The Cutlass Supreme was a premium mid-size automobile produced by Oldsmobile between 1966-97. It started as a trim package with its own roofline and quickly became not only the most popular car built by the company but also the best-selling model in its class. The second generation was built from 1968-72 and included the seller’s rather sharp edition with one unusual factory option: a 4-speed manual transmission. Located in Columbus, Ohio, this beauty is available here on eBay where the reserve has yet to be satisfied at $17,500.
Though the muscle car market had been dealt a blow by rising insurance costs, Oldsmobile’s 442 (or 4-4-2) continued to be part of their intermediate line-up in 1972. It differed in appearance from the Cutlass Supreme because it used the Cutlass S body which employed a “fastback” roofline. Those cars were commonly equipped with GM’s 4-speed manual. But the Cutlass Supreme, with its “notchback” roof, was targeted more at luxury car buyers and usually came with an automatic. But a manual transmission could be ordered, but far less frequently.
While ‘72 Cutlass Supreme production numbered more than 105,000 units as a hardtop, no stats are available regarding the 4-on-the-floor. Reports are that less than 100 were built that way with the 455 big-block, but no data is out there regarding the 350 small-block as in the seller’s car. At 96,000 miles, this Oldsmobile presents very well. The paint is said to be original with no prior bodywork having been done. We’re told there is some minor rust that can be seen in the pictures, but you’ll need to get out your magnifying glass to find it.
The drivetrain is numbers-matching, and the seller says everything from the engine to the rear-end has been rebuilt, so it should be a strong running automobile. The refreshing included new exhaust, brakes, suspension components, and tires. The only thing that needs attention is the factory air conditioning which does not currently blow cold. The car sports Hurst emblems in several places, but they are add-ons and can be removed.
Inside the Olds, everything is original except for a small patch in the driver’s side bucket seat. In line with the 4-speed tranny, a Tic Toc Tach is there to keep track of engine revs. Some extra parts will follow along with the Cutlass, like an OEM vinyl top new in the box although the seller doesn’t mention whether any near-term replacement is needed. This is a great-looking car just as it sits and would be a great conversation piece among Oldsmobile collectors as the 4-speed wasn’t a common sight in the fancier Cutlass Supreme.
Attractive and (somewhat) unique in a great color combo.
O what fun it is to ride in a 3-pedal Oldsmo sleigh!
I had 350 rocket engines, all were good color
I had a Sequoia Green ’72 Supreme and I also had a 455 4spd eng and tranny, sure wish I had combined the two. That Cutlass was my favorite car ever and the gold colored 350-350 was no slouch either.
I bought a 72 cutlass supreme sequoia green 350cu in 4speed with green interior. I bought new in 72. What a beautiful car.
Mine came with a white vinyl top, Repainted it and put on a dark green top, that made it look much tighter. It had Rally 1s on it The Supreme looked so much better than the S model to me. I found a bucket seat interior, reupholstered the buckets with the brocade cloth from SMS fabrics that matched the back seat. It looked factory. I had the floor shift column, but left the column and hooked up the PRND2L so it worked with the floor shift. This was in the mid ’80s, sold it in ’96 for 6 grand and thought I did well. Wish I had it back! Sorry for the ramble.
Cool Olds. Looks like a 200hp model. Muncie 4spd could certainly handle way more power. 3.23 gear is perfect for this cruiser.
My Dad was the local Olds dealer when I was 19 in 1972 and thought he was ordering me a 4-4-2 in Code 36 Radiant Green/White Buckets, 455/4-speed for a Demo. He blew the order as it came in as a J57 Cutlass Supreme Coupe equipped the same. Loved that car and it would be a Unicorn today for sure had it survived. AM/FM Stereo, 8-Track, Tic-Toc Dash, A/C and so on.😢
She’s gorgeous!! Olds Cutlass was always my favorite growing up. I owned four of them.
Best selling car in it’s class? The Cutlass was the best selling car in America 5 times from 1978 – 1983. :-) Terry J
This is very nice, but reserve not met.
The Cutlass Supreme didn’t start out as a trim package with its own roofline.
The C/S actually started out as a trim package on the 1966 Cutlass 4 door models. It became available as a 2 door starting in ‘67; all 4-4-2s were Cutlass Supremes in 1967.
@Buddy, the 1966 Cutlass Supreme had its own VIN, and it didn’t have its own unique body style until 1970.
http://www.oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Oldsmobile/1966%20Oldsmobile/1966-Oldsmobile-Dealer-SPECS/slides/1966_Oldsmobile_Dealer_SPECS-05.html
Nice car. What is with the engine color?
Agreed on the roofline starting in ’70 Trey! Did not know the 66 C/S had a different VIN. Thanks
WOW WOW wow just found my twin car finally only on this site eventually you will see one but rarely, I own the same car but with the 350 Rocket 4 barrells in very mint condition all original , and matching numbers with 23,500 miles on the Odometer it was in storage for 3 decades in a garage with temperature controlled
Sweet Cutlass! It’s always a treat to see one with a 4-speed! It’s got a rebuilt drive train to boot. This might end up being a helluva deal if it can be won for less than $25k. You couldn’t get one to this condition for less, even doing the work yourself. I’m watching this one out of curiosity.
When i was a youngster running around after high school a guy in our larger circle of friends had one this color/4speed
I wanted that car badly but could never get enough cash together without selling my car first …..
Sold mine last year ,where are the cut outs in the bumper for the exhaust and duel snorkel air cleaner.442 or copy .look close and make sure.
The ad and write-up clearly state that this is a Cutlass Supreme, not a 442. $21,100 RNM with 6 hrs to go.
mine was a 442 Convertible special ordered with a 455 ram air and 4 speed Hurst shifter
when the clutch needed redone the guy at the shop told me it was a not factory 4 speed I had to show him the build sheet to prove it was so.
I loved that car it was stolen and totaled by a 15 year old kid. We tried to rebuild it but the frame was twisted and it never drove right and the salvage title meant that it was not worth what it would cost to repair it in 1984 , Had I known then what I know now I would have never sold it ~ cars were a dime a dozen then and I took the money from that one and got a 72 Nova with a 350 3 speed manual trans