In the General Motors camp, when it came to muscle cars, Oldsmobile had the 442 (or 4-4-2 depending on the model year). Originally, it was the abbreviation for four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and dual exhaust (but that would evolve over the years). It remained in the Olds lineup from 1964 to 1987 as a rear-wheel drive powerhouse. The car was popular enough to warrant being a series of its own from 1968 to 1971, and a Cutlass option before and after.

To get the 442 in 1972, you checked a box on the order form for W29. That got you a variety of exterior striping, a 442 grille and hood louvers, the Rallye suspension, anti-roll bars, and any Oldsmobile V8 engine offered in the Cutlass (beginning with a 2-barrel 350). This was a departure from earlier years when the 400 was the starting point. The fastback body style of the latter would apply (or the convertible). 9,845 Cutlass automobiles were sold in 1972 with the W29 package.

We’re told this sharp-looking ’72 442 is a one-family vehicle and has documentation dating back to when it was new. Baroque Gold was its original color, and it has been repainted once. It’s otherwise a rust-free survivor with an original interior that presents quite well. The buyer gets his/her choice of wheels including the original SS1 Rally rims. The only known mechanical work needed is replacing the heater (it didn’t matter before because the car was never driven in Winter) and the transmission pan gasket also needs to be renewed (it leaks).

This Olds is numbers-matching which is another great selling feature. The 350 engine may be attractive for insurance reasons compared to the optional 455 (this one is the J-code 2-barrel). The beauty can be found in Broad Brook, Connecticut, and is available here on eBay. The current bid is $21,100 and the seller says the reserve is $35,000 here on eBay. However, the reserve feature was not activated in the listing, and I don’t know how stringent eBay will be in enforcing the sale if the final bid is below that amount.