Looks a lot like a 1972 Oldsmobile 442, right? Well the seller, fortunately, cuts to the chase and tells us that it’s not, it’s a clone and that’s appreciated. In the world of collectible cars, I have never had an issue with a clone, tribute, reproduction – whatever you want to call it, as long as the description comes clean at sale time. Actually, you can make a case for such a car as you can drive it, enjoy it and not worry about encountering gnat poop, or having some other misfortune befall it – you know, the kinds of things that keep a high-points car hermetically sealed, or at the least, on a trailer. And, a clone should cost a lot less than the ‘da real ding, right? Looking good, this Olds is located in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and is available, here on craigslist for $17,995. Thanks to Pat L. for this tip!

Chosen for this reassignment to muscle car status is a Cutlass Sports Coupe or a Cutlass S Sports Coupe, both versions also being known as a “post coupe” meaning a two-door sedan as opposed to a true hardtop which Olds referred to as a “Holiday Hardtop”. Research indicates that the ’72 442  was no longer its own model as it had been reduced to option package status and was available on the Cutlass or Cutlass S coupe, or on a Cutlass Supreme convertible. The 442 documentation is not clear if the “coupe” designation references a Sports Coupe, a Holiday Coupe or both.

In ’72, the GM divisions still possessed autonomy and did many things their own way. Take Chevrolet and Buick for example, if you wanted the top engine available in an A-body intermediate (454 or 455 CI V8s, respectively), that meant, in Chevy’s case, signing up for a Super Sport (SS) model or over at Buick opting for the Gran Sport (GS). Not the case with Oldsmobile as their 455 was available in any Cutlass derivation and that’s what we see here, a 250 net HP 455 CI bruiser. Is it the original engine? Unknown but it certainly could be. Other than the air cleaner, it looks stock. Backing up the big V8 is a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The seller adds, “Just get in and drive. Has newer radiator, gas tank, battery, bumper in rear, mufflers and tailpipes and carb“. He also mentions that this 442 tribute was air-conditioned but the unit was removed years ago. Actually, the evaporator is still installed, perched from the passenger side firewall – dead weight on the drag strip, if that matters, though I imagine it doesn’t.

The two-door sedan gives off a muscle car vibe and it was a favorite with serious street and strip racers because of its lower cost, and more importantly, body rigidity – especially helpful on a hard launch when monster torque is under the hood and solid, useable traction is available at the rear wheels. The seller tells us the paint is older but still shines nicely and I must say, it presents quite well. Additionally, there’s no sign of rust which has a tendency to afflict this generation of GM’s A-body models. Of note are what the seller refers to as “poverty plates”. I think he means “poverty caps”, a term that I’ll admit that I’m not fond of, but it references the small hub caps. For $375 he’ll throw in a set of Super Stock 1 rally wheels.

Other than some under-dash engine gauges, the interior is standard early ’70s Cutlass the entire way. It looks good, it’s in sound condition with just a bit of noted driver’s seat backrest wear. The four-spoke steering wheel is a nice touch and I believe only the Oldsmobile Division employed it.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, early ’70s GM muscle car, here you go. I’d rate this one a buy, one you can drive and enjoy, just don’t try to palm it off as a genuine 442 at your local cruise in. Oldsmobile fans are a preceptive bunch and will see right through the ruse. So, what’s your thought on the whole clone matter?