Mention “455 and a four speed” and you’ll pique the interest of any gear-head with a pulse. Calling this car an “unverified” 4-4-2 gives its seller immediate credibility, and that bodes well for other elements of the description. The 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass in Medford, New Jersey checks out as a factory U-code 455 car based on the VIN’s fifth position, and the first four, 3G37, match the correct “S” model for a 4-4-2 according to v8buick. The four-speed floor shifter makes it even more interesting. The first-year Colonnade coupe shows rust-through, a tweaked front bumper, and a hodge-podge interior, but it starts up and idles in the video supplied here on eBay. A Buy It Now price of $5500 seals the deal, or click Make Offer to tempt the seller with a lower number.
The red interior shows pretty well, and properly recovered seats and new carpet will make it presentable for daily driving and the local cruise-in. Crank windows, three pedals, and the floor shifter with no console suggest the original owner spent their budget on power under the hood rather than in the accessories, though air conditioning made the list.
As 1973 bumpers go, the Cutlass unit integrates nicely with the body lines. These colonnade coupes sold like hotcakes across the GM lineup, with the early ones looking the best to most eyes. The 4-4-2 had become a cosmetic add-on to the Cutlass S by 1973, accompanying engine and suspension choices available on other Cutlass models.
Status of the air conditioning escaped the listing, but it shouldn’t be too daunting to refurbish it, or just roll the windows down and hit the gas. If original, the “U” code L75 455 made 250 HP, according to Wikipedia. Many modern cars make that much horsepower… about half a second before redline, but this car’s 7.5L torque will step away from traffic lights and fry the tires with minimal effort.
Twin cherry bombs suspended by bailing wire offer a no-nonsense exhaust system that may or may not pass inspection in your area. Whoever let the engine and pinion spray oil across the undercarriage for years is getting the last laugh now as that may have helped prevent floor pan rust. Who said procrastination never pays off?
Original or not, the four-speed Hurst floor-shifter and 8-ball look great, even if today’s paddle-shifted muscle-y cars can shift in a 100th of a microsecond. I’ll take the clutch and row-it-yourself option every time, not as a statement, but simply because it brings me joy. The rust and rough edges will keep the museum crowd at bay, leaving the door open for someone’s retirement or multi-generational project. Do you care if this 455-powered four-speed Cutlass is a real 4-4-2 or not?
I don’t care if it real or not. Seems like a cheap start to a fun time
In 1982 and 3 i owned a 72corvette 454 4 speed. The pepped up engine showed 540hp at 5700… engine was made by an Austrian race diver who usually used a Camaro for racing. The Corvette unfortunately had a much to short rear….3.91…so top speed was barely 200kph… but acceleration was equal to a 750 two stroke Kawasaki.. pretty good
If this were a factory 4 speed “V” code, it’d be quite worthy of a restoration as they are very rare. As it sits now, still would be a fun car to play around with and make it what you want. Seems like potential for fun is high at a relatively low cost of entry.
Very correct. Would be a V CODE in the Vin. I have one. Shifter and many other things show that is not correct. Air cleaner decals etc etc
Sign me up bailing wire & all! This car reminds me of that secret formula for a great car from my youth, a set of blackjack headers, imagination & a list of things that will probably never be completed but oh the fun!
It sold about 4 hours ago. 2 pm or so EDST. I think it’s a good deal to start a project with real potential.
I remember watching the Colonnade 455 Hurst Olds in the early 2000s when they were like $2500 or $3500 (not perfect but basically rust-free and complete), thinking “Wow. It would be smart to buy one of these.” It wasn’t the right time for me, but I still like them. We’d love to hear from the buyer to learn about the plans for this interesting classic.
Great write up Fitch. Talk about a cool Colonnade 😎 love how the General offered big Motor option and 4spd. Buick, Poncho, Chevrolet or the good Dr Olds. 👍 🏁
As noted, VIN shows this car was born with an automatic.
It has the gear selector in the dash for an automatic. So either the dash was changed or the transmission and I would guess the transmission.
It also still has the column shift, minus the actual shifter.
“simply because it brings me joy” is the best quote by far. Todd, you have it precisely right. We can all be spectators but that and a dollar will buy a coffee. It’s all about what brings the individual joy. This was and is a cool car. Drive on!
I have had the pleasure of driving two 1973 Cutlasses with 455s and factory 4 speed. Very rare car. One is Fairport, NY and has less than 10,000 actual miles. The other is in Ohio and is black with red interior. I would kill to own either car. So superior to the 68 to 72 cars, except the power ratings. But with today’s terrible gasoline, a 73 makes better sense.
You knew this one wouldn’t last…Always a fan of the GM collanades and they don’t get better than 455 anything with a 4 speed. And yes, a superior car overall to the ‘68-‘72s. Better riding, handling, luxury and still plenty of torque…