You see the term “original” tossed around quite a bit in car ads, but this 93,000-mile 1975 Olds Cutlass 442 looks to be pretty much original according to the seller as well as the documentation and overall condition of this untouched 47-year-old car. It’s located in the Chicago area (Joliet to be exact) and is for sale here on craigslist with an asking price of $5,959. A special thanks to T.J. (and his pals Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues) for bringing this 442 survivor to our attention.
The colorful, multi-paged 1975 Oldsmobile brochure starts out showcasing it’s intermediate-sized star, the Olds Cutlass. Ironic, too, since the Cutlass would overtake the full-size Delta 88 as the best-selling Oldsmobile line in 1975. It was also the most popular intermediate-size car in 1975, outselling rivals Chevrolet Chevelle and Ford Torino as well. The seller doesn’t share any history or the story behind this particular 442, but paperwork shows it originally came from Tate Cadillac-Olds in Waterloo, Iowa, and the seller states it has “every piece of paperwork from the day it was new.” As would be expected from an unrestored car approaching its 50th birthday, the paint which we assume is original, is faded and thin in spots, the gold decals have some issues, and the rubber bumper fillers need replacing. The seller admits there is rust in the trunk floor (no photos included), but “the floor boards, frame, and rocker panels are all solid.” Although there’s a photo showing rust on the hood louvers, the rest of the body looks solid with no visible rust, dents, or other big issues.
The original interior isn’t perfect, of course, but still looks pretty good for a car that doesn’t appear to have been overly pampered. There are visible discoloration and wear marks on the “Strato” swivel seats (that could swivel 90 degrees to permit “easier” entry and exit for the driver and front passenger) and armrests , and the dash looks okay, but, again, not perfect based on the photos. This Cutlass came with factory A/C but the seller doesn’t state if it’s working or not.
The brown and beige interior is so 1970s, but is a nice compliment to the Cameo White paint and gold striping and color-coordinated wheels. The original beige carpet is showing its age and could probably use a deep cleaning. The door panels look to be in very good shape and you forget how long these doors are on these A-body platform Colonnade coupes. And, it’s the 70s, so of course there are ashtrays fitted into those extended armrests.
Although a larger 455 cu-in V8 engine was optional, the seller claims there’s a 350 4-bbl V8 engine under the 442’s distinctive louvered hood that’s attached to a column-shift automatic transmission (there’s no sports console on this particular 442). There are no photos provided of the engine bay and the mileage claims to be around 93,000. So what do you think? The seller says this 442 should be restored but still looks good going down the road as is. I think these fourth generation mid-70s Cutlass coupes (with their two distinctive convex side crease lines) still look stylish. I can understand why customers were wearing out the welcome mats at local Olds dealerships during the Cutlass’s sales heyday.
I agree with the writer, these are pretty cars. I like the 350. (Rocket engine in 75 or Chevy?) Never owned an Olds, but always liked how comfortable these seats were. My boss drove one similar to this back then and rode in it a lot of meetings. Enjoyed those rides except for his constant hillbilly music.
Cool Oldsmobile. And 2.56 rear gear means decent hwy mileage. Perfect for $5/gallon gas ⛽️
Finally good to see someone selling an old vehicle who doesn’t have Barrett-Jackson syndrome.
This is the first one I have seen with buckets and column shift but I havent’ seen them all
My first car out of high school, 75 Cutlass Supreme. The swivel seats were very comfortable, decent support. And much easier to use getting in out. The seat pad and back were reversible. Velour much more comfortable a not slick like the vinyl side. Softer ride, no power. I hear replacement trim and sheet metal is hard to find but mechanicals should be easy enough.
The ‘75 would have had an Oldsmobile Rocket 350 V8.
Nice and should be gone if it isn’t a scam.
I agree with stillrunners, good lookin’ 442 and I’m surprised it’s not sold yet. It shouldn’t be hard to find a console, shifter and column for one of these. Best looking of all GM’s of this era IMO. Why is there not an engine pic?! Good grief!
Always loved the 442s, even when they became much larger cars. The 455 was a torque monster and modern updates will take the car to the next level.