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Recently bought a 1972 Oldsmobile that has 442\W30 emblems on it, but according to the VIN is a Cutlass Supreme Convertible. Recently retired and needed a project. Owned a 1973 Cutlass Supreme Coupe back in the early 1980’s and always wanted to go back in time, so here I am. I’m sure I’ll find out more about it and have to do some work on it, but for now it’s beautiful and drives great!. Looking forward to reading your posts and posing questions as they come up. I live in Katy, TX. 1972
In 1972 the 4-4-2 reverted from a standalone model to an option package, so the VIN won't tell you if the car's a 4-4-2 or not. What it will tell you is what engine the car originally came with. An X in the fifth position denotes W-30, which was only available in conjunction with the 4-4-2 package, so that would be the jackpot.
Post your VIN and let's see if we can figure out what you've got.
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; Aug 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM.
The VIN looks like a C/S 'vert w/ a "K" 350-4bbl, which I believe was the standard Cutlass Supreme engine in '72. But w/o dual exhaust ("M" w/ N10), it might not be the 350-4bbl that was the standard 442 engine in '72. It's certainly not a W30 as the paint job would imply.
If no paperwork came with the car, you may be out of luck as far as authenticating a 4-4-2 goes. It's a Lansing build, so a build sheet while not out of the question, is unlikely.
Tell you what: if you post some more detailed pictures, maybe some of our more eagle-eyed members here at CO will be able to pick out some of the trim details that could point to it being a 4-4-2 or not.
Unfortunately though, absent paperwork, at this point there's really no way to prove definitively that it's a 4-4-2.
Yeah it’s not very original. Engine casting number shows 557265 4B, which I believe is a 403 from 1977-1979 and has dual exhaust. Also has BB heads from the “B” markings on the heads. It also appears to have a Muncie M20 4-speed transmission. The top appears to be new, although is stuck about halfway up at the moment, think the switch is bad maybe?
All 1972 442 convertibles came with Cutlass Supreme VINs, as the 442 got demoted to a "handling and appearance" package for that model year. In any case, the stainless rocker trim and the wonky side stripes show this to be a poorly-executed fake. The block is a 1977-79 Olds 403, the heads are from a 1966 big block (actually a good choice for a 403).
Originally Posted by JohnnyBs68S
But w/o dual exhaust ("M" w/ N10), it might not be the 350-4bbl that was the standard 442 engine in '72.
There was no "standard 442 engine" for the 1972 model year. The RPO W29 package only included the grilles, emblems, paint stripes/decals, and FE2 suspension (and deletion of certain items like the the rocker trim and side rub strip). W29 was available with every single engine offered in the A-body line for 1972, from the VIN H 169 HP 350 2bbl single exhaust motor to the VIN X L77 W30 motor. Note, by the way, that a 1972 442 with the VIN H motor had LESS net HP than the maligned 1983-87 VIN 9 307s. By the way, 1972 442s with 350 motors were NOT available with cutout back bumpers, no matter how many exhaust pipes it had.
Last edited by joe_padavano; Sep 1, 2025 at 08:20 AM.
Yeah it’s not very original. Engine casting number shows 557265 4B, which I believe is a 403 from 1977-1979 and has dual exhaust.
Thats ok at least it's all Olds !
1972 442s are appearance only anyway, save for real X code W30s so you really can't go wrong. 403s are naturally more powerful than a K code or any post 1970 Olds 350 for that matter, once they are true dual exhaust. Meaning if she's as healthy as she looks she is better than original in that department.
Good looking ride. I see she has a posi rear tag and rear sway bar... How is the giddyup ?
Starts right up, sounds great, and I really haven’t had the opportunity to test it out yet, with the top stuck halfway up(down). Pretty sure it’s the switch, so I’ve ordered a new one that will be here next week.
There was no "standard 442 engine" for the 1972 model year. The RPO W29 package only included the grilles, emblems, paint stripes/decals, and FE2 suspension (and deletion of certain items like the the rocker trim and side rub strip). W29 was available with every single engine offered in the A-body line for 1972, from the VIN H 169 HP 350 2bbl single exhaust motor to the VIN X L77 W30 motor. Note, by the way, that a 1972 442 with the VIN H motor had LESS net HP than the maligned 1983-87 VIN 9 307s. By the way, 1972 442s with 350 motors were NOT available with cutout back bumpers, no matter how many exhaust pipes it had.
As usual, I learn something new nearly every day here, thanks Joe.
Last edited by joe_padavano; Sep 1, 2025 at 08:20 AM.
welcome dude got a 72 convertible too supremE made in lansing i just orerd a 9510 xs powermaster starter ebay $199 good deal heat soak hope this does it CHEERS
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible
