Hi everyone. I'm new here and could use some help. I have an original 72 442 but the title says cutlass and the vin decodes to cutlass. I am certain it is the real deal as I bought it from a family friend who bought it new in late 71. Where can I look to decode the body plate and prove its authentic? Thanks! - Kyle

 

In 1972, the 442 was once again reduced to an OPTION on the Cultass line. Not at all like the VIN proof of 442-ness that 68-71 models enjoy.

In fact, the 350-2bbl was an optional engine for the 1972 442

My wife and I, I am sure, got away with many shenanigans when living in Davis CA because the local owner of the newspaper's wife drove a red convertible '72 442 which from afar or to the not well clued looks exactly like my '68...

 

here is the plate

 

Here ya go

72 = 1972
33687 = Oldsmobile Cutlass S 2 Door Hardtop Coupe
R = Arlington, TX Body Plant
12401 = Fisher Body Unit # (No relation to VIN)
947 = White in color themed interior
A51 = Strato Bucket Seats
26 = Viking Blue Lower Body Paint
26 = Viking Blue Upper Body Paint
12A = 1st Week (A) of December (12) 1971 Began Build
294 = Data Processing # (No useful info here, except it will show up on he build sheet(s) )

And Octania is correct in 1972 the 442 was reverted back to a package and not a model of it's own. As a matter of fact it wasn't performance related but rather a handling and appearance option. Being an Arlington built car there is a chance you may find a build sheet somewhere within, and that will have W29 on it if it was ordered with the 442 package. Hope this helps

 

The short answer here is that there is nothing about the VIN or the body cowl tag on a '72 that will prove the car is a 442, correct? So the OP needs to find the build sheet to prove that the car originally came with the 442 package? If he can't find that, would the protect-o-plate do it? Original invoice or window sticker? j

Just curious.

 

No the Protect-O-Plate wouldn't show it as a 442 or any option there of in '72. The window sticker, build sheet(s), broadcast card(s) (may or may not) and original invoice would be the only hope to prove it without a doubt. The only thing 442 specific that would tie it all together is if it happened to be a W30 and had the X in the VIN. Otherwise any Cutlass can have the same exact parts, part #'s and codes.

 

Thanks.

 

Your welcome

 

Correct. There is nothing in the VIN or cowl tag that "proves" the car is a 442.

Of course, with the possible exception of the "X" engine code for a W-30 motor, which was only available in the 442 or H/O that year. If you have a Sport Coupe or Holiday Coupe (xx77 or xx87 body) and an X in the fifth position of the VIN, it's definitely a 442 W-30. If you have a Supreme Holiday Coupe (xx57 body) with the X, it's definitely a H/O with W-30. If you have a Supreme Convertible (xx67 body) it could be either a 442 or a H/O with W-30.

Keep in mind that there were many more 442 and H/Os built in 1972 that did NOT have the X engine. Unfortunately for those cars you cannot prove anything from the VIN.

 

What really stinks for us 1972 owners is the Protect-O-Plate only shows four things (at least on mine) Dealer Zone & code, date of delivery to the dealership, VIN and actual miles on the car at delivery.

 

Let's see some pictures. Could be your buyer is somewhere on this forum.

 

what it looked like 10 years ago...... before i pulled the interior and got it ready for repaint...... not together yet.

 

was told to look for the build sheet above the fuel tank. Bolts frozen, should know if its up there tomorrow after i cut it loose. Hope its there, again I know it is authentic but need the proof..... What is this thing worth? NADA classic says anywhere from 12k to 38K...... I would love to keep it and drive it but figure putting 10K or more into it right now probably isn't in my budget. May just have to wait another 5 years to do it right.....

 

Well, dropped the tank and no build sheet there. Don't know what to do now..... Are there any other features that differentiate a regular cutlass from a 442 in 72? The rear control arms are boxed on my car if that matters...

 

The pic you posted from 10 years ago - if that's original paint it's the W29 option which is a 442. Part of the package included FE2 suspension (boxed control arms, rear suspension, body braces). The hood louvers should also be black and the grills will be 442 style.

The hood stripes and body stripes appear to be correct for the W29 package, and note there is no rocker chrome; all good indicators of a 442. The W29 was produced at all Olds A body production plants - Arlington (your car), Freemont, Framingham and Lansing. Only Lansing built the W30 though.

re: build sheet. Also check under the package tray, under the seat springs and behind the bucket seat uprights. Chances are you'll find several broadcast cards in the car as you remove carpet etc. When you find one, if it has W29 in box 12 under COPO/SO if it's a real W29. If you find that card and the body number on the card matches the cowl tag, you've got your documentation and proof. It doesn't change the fact that the cars VIN will be listed as Cutlass. I'm sure you can have the vehicle identification changed to 442 on the Title if you show them the proof.

Also, one thing most folks don't realize. On the glove box, the script there should read Cutlass, NOT 442. That's a common mistake most people make when they 'clone' their cars. Last year that the 442 emblem was on the glovebox in this body style was 1971. The interior door panels should also retain the red S emblem that was part of the Cutlass S model.