I can use some help please. I am looking to buy a 1972 442 convertible. I am aware that in 1972, the 442 was an option package, and not a separate model. The car is a triple black convertible with air conditioning. The seller cannot provide any documentation. The seller told me the car is all original, except the exterior paint which was changed to black.


The car is matching numbers, and has the 455 engine. What horsepower came with the 455 engine?


Does the 455 engine come standard with a TH-400 transmission?


Looks like the data plate trim is 970 with A51 directly underneath. It looks like the next to body paint it has the letter B or number 8. (really hard to read)


Looks like the cowl tag reads ST72 34267LAN41549


Anyway the VIN number will help answer my questions.


I have pictures of the car, engine, transmission, data plate etc, but I have no idea how to get the photo's from my phone to the site


I forgot to mention, the car has boxed control arms.


The car is located in West Frankfort, Illinois


Thanks, Harry

 

If it's an original non-W-30 455/TH400 car it will have a U in the VIN. [the VIN is not what is on the data plate - it's on the dash behind the windshield in the same vicinity as the cowl trim tag.]. That L75 455 engine was rated at 250 net hp (appx. 320 gross with pre-72 ratings). The A51 indicates bucket seats. The B next to the Paint color code (which is?) indicates a black convertible top.

Terry

 

I wouldn't worry about the rated horsepower as Terry said check if the U is in the VIN, weather a true 442 or not the U will confirm it at least came with the 455.

 

Thank you!! If the original engine is a 455 was it only available with a TH-400 in automatic??

 

Would either be a TH-400 (U in VIN) or M-20 4 speed (V in VIN and 270 net hp). No other trans was available behind a 455 in 1972.

Terry

 

Great thank you. I'll check VIN for "U". I know the paint was changed to black. The interior is black bucket seats with console. The cowl tag is so hard to read. Is there a specific code for black interior? Also, am I correct that just because the VIN is a " U" code, doesn't necessarily mean that it is a true born 442? Could it have been born a 455 Cutlass without the 442 packackage??

Thanks again, Harry

 

The 455 was an option on the 1972 Cutlass Supreme convertible & thousands were built. The W-29 option is independent from the engine option. A 442 can have a 350 2bbl, or a 350 4bbl, or a 455 4bbl in 1972.

 

A 1972 U-code Cutlass is probably more rare than a 1972 442 anyway. The available drivetrains are documented in the SPECS booklet for 1972.

 

If the interior is truly original and untouched, look for a broadcast card with W-29 on it (or not). On a Lansing car, in the backs of the bucket seats (loosen the rear plastic backs via the bottom screws), up under the bucket seats in the springs, or under the back seat bottom cushion in the springs. Those are the most common spots on a Lansing built bucket seat car in 1972.

Terry

 

IMO the value in a '72 is in the U or V in the VIN more so than it being a 442 or not. in '72 the U, V (or X) is what made it a high performance car, not the 442 package