What model
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,540
From: Northern VA
Can't tell without the VIN. You can't even tell what model year it is, since it has obviously been messed with. ASSUMING it's a 1972, it's either a Cutlass Hardtop or a Cutlass S hardtop. The VIN will be different. The chrome trim on the leading edge of the front fender is a 1970 trim piece. The ill-fitting hood is either 1971 or 72. The grills are 1972 442, but they are likely reproduction anyway. The back seat upholstery that you can see in the photos appears to be 1971-72 also. Get the VIN.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 15
It is a 1972 cutlass 2dr hardtop 455 2barrel. Runs and drives interior is really good. What do you think it's worth. I got the vin and decoded it. Not sure if it's worth what he is asking. Let me know a rough estimate.
Last edited by Randomk; Aug 2, 2022 at 06:07 PM.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,540
From: Northern VA
If you already knew that, why did you ask "what model"? And is it really a Cutlass or a Cutlass S? Is it an original 455 car or not (that will also be in the VIN). Is this your car? Without more info and photos, the best value estimate is somewhere between scrap value and a million bucks. Provide more info, more photos, the VIN, and the cowl tag and you might get a more precise answer. You haven't even told us what transmission, drum or disc brakes, what rear axle, etc. It looks like the car is half assembled, which doesn't bode well for value. And FYI, the "455 2bbl" wasn't even available in the 1972 model year, so it's clearly not original.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,540
From: Northern VA
3G87 is a Cutlass S Hardtop Coupe.
The "U" proves it is a factory 455 4bbl car with the L75 motor.
The engine pictures show a lot of modifications. I can't read the head casting to tell if this is the original engine or not. I can see a drum brake master cylinder.
If your real question is, "Is this a real 442", there is no way to tell without paperwork. The car has had most of the trim removed. And FYI, real 1972 442s did not get the 442 emblem on the glove box. This car would have come with a Cutlass emblem there. Now, back when the 72s were new, the first thing we did was run to the parts counter and buy a 1971 glovebox emblem. I did that with my own 72.
As for value, there are so many non-stock items that it is difficult to say. To me, these detract significantly from value. Someone else might not feel the same way. The fact that the car has apparently been torn apart and put back together scares me. Typically cars that exhibit half-fast workmanship like we see in these photos only get about half the fasteners reinstalled. Wiring is often totally hosed. Missing items like the trunk lock and outside mirrors just add to the negative vibes. Based solely on the information presented here,. I'd have a hard time going over $10K. 1972 U-code cars are pretty rare, but this one has so many issues that I can't see it even close to the value of a nice one. My other big concern is the condition of the sheet metal. Without knowing what's under that repaint, it's hard to make an accurate assessment.
The "U" proves it is a factory 455 4bbl car with the L75 motor.
The engine pictures show a lot of modifications. I can't read the head casting to tell if this is the original engine or not. I can see a drum brake master cylinder.
If your real question is, "Is this a real 442", there is no way to tell without paperwork. The car has had most of the trim removed. And FYI, real 1972 442s did not get the 442 emblem on the glove box. This car would have come with a Cutlass emblem there. Now, back when the 72s were new, the first thing we did was run to the parts counter and buy a 1971 glovebox emblem. I did that with my own 72.
As for value, there are so many non-stock items that it is difficult to say. To me, these detract significantly from value. Someone else might not feel the same way. The fact that the car has apparently been torn apart and put back together scares me. Typically cars that exhibit half-fast workmanship like we see in these photos only get about half the fasteners reinstalled. Wiring is often totally hosed. Missing items like the trunk lock and outside mirrors just add to the negative vibes. Based solely on the information presented here,. I'd have a hard time going over $10K. 1972 U-code cars are pretty rare, but this one has so many issues that I can't see it even close to the value of a nice one. My other big concern is the condition of the sheet metal. Without knowing what's under that repaint, it's hard to make an accurate assessment.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,540
From: Northern VA
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,540
From: Northern VA
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,797
From: Mt.Ary, MD
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,540
From: Northern VA
A decently restored and documented 1972 U-code 442 will easily bring $25-30K, depending on the quality of the work. Unfortunately you're going to spend at least $10-15K more to get that car into such a condition. A lot depends on how the modifications were done, how much is hack work, what parts are missing and need to be replaced (yeah, I realize the seller CLAIMS to have the original parts...), and what shape the underlying sheet metal is in. It also depends on whether you are doing the work yourself of paying someone (in which case double my 10-15K estimate).
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 621
From: Kansas City, MO
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 242
From: Oklahoma City, OK
3G87 is a Cutlass S Hardtop Coupe.
The "U" proves it is a factory 455 4bbl car with the L75 motor.
The engine pictures show a lot of modifications. I can't read the head casting to tell if this is the original engine or not. I can see a drum brake master cylinder.
If your real question is, "Is this a real 442", there is no way to tell without paperwork. The car has had most of the trim removed. And FYI, real 1972 442s did not get the 442 emblem on the glove box. This car would have come with a Cutlass emblem there. Now, back when the 72s were new, the first thing we did was run to the parts counter and buy a 1971 glovebox emblem. I did that with my own 72.
As for value, there are so many non-stock items that it is difficult to say. To me, these detract significantly from value. Someone else might not feel the same way. The fact that the car has apparently been torn apart and put back together scares me. Typically cars that exhibit half-fast workmanship like we see in these photos only get about half the fasteners reinstalled. Wiring is often totally hosed. Missing items like the trunk lock and outside mirrors just add to the negative vibes. Based solely on the information presented here,. I'd have a hard time going over $10K. 1972 U-code cars are pretty rare, but this one has so many issues that I can't see it even close to the value of a nice one. My other big concern is the condition of the sheet metal. Without knowing what's under that repaint, it's hard to make an accurate assessment.
The "U" proves it is a factory 455 4bbl car with the L75 motor.
The engine pictures show a lot of modifications. I can't read the head casting to tell if this is the original engine or not. I can see a drum brake master cylinder.
If your real question is, "Is this a real 442", there is no way to tell without paperwork. The car has had most of the trim removed. And FYI, real 1972 442s did not get the 442 emblem on the glove box. This car would have come with a Cutlass emblem there. Now, back when the 72s were new, the first thing we did was run to the parts counter and buy a 1971 glovebox emblem. I did that with my own 72.
As for value, there are so many non-stock items that it is difficult to say. To me, these detract significantly from value. Someone else might not feel the same way. The fact that the car has apparently been torn apart and put back together scares me. Typically cars that exhibit half-fast workmanship like we see in these photos only get about half the fasteners reinstalled. Wiring is often totally hosed. Missing items like the trunk lock and outside mirrors just add to the negative vibes. Based solely on the information presented here,. I'd have a hard time going over $10K. 1972 U-code cars are pretty rare, but this one has so many issues that I can't see it even close to the value of a nice one. My other big concern is the condition of the sheet metal. Without knowing what's under that repaint, it's hard to make an accurate assessment.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,116
From: Way freakin too close to the city
He's not slow and he's not fast, he's kind half-fast! LOL! I always thought that was funny! LOL
I think the approaching with $7500.00 cash might be good! You never really know for sure if it's a good deal or not until you own it unfortunately. Cash talks and even a bit less might work. I got a really good price on a 1969 BOSS 302 many years ago because the clutch went out while we were out in the country on a test drive. While we were waiting for the tow truck, I asked the owner just how bad he wanted to get rid of the car....and I bought it!
Last edited by OLE442; Aug 5, 2022 at 03:07 AM. Reason: added text
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