W30-Equipped 4-Speed! 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442
Emissions regulations and rising insurance costs were taking their toll in the muscle-car era by 1972, and the Oldsmobile 4-4-2 was no exception. By ’72, the 442 had reverted back to being just an options package on the Cutlass instead of its own stand-alone model, but really all it got you were some appearance items and a beefier suspension. But some better news was the W30 package could also still be added, which put a 300 horsepower 455 under the hood along with a few other goodies in the performance department. This 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 here on eBay is W30-equipped and it’s a beauty, so if you’ve been looking for a really cool early-seventies Olds this could easily be the one. You’ll need to head to Pottsville, Pennsylvania to check it out but plan on spending more than $38,600, as that’s where bidding has gotten to and it’s still short of the reserve.
We don’t find out how long the 442 has been under the seller’s ownership, but he’s obviously taken very good care of the car and mentions the only reason selling is under consideration is due to a different love interest, a new Corvette that was recently purchased, so parting with the Olds may be just over the horizon. The body is stated as very solid and has received one repaint several years back, with the finish still appearing to be very good although not quite perfect, as apparently a few blemishes and small nicks can be found if you look closely.
It’s not mentioned as numbers-matching, but the 455 is said to be a strong runner and bored to 488 cubic inches with an Edelbrock intake that’s just a shade too tall for the factory air cleaner to be retained, though the original part will be included in the sale along with any other extra pieces the seller has on hand. The M20 4-Speed is a factory component as is the rear-end, a positraction unit that came with 3.42 gears installed from the factory.
Opening the doors reveals an interior that seems to be in fine condition overall, with one fun option being a factory 8-track player, though the functionality is uncertain as the seller has no tapes to test it with. A couple of minor issues are noted with the instruments, including a non-working temperature gauge and a fuel gauge that doesn’t read correctly, but the car seems to be devoid of any substantial problems and appears pretty much ready to go for the next owner. 1972 may not be the most desirable year for the 4-4-2, but this one’s a beautiful example and I’m anticipating the price will climb beyond reserve before the auction’s end. How much would you be willing to shell out for this W30-equipped 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442?
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Comments
The 72 still remains a decent value as far as 442’s and W30’s go. This one looks to be in good shape with just some minor engine mods that are easy enough to swap back if one desires. I’d imagine the 4 speed will help this car’s value but I’ve seen a couple 72 ‘X’ cars sell for under 50k, which seems like a bargain in this current muscle car market.
Sorry for me scratch the vette and keep this !!Plus i’m not a vette guy never was so i do not get they hype over them…If i had to get a vette it would have to be 66-67 that’s it.this has more wow factor for me…
I don’t get it .You have a beautiful rare car that’s valuable and it needs a few small repairs.Why not fix them whether you do or somebody else does instead of telling potential buyers it has these problems? Let bidders know if it’s a #’s car.That means a lot to some folks and you’re approaching a investment price point with the reserve not met.glwts Just my .02.
If the Corvette has a Rat on board then I totally get the scratch the 442! Not saying the Olds is a bad motor but if the owner is seeking dominate horsepower rivaled by few then unleash the Kracken! Which brings a 1/4 mile time in the high 13s & easy 12s can be had. Just my 2 cents
If I had the money, I would buy this Olds before any ‘Vett. I’ve always liked the ’70s Olds and Buick GS’s and GSX. Being a teenager in the ’60s and ’70s was great. The AMC AMX and the S/C Rambler, all of the different Mustangs, and all of the different Mopars with the Hemi and 440 6pack with the pistol grip shifter. I was lucky to “test” drive a lot of those cars.
Nice car, but let’s assume it’s NOM. If I lived closer and could do a detailed inspection, we’d consider checking this one out. One of our favorite muscle cars.
I’d rather have this than the vette. It would look good next to my 1320. That and I’d be uncomfortable in the vette if I could even get in and out.
A Top shelf offering from Dr. Olds in ’72
Yes, they were.
No mention of the motor being original . I’m sure it’s a beast but at the current bid of $40700 not breaking the reserve I think the sellers expectations won’t be met . 72 was the first year the 442 was an option on the Cutlass not a stand alone VIN specific model . A matching number car in this condition is not worth but a couple thousand more . If it was a 70-71 442 W30 it would be a whole other story . A nice car no matter .
Had a nice 71 W30 with auto , and it ran real nice and easy driving .It had red fender wells that someone painter black I cleaned then up ,put them back to red..Wish I kept it now..
Beautiful looking Olds 442. The asking price is rather expensive, at around $38,600 even given its beautiful condition. I’d be willing to pay between $20k and $25k for such a nice car.
I bet you would. I would buy every one that I could find at that price, lol.
Would like to see those red inner fenders on a real W-30.