It’s not clear whether the gentleman in this photo is the original owner of this 1972 442, or whether he is the car’s second (and current) owner. Regardless of which he is, he appears to be enjoying the experience of standing beside this beautiful car. The original owner drove the car on a semi-regular basis until some time in the 1990s, when he placed it into storage. In 2007, his wife had the car restored for him, and the list of work performed was quite extensive. He then used the car for a while until finally selling it to the current owner a few years ago. The current owner has now decided to part with it, so if it is a car that really appeals to you, it is located in Itasca, Illinois, and is listed for sale here on eBay.
The owner states that the 442 wear all of its original steel, although he can’t actually verify that the fenders are original, although he does believe that they are. The 2007 restoration revealed no rust issues, so the floors, rockers, and quarters are original. The car was repainted in its original Matador Red, and all of the correct striping was reapplied to the car, while the bumpers were also re-chromed. The soft-top was also replaced, and the new one has a glass rear window. Looking the car over, it does present incredibly well. The only thing that I can really identify that may be wrong is the grille. If my memory is correct, the grille should be silver with a black surround, but that’s something that wouldn’t be difficult to rectify.
Under the hood are the Rocket 350 4-bbl engine and the TH-350 transmission. This is a numbers-matching car, and the engine and transmission also received plenty of TLC back in 2007 when the car’s appearance was given a freshen up. The engine underwent a full rebuild, as did the transmission. The engine rebuild included the replacement of all of the peripherals such as the water pump, etc, while the transmission was also given heavy-duty clutches. In addition, the rear end was re-sealed, and the entire braking system, including lines and hoses, was replaced. The car is also fitted with power steering and power brakes. The owner is so confident about the mechanical health of the car that he says that while he is happy to assist the new owner with shipping of the vehicle, he would be confident to drive the car right across the country.
The interior of the 442 is almost completely original, and the presentation is very impressive. There are no issues to report with the dash, dash pad or trim, and all of that is original. The carpet has been replaced, but it does appear to be a good quality item. Since this shot was taken, the fire extinguisher has been removed from the optional floor console, and I’m not sorry to see it go. According to the significant amount of documentation included with the car, I believe that the 442 was originally fitted with an 8-track player, but that is now nowhere to be seen.
This 1972 442 is not a clone, it’s not a copy, and it’s not a tribute car. This one is the real deal, and the Broadcast Sheets and documentation verify this fact. The condition of the car is extremely impressive, and there are only a couple of things that need to be addressed to make it completely original. It is a striking looking car, and with Summer not that far away, it would be a great classic that would provide some pretty enjoyable cruising under the Summer sun. The owner has set a BIN price of $28,500 for the 442, but the option is there to make an offer. Values of original 442 Convertibles continue to rise, so I think that this one will probably sell fairly quickly.
Gorgeous!
I gotta agree with Bakyrdhero, but keep that fire extinguisher handy, maybe under the drivers seat.
The car screams style and class. I had 1971 and we all wish we could go back and do somethings differently…like keep a car or two. I believe the 8 track players were optional or maybe a package deal as mine did not have one.
A kid in high school had a silver Cutlass convertible with a black top. It had the optional console and floor shifter. If I remember correctly the 8 track player was separate from the radio and sat at the front of the console. At least it looked factory to me.
I have never liked the convertible, but this a beautiful example of the 442. I bet this thing is reliable and would smoke those tires.
Correct assumption about the grilles, black may have been a personal preference during the restoration. Dad had a cream-colored 1970 with a bench seat sometime in the mid-70s. I believe the 8 track operated by pushing the tape into the radio dial which would swing back. I’ve also seen “factory” looking 8 track players mounted at the forward end of the console on Gran Sport and Firebirds.
Great car, am i thinking of the w30 hood? Im not a 442 guy so im unschooled in this. But first glance makes me wonder who swapped the 442 hood for the cutlass supreme, im sure im wrong , probaly just a econo option.
Googling 1972 442, a factory photo shows what they called a Cutlass S 442 which showed this hood as original.
A 442 with a 350 would raise some major red flags if doubt.
The 72 442 could have had any engine that a Cutlass had since the 442 was just a trim option.
I guess that explains why 442 before 72 is in higher demand.
It’s not 442 first 350 not 400 shifter is automatic can be w31
Oh baby
Something is not right here… I don’t think it is real 442. First of VIN starts with 342 and not 344, however additional note that 72′ and up had different VIN coding. The 2nd, all 442s came with 455 engine. And the funny part is that dash has Cutlass Supreme emblem. Confused that somebody claims it to be real 442. Please enlighten me.
Jay, not in 72. The 442 was just a trim option on the Cutlass, hence the 342 VIN. 344 was the 442 VIN, but there was no Oldsmobile 442 in 72, it was a Cutlass with the 442 package.
Think we should click the ignition over and park the wipers for the pic?
Nah….screw it……
Love the car. I have an original ,ordered and owned by me continuously. The only thing I see that’s wrong is the rear bumper. When you ordered the dual exhaust option with the 442 appearance package,the bumper is notched each side.the grill is off a 71.In 72 they inverted the color with a silver center.Short of those mistakes, it looks real nice.
Can’t look at the dicumentation to verify authenticity. My husband is a 442 fanatic and he says the rear bumper is wring, the grille is a maybe, and the hood is wrong. Couldn’t find a VIN to be able to check
Rear bumper is wrong, should have cut outs. Grille also wrong as it is painted as a 71. The “442” badging on the grille is right though for a 72. Hood is correct except it shouldn’t have the “Oldsmobile” script on it.
I’m not an American car guy but I have always liked this one. It looks fast and comfortable and somewhat aggressive but not ridiculous. Very good design that could appeal to both a teenager and a 60 year old lady. Love the soft orange color.
Bill N sounds like the most authoritative voice here and he brings up a lot of questions. This is the same seller as the cream 1971 a few cars previous on BF. One owner, two owner, yada yada – dealer. Now we all know how scrupulous car dealers are… but in their defense they can’t really know the complete provenance of every car they sell.
I like the way this car presents, but what it doesn’t have kills it for me: No A/C, no 455, incorrect paint scheme. The 6-figure 442’s of this era are a tad more pristine and better equipped. Still, the price is not far off for a beautiful cruiser.
Some one please educate me, I see no A/C compressor, I see a heater control for a non A/C car also , but what I do see is a dash pad with a center air diffuser ? So , the car is clearly not air conditioned but yet has a dash pad for one with.
That plate in the center of the dash is a dummy with chrome ribs on it.
I want the Scotty camper sitting next to it in the first pic
8 Track was an option and hung down under as part of the dash in the center. Had a 72 Olds Cutlass but was not a 442. Beautiful cars
In 1999 and 2000 I had a 1970 Cutlass Convertible. These are well built nice driving cars. I used to see lots of these still being driven I think they sold well when new and most were well cared for. They are a nice size too not a real huge car. I love the color of this .
Ended: Jan 29, 2019 , 11:00AM
Sold for:US $27,500.00
Around 1990 I saw a car exactly like this unrestored driving around town with a forsale sign in the window. I was finely able to get the phone number on the sign and asked about the car. The lady said she wanted $675.00 for it. I asked you said $675? Yes I did. Ok when can I come and look at it? So we set up a time and I went over to eyeball the car. I had the cash in my pocket and said I will take it. I counted out the $675.00 with no haggling as I am want to do and she looked at me all funny and said where is the rest? I said excuse me. What rest, I asked you to confirm the $675 over the phone and you did. She just smiled and said I ment $6750. Meaning and saying are two different things lady. She then laughed at me. I was so pi$$ed, I just turned and walked away. Then smoked the tires outta her driveway.
$6750 sounds pretty good for one, even in 1990. If it was a true “little old lady” car. Still, a little crooked on her part and not really that funny a joke. Maybe she’s gone, I wonder if the Cutlass is still in town?
Actually in 1990 these were worth about 3500.00. Not 6. My co worker had a mint original then and wanted about that for it. Late 90s yes 6 or 7k
If I had the cash I would buy this today! What a beautiful car.
Would also like to buy that Scotty trailer next to it.
That price is too strong for a 1972 442, since it is just a trim option on the Cutlass Supreme, not it’s own model with the true 442 goodies–455 engine, 442-specific rear diff, etc. For this price you can get a 1970-71 Cutlass SX convertible from a private seller. That said, I drove a 1972 Cutlass Supreme convertible as my daily driver from 1994 to 1999 or so. I absolutely LOVED it. That 350 never let me down. The biggest issue is keeping up with maintenance on the front-end components (upper/lower ball joints etc), perhaps due to the extra heft of the convertible chassis.