A long-term ownership history is viewed favorably by many enthusiasts keen to park a classic in their garage. This 1972 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible ticks that box, having been part of the same family for fifty years. It also presents beautifully, is loaded to the brim with factory options, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this survivor listed here on Craigslist in Monroe, Georgia. The price of admission for a car of this caliber will never be cheap, and someone needs to hand the seller $55,000 to drive off into the sunset.
Oldsmobile offered buyers in 1972 some pretty subtle paint shades, but the Matador Red chosen by this car’s original owner is guaranteed to turn heads. It is complemented by a White power top and matching graphics. The car has been part of the same family for five decades, although it is unclear whether it has received any form of restoration. Whatever the truth, faulting its appearance is seemingly impossible. The seller indicates that the Olds has undergone a polish and ceramic coat since these photos were taken, ensuring that it presents better “in the flesh” than it does in the supplied photos. They also include a link to this YouTube video, providing a walkaround that further reinforces how clean this classic is. There is no evidence of major cosmetic shortcomings or rust, with the trunk pan looking particularly good. The top fits as tight as a drum, and one of the more interesting and desirable options is the outside thermometer mounted on the driver’s door. The Super Stock III wheels add a sense of purpose, while the optional fiberglass W-25 hood suggests this classic is more than a pretty face.
While buyers could still order their 1972 Olds 442 with the mighty 455ci V8 under the hood, this car’s first owner teamed the slightly less potent 350ci powerplant with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The 350 generates 200hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures on a par with those received by buyers the previous year. Outright performance may have dropped compared to when the 442 was at the height of its power, but cruising the open road at 70mph should still be effortless. The seller doesn’t supply information regarding how this beauty runs or drives. However, the YouTube video mentioned earlier includes an engine startup, and I couldn’t spot anything that raised concerns.
The first owner had a wonderful time when ordering this Olds, loading its interior with desirable factory options. The power top was just the beginning because this classic features air conditioning, and power operation for the windows, locks, driver’s seat, and trunk. The new owner also receives a “His and Hers” shifter, cruise control, a tilt sports wheel, Rally gauges with a Tick-Tock-Tach, and an AM/FM radio and 8-track player. Choosing White trim is bold and fraught with risks, but this interior presents superbly. The upholstered surfaces aren’t worn, stained, or yellowed, while the woodgrain and contrasting Black carpet look excellent. Disguising a substandard interior with the top down can be challenging, but is one that the buyer won’t need to contemplate.
With summer on our doorstep and warm weather just around the corner, now could be the ideal time to park a classic like this 1972 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible in your garage. I would typically talk about the small tasks a buyer may need to tackle to ensure their new purchase is ready for action, but this will be a case where the new owner can sit back and admire the beauty of this Olds until the opportunity presents itself for some top-down touring. That is an enticing thought, making this 442 worth a closer look.
The Good Dr Olds offered something for everyone. From mild to wild.
Nice car! I had a 1970 Hardtop with the 455. Just need to cash in a large chunk of our savings (leaving enough to retain a divorce lawyer LOL) and I’ll be cruising
My Mom had one but Dark Green with Saddle top and interior. 350 but no cold air hood. Fully loaded inside tach, 8-track, power everything. Sounded meaner than it was with the air filter lid flipped upside down! Really nice driver, posi, dual exhaust and wire wheel covers. For a 350 it ran pretty well. Learned how to drive in it.
It looks like it has cruise control !
Comments listed cruise control.
I am an Olds guy, and love 442s. But, the whale tale looks a bit silly on this ragtop. I am 99% sure that the rear spoiler was not a factory option in 1972 on this body style (I don’t think it was ever an option on the “formal roofline” cars, hard or soft top, except on the Hurst Olds versions, but they got stuck on a LOT of them.) I would look at the VIN # and do some research before paying full 442 price, as converting Cutlasses into 442s is as common as converting LeMans into GTOs, or Malibus into Chevelle SSs. Might be a great car, but you don’t want to pay “survivor” 442 price for a Cutlass Supreme with a 442 hood and (non-factory) whale-tale and badges.
The W35 spoiler was never available as an option on convertibles of any year. The VIN will not tell you if the car is a 442 in 1972, outside of a W30, which would have an “X” in the VIN. Judging by the rocker trim, I have my doubts this is a real 442. Leaving the rocker trim on is one of the most overlooked aspects when people clone these ’72 Cutlasses into 442s. Without a broadcast card or other docs, it’s impossible to verify a real W29 car, which is probably why you see so many 72s turned into faux-faux-twos. Price is way too high, regardless.
Would W29 normally be part of the cowl tag option codes in ’72?
Rear Spoiler was an Option in 1972, on all A-Body’s. I too am an Olds Guy. Owned them since 1969, 11 of them mostly 442’s 4-speed Convertible’s and 3 Vista Cruiser’s, today my daily driver is a 1971 Vista Cruiser I will never buy anything newer than 1972 and it must be an Olds.
Not only was the wing NEVER offered on convertibles by Olds, it was cancelled for the 1972 model year. Today every 1970-72 Faux-Four-Two has a repro wing and hood. When these cars were new you almost never saw these parts on the street.
I bought a 1970 Cutlass Supreme convertible for $400 over 40 years ago from an elderly couple. A shop had told them the transmission was bad and they couldn’t afford to get it fixed. I noticed there was a flood of transmission fluid under the car and took a gamble.
I bought some transmission fluid filled it up and drove it home did a tranny service and it ran fine. Granted the car had wear and tear but it turned out to be a nice car.
Absolutely beautiful 442. Only problems I see is asking 455 money for a 350.
Either Mitchell G. live in Monroe, or it is the hotbed of used cars in Georgia.
need to lose the wing. kills the look of a real nice convert.
The VIN tells me it’s a Cutlass, 342672MXXXXXX, is Cutlass 350 4 bbl Carb. 442 VIN would start 344672MXXXXXX, also the Hood is Not Factory, it’s after Market, it doesn’t have the Chicken Wire that came Factory on these OAI Hoods.
72 technically didn’t have a 442. You ordered a cutlass with a handling package, etc.
L.B.: 1971 was the last year for that VIN configuration. It changed in 1972 because the 442 again became an option package on a Cutlass or Cutlass Supreme conv. The VIN is correct.
What a sweetheart!
Cool car, looks like the wing from an Olds Rallye 350 car.
Seems Someone in Monroe Georgia, is liquidating some toys, for new, or just got lucky to inherit this beauty and possibly the 70 Road Runner listed above.no matter whether it’s the same person or not, Someone in Monroe had a need for speed!
I appreciate the fact that it doesn’t have W30 stripes on it.