Classics like this 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass pose a set of choices for potential buyers. It is a genuine two-owner survivor with no rust issues. Therefore, treating it to a cosmetic refresh would be straightforward, and most enthusiasts would choose this path. However, it would command as much respect if the winning bidder elected to preserve this classic so that it can tell the story of the life it has led. And there should be a winning bidder courtesy of the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve. The Cutlass is listed here on eBay in Bonsall, California. The seller set their auction to open at $11,500, but there has been no action at the time of writing. That may allow someone to become its new owner with a solitary bid.
The 1972 model year marked the end of the line for Third Generation Cutlass production, with Oldsmobile set to roll a new offering off the line for the following year. The first owner ordered this classic in Pinehurst Green with a matching vinyl top, and the seller is only its second owner. The car isn’t perfect, with the paint badly faded, and the floors exhibiting the type of dry surface corrosion you typically find on older vehicles from this region. However, what this Olds lacks is penetrating rust. The seller discovered a couple of small spots near the base of the back window that have been professionally repaired. They repainted the roof following the first owner’s decision to remove the vinyl, but have left the moldings in place should the buyer elect to return the car to its original form. Beyond that, it is rock-solid, meaning that treating the underside to prevent deterioration could be the only task facing the winning bidder if they elect to skip a cosmetic refresh. The seller recently replaced the weatherstripping around the doors and the trunk lid, eliminating the chances of moisture finding its way inside this classic. The trim and glass are in good condition for their age, and the Cutlass rolls on a set of Super Stock III wheels.
Powering this Cutlass is a 350ci V8 delivering 180hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission feeds the ponies to the 2.73 rear end, while the first owner equipped the car with power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. This Olds isn’t a muscle car, but its performance could be considered competent. This is another area where there is plenty of good news for potential buyers. The first owner treated the transmission to a rebuild, with the seller confirming that it shifts perfectly. It recently received a new dual Flowmaster exhaust, new tires, new belts, a new sender unit, and a fluid change. The seller states that the Cutlass runs and drives perfectly, ready to provide the buyer with summer motoring pleasure.
Recent interior TLC by the seller helped to confirm the solid nature of the floors when they replaced the carpet. They also installed a new headliner and sill plates, leaving the rest of the interior untouched. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to age or UV exposure, and the remaining vinyl trim is tidy. The front seatcover shows its age, with splits that detract from an otherwise tidy interior. A brief online search uncovered a replacement front cover in the correct color and material for under $400. Purchasing and installing that would lift the interior dramatically. The seller states that the factory air conditioning is inoperative and that there is no sound coming from the radio. They suspect a faulty speaker, which is a fairly cheap fix.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass to learn how many of our readers would choose preservation over restoration. Either path is valid, and both have their attractions. Returning the Olds to a pristine state would guarantee that it will turn heads, but leaving it largely as-is would have the same level of impact on the street or at a Cars & Coffee. I don’t know which path I would choose, but with no auction action at the time of writing, it is possible that someone could transform their dream into reality with a single bid. Are you tempted?
Nothing too impressive about the numbers, yet cars like this cruised around so effortlessly. 😌 👍
This is definitely a preservation car, or at least my idea of preservation. I’d fix/replace the seatcovers, fix/update the AC and I’d probably put in a Retrosound radio or other similar radio, so I could have my tunes and a car phone, but other than that, it’d be a fun car all day long.
$4-5k as a driver. Zero upside to rebuilding this other than personal desire. If perfect paint, known low mileage, and less rust, redo interior, it would be a $18k car. Only cost you $30k to get there, minimum.
Not perfect but clean and straight without the requisite dimple in the rear bumper. Lots of simulated wood but still looks better than the stuff found in the same year Chryslers. Buy it to enjoy and you’ll never run out of conversation.
Hot rod, with the original 350 and thm 350, Auburn limited slip and rwl tires on keystone klassics, old school Olds cool.
This is a really nice overall car. True, you need to put some cash into it but these are not really getting any cheaper as time goes on and for anyone that has ridden in a GM A body intermediate, they ride and handle well using coil springs at all 4 corners, and a 4 link vs leaf spring rear suspension. Any GM A body suspension parts will bolt up for improved handling. It would be inexpensive to add a Vista Cruiser front sway bar, 442 boxed rear control arms with a rear sway bar, a Trans Am quick ratio steering box all from junk yard finds and have a fun to drive reliable ride. I already have a 442 convertible otherwise I would look into this more carefully. The price is in my opinion, right for a mostly rust free early 70’s car.
The 70-81 Trans Am 1 1/4” or Z28 1 1/8” front sway bars are readily available and direct bolt on parts if you use a B-body end link. When the Z28’s and Trans Am were cycling through the local Pick you Part we’d grab every one we could get our hands on, it cost us $12 and you’d sell every single one you brought at any Goodguys swapmeets for $45-50ea.
Steve R
ez redo. looks super clean compared to the p o s “s you see for 20k+ . paint roof white do interior up fix a/c. respray outside. could be done for under 15k if you can do a lot, it yourself. shame its 3k miles away from me
I’m looking for a car like this – something with a V-8 I can drive now with AC that I can putter with. Where did you find a replacement seat cover in the original material for $400?
Seems like a good daily driver with regular v8 power fix the minor things!!
Sold with one bid for $11,500 on 5/16/2025.
Steve R