Finding a classic with a fascinating backstory may not add to its potential value, but it can prove irresistible to some enthusiasts. Such is the case with this 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible. The seller is its third owner, and it appears to have led a sheltered life. It is a turnkey classic with only minor needs that could be addressed during the upcoming winter months. That would leave it ready for some relaxed top-down touring when the sun shows its face again. The Cutlass is listed here on eBay in Asheville, North Carolina. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,900, with plenty of time remaining on the auction for the situation to change.
The backstory of this classic is interesting. The seller purchased the car from an elderly lady who had been its custodian since 1975. The ninety-one-year-old lady felt that since she rarely used the car, it should head to a new home and an owner who could appreciate all it offers. She never drove the vehicle during wet weather, keeping it safely tucked away in a dry garage for protection. The lack of exposure has allowed its forty-year-old Matador Red paint to retain a healthy shine. I wouldn’t classify it as perfect, but it is acceptable if the new owner chooses the preservation path. The Black power top has a couple of repairs, but it should keep the weather at bay without requiring replacement. However, a meticulous buyer might spend $450 on a new top to improve the presentation. The seller confirms that the floors and frame are rock-solid, with rust restricted to a couple of small spots on the driver’s side. The chrome and glass are in good order, while the sports wheels and narrow whitewalls add a classy touch.
An interior can reveal more about the life a car has led than any other aspect of that vehicle. Touching up exterior chips and scratches can be reasonably straightforward, but most sellers wouldn’t spend the money required to replace tired or damaged upholstery. This Convertible’s interior is original, and its condition is impressive. There are no signs of rips, tears, wear, or abuse. The dash and pad are flawless, and the faux woodgrain is excellent. The gauges feature crystal clear lenses, and the AM radio occupies its rightful place in the dash. There are a couple of additions that I consider acceptable, although they are reversible for those seeking spotless originality. Aftermarket gauges hang below the dash to monitor the car’s health, and an FM converter increases the radio’s versatility. Hiding a Convertible’s substandard interior is virtually impossible. The new owner faces no such hurdles with this Cutlass courtesy of its overall presentation.
This Cutlass should provide an effortless driving experience courtesy of its drivetrain specifications. The new owner receives a “Rocket 350” V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. That 350 should produce 180hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. That won’t make it a tire fryer, but it should lope along effortlessly at freeway speeds. The seller indicates the car is in good mechanical health. The transmission appears to have been recently rebuilt and doesn’t leak. The engine drops the occasional spot of oil from a weeping pan gasket, but that seems to be the only genuine fault. The seller describes the standard four-wheel drum brakes as adequate but recommends the new owner consider a front disc conversion for improved safety. They claim the car runs and drives like a dream and is a turnkey proposition.
Oldsmobile sold 298,881 examples of the Cutlass in 1972, but only 11,571 buyers selected the Supreme Convertible. That doesn’t make it the rarest car on the planet, but knowing how many survive today would be fascinating. The twenty-one bids submitted at the time of writing suggest that people like what they see. With summer fast fading, now might seem an odd time to park a drop-top in your garage. Nothing could be further from the truth. The new owner could spend the upcoming cold months addressing this car’s few identified shortcomings, ensuring they hit the road in a classic guaranteed to turn heads when the warm weather returns. If that vision feels irresistible, transforming a dream into reality might only be a single bid away.
The upholstery and door cards are not original. The pattern and design is incorrect for a ‘72 Cutlass. Given the black dash, I suspect the original interior was all black as well. I would like to see the codes on the data plate.
I can’t see buying a personal luxury sports conv or coup without bucket seats and console it’s a kinda deal breaker for me. My Cutless S cov had both and I’ll never forget that T Bird . Maybe it’s just me but I think a sports car should look and feel like a sports car.
Front bench seats are what ya want when you got your sweetie riding shotgun. Makes it a lot easier for her to slide over next to you so you can put your arm around her while cruising. Can’t do that with buckets.
Mild, and cheeeful cruiser right here, prescribed from the good Dr. Olds. 👍
The price reflects the car’s status as an ordinary Cutlass Supreme and not a 442 or higher performing variant. My biggest fear is that someone will try to turn it into a 442 clone, instead of enjoying it for what it is, a well cared for survivor.
You can tell this car was loved by someone for a long time. I think it’s perfect to jump in and go for a cruise after dinner or on a weekend. Keep it clean and drive the wheels off it.
I agree that the interior doesn’t appear original. The seats and carpet should be the same color. It’s a basic Cutlass convertible with only a 350 automatic as options, no A/C, not even power brakes. I can’t see a booster. Still, if it’s as solid as it looks, it’s worth something. Why is the seller waiting for a title? Is he just flipping it? The old lady story is far older than the car, too.
I’d be about 99.9% sure it has power brakes. Don’t show up well in the picture. Drove one of these and the drum brakes would put you at the end of the seatbelt.Discs are nice for repeated hard stops but drums are fine unless your racing.
I Love these last of the great A body G M classic Old’s Cutlass (SX) & 442 ‘s (1970-72)! I agree the interior seats & carpet could / should be black to match the top but red in summer is easier on Your butt in summer heat w/ o A C !! And I agree that drum brakes may work ok for stock running power but if You upgrade power on this original 350 ?! I would upgrade brakes as well stopping power to match extra H P ! And the $$ saved on body work could be used for disc brake conversion and / or added A C for summer comfort & defrosting ! Then fix all the minor flaws over winter hibernation & worry free cruising the following summer/ fall
I don’t see a booster just a firewall behind the master cylinder.Red is not my color but that’s me.She definetly needs power disc brake conversion.Dual exhaust and drive it in the summer.I’d want a/c for those hot humid days. I had a 73 caprice convt. no a/c and when it was really hot you want the top up and ice cold a/c.Nice car though and you don’t have to worry about lead additive or octane booster being a 72.glwts.
I own a ’70 Supreme convertible, but the ’72 styling usually is favored even though power was down significantly from ’70 (SAE Gross to SAE Net not withstanding). Would prefer a stock-looking interior as they were quite nice looking with the wood-grained inserts. Red was not an available interior color in ’72 but seems to work here. Will be interested to see what this sells for.
She’s got good bones… enjoy it as-is, or take to the next level. Either way, you can do far worse than one of GM’s finest cars ever made: the ’68-’72 Olds Cutlass.
I bought a 1972 Cutlass S new in 1972. It had power front disc brakes! My Dad tried his best to talk me into getting a 4 dr instead of a 2dr.
Hindsite being what it was , I should have gotten the 4dr. Looked at one in Spartanburg ,SC that was a 4dr with all the the 442 equipment in it and a 455 under the hood! It cost a bit more money than I had , but it was sweet!!!!
I bought a new one in ‘72. A Fairly well equipped convertible. It was silver with a black top and black buckets. I don’t remember red being offered as an interior color.
This car looks good but his $450 price on a new top is way to low . A good fitting top is about $900 plus labor to install it . total cost will be around $2000.
Who ever buys this should have at least another $10000 put aside for matence on this car.
Stunningly beautiful car that makes today’s remaining small crop of jelly bean shaped gray sedans look even more depressing and horrible. As the owner pounted out, old technology was not always better and replacing the drum brakes with power disc brakes is an excellent suggestion unless one enjoys brake fade and having the drums turned often. New all season steel belted radials are better than what was available a half century ago. Not sure if the Cutlass even has air conditioning and whether it was converted over.
The advantage of a a bench seat and column shift is that three can fit in the front seat. It’s not that fun to sit in the back seat of these cars at hiway speeds.
The REAL benefit of a front bench is to keep your best gal within arms length. Slide her over up close to show her off while cruising drop top style.
350. Very unreliable.