof. The pinstripes on the side were put on perfectly. Hurst shift 4speed and Muncie M21. I am trying to fix on a list price and interested in some feedback on the price. I am the 2nd owner. Vin#3g87u2m203861

 

You do realize that this tread is just about five years old, to the day, right?

 

Maybe if it were August of 2014

 

I didnt notice the year..I just signed up on this site and saw the topic and month/day thinking it was current. Im sure Scott442 has a car by now.

 

Yeah, well, see, I'm just ahead of my time...

 

I'm sorry to be ambiguous, but the value is almost completely determined on the market and where you are located. What I mean is that a car bought on the east (or west) coast is usually much more expensive than what would be paid in, for example, the mid-west.

When I was looking for my olds earlier this year, I saw clunker '72's in the DC area go for upwards of 25K. At the same time, I saw very nice '72's in Indiana selling in the mid-teens.

 

Can't be numbers matching with an m-21 in 1972.

 

U in the VIN shows it was originally a TH400 455 car. If it's a V instead of a U, it would have been born with an M20 and I'd possibly be interested in it. ; )

 

Scott has had 2 cars since this original post!!