hi how can i tell if its a real 442 or not the vin has only 13 numbers Michigan title its a 1972 convertible please help pat thanks

 

What year is the car?
If it is a 68-71 and the vin starts with 344 it is a real 442.

 

its a 72 convertible

 

 

Besides some tell tale signs, which can be added, there is no way to prove its a legit 442 without the any original paper work from dealer or factory. 72 is a pain to prove a lot of people stay away from that year if their numbers or originality car folk.

 

As mentioned without paperwork it's difficult to know if a 72 is real or not.
For the 68-71 model years 442 and Cutlass were their own models and the 44 in the vin stood for 442.
In 1972 442 became an option on a Cutlass.
Is the car a 350 or 455 car?
Can you post some good pics of the car?
We will never be able to tell you for sure but we can find tell tale signs that the car may be original or a clone.

 

The 72 442 was a year that, not only was the 442 back to being a package, but it was independent of engine. This means that, while it is much hard to authenticate, it also means a lot less. A 72 442 with a 350 should not command the money that a 71 442 will, because the 71 had a 455 that matched the vin, and the vin had a model number.

The GOOD news is that, if there IS a big block in there, it should be numbers matching and it should have a U in the vin for the 455. I would not pay good money for a non-455 442, no matter how much proof, more than I'd pay for a Cutlass of the same condition, as it's just a trim and handling package without the engine, and the engine is easy to authenticate, at least.

 

thank u very much i haven't bought it yet but the cars a strong 8..5 out of ten very clean top to underneath i had a bunch of classics an leaned a little but i leaned were an how to look for rust ,,weld marks on door quarters things like that i no a not a lot but more that a lot if that makes sense thanks again he wants 24 k for 72 350 convertible two owner car i offered him $17,500 he said ok..... I should ask original owner if i can reach him

 

The 350 cars are not as desirable as the 455 442's.
If this car is as nice as you claim, even if it's a Cutlass Supreme, because it's a convert I would say your getting it for a very good price. Because of the price I would be leery and want to think it's a clone.Either way that sounds like a great price for a very nice convert.
Good pics would really help the people here try to determine if it's real or a clone,there are some tell tale signs.
To start,does it say Cutlass Supreme or 442 on the glove box door? Even if it's a 442,for 1972 it should say Cutlass Supreme,if it says 442,this tells you the car has been altered to appear as a 442 and more investigating is in order.

 

This is the best start to the conversation I've seen on this thread. I would also question if this car has ever had the interior done. If it hasn't there's a slight chance you might find a broadcast card that shows W29 in Box 12. Other than that you're taking a real risk assuming this car is a genuine 442. The VIN on the car will likely start out 3J67K2MXXXXXX. In other words - Cutlass Supreme Convertible with a 350 4bbl which is the standard engine for that car.
The W29 had specific deletes and additions to make it a 442. (Appearance and Handling package) IMO $17,5k is ballpark for a car that can't verify it's a 442

 

 

Also (although it doesn't seem to be the case here) if there's an X in the VIN that makes it a W-30, which is also ironclad proof that it's a 4-4-2, as the W-30 option was only available in conjunction with the W-29.

Regardless, $17,500 is not a bad price for a regular L-34 350 Cutlass convertible these days, if it's a nice one.

 

 

Yes, there were more than 2, that was convertible w-30 H/Os. X in the vin, w-46 on the cowl. Normal 72 HO is U vin, w45 cowl.

 

Waiting for pictures.......................................... ............................: p