U-Code 455 V8: 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Beginning with its debut in 1966, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was akin to a personal luxury car in the mid-size market. But it was not an independent nameplate like the Pontiac Grand Prix was to the Tempest/LeMans. It would grow in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-selling automobiles in America. This 1972 edition can also claim to have a touch of muscle, with the U-Code 455 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Located in Boston, Georgia, this beauty is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $17,900.
General Motors redesigned its A-platform intermediates in 1968, including the F-85/Cutlass lineup. The “regular” Cutlass coupes were fastbacks, while the later Supreme coupes were given a formal, more upright treatment. And while the 442 and Olds/Hurst were the performance alternatives, you could get a big-block V8 in the Supreme, too. That included the 455 which was rated at 250 hp as Detroit was now stating output in SAE net terms.
While the seller says this Olds is an original U-Code car, he/she doesn’t exactly say if its numbers- matching. A TH-400 automatic transmission is part of the mix, and we assume the Oldsmobile runs as good as it looks. The body and paint are tidy, and we’re told the 40-year-old repaint presents well though it shows its age when you get up close.
This Supreme has a bench seat as opposed to buckets and the Cutlass has a sport steering wheel and a gauge package that includes a tachometer. This swell beauty also has factory air conditioning which we’re told blows nice and cold. This era of the Cutlass Supreme was some of the most striking in appearance (IMO) and this one looks like a car that shouldn’t disappoint. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
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Comments
Sale pending. Looks like a good price. Undercarriage picture looks new.
Nice! That HS chum of mine,( ’58 Bug, ’63 Dodge, Kaw 900) that drank himself into the nuthouse, his mom had a car very similar. It was gold, no brown, and a 350, no fancy wheels, but we got to cruise in that car quite a bit. His dad wouldn’t let him drive his 4″double nickel”, ’70 2 door Bonnie much,( he knew his son) so he’d get moms Cutlass. I don’t recall it being very powerful, I can imagine the 455 would change that, but just a really nice car. It had a factory FM, and cruising down the lakefront with WZMF playing Led Zepplin in a Cutlass, life was good,,,yes sir, can’t do that today. Wonderful car.
These look great from any angle. 455 is a cherry on top.
This is a great Cutlass. Very well preserved/taken care of. The 455 is really the icing on the cake with this too. The interior is in incredible condition too.Even though the 455 was a lower compression ratio in 72 from 70, it still had plenty of effortless torque. I like the unique color too. Nice memories there too Howard. Isnt it funny how certain old cars takes us back?
Dave
Such a great design, makes me wish Olds offered a 442 in this style.
Buy it and drive it till the wheels fall off.
Nice car excellent price! In my opinion.
Love it! 😎
There was an identical V code (only differences were bucket seats and console, SSI wheels) for sale near me several months ago. Much more rare but double the price too. This U code looks nice. Needs the correct Olds blue engine color for the 455 and the O-L-D-S-M-O-B-I-L-E lettering on the decklid but definitely a reasonable price for a solid looking Supreme. Not surprised it is already pending sale.
Very nice looking car. Correct me if wrong, but I thought the 455 was not available in the Cutlass for 1972? In 1970 and 71 only, they had a Cutlass SX, which was a way to get the 455 in the Cutlass without the higher insurance of the 442. In 1973, both the 350 and 455 were offered in Cutlass models and 442. I have a 1974 Cutlass Supreme with the 350.