The seller of this Oldsmobile 442 tells us what they can about the car in this eBay auction listing, but there are still some questions in my mind. However, what we can see about the car looks interesting, and with bidding only at $5,900 with no reserve as I write, if you like this vintage of 442 I’ll bet your ears have pricked up. The Cutlass is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The seller says that they think it has about 50% of the original paint showing. They also have the original “computer card” that shows it is a real 442. We’re also told there are a few dents and some rust that’s “not too bad.” It would be nice to have some closeups of what that actually means. The trunk and floor are both listed as being “in decent shape.” Since that means different things to different people, if you are really interested, I’d try for some clarification and/or some more pictures.
What we presume to be the original Rocket 350 is present, and it runs well although the exhaust has leaks. However, the car is not a driver yet, as the front brakes are off the car and the master cylinder outlet for the front brakes has been blocked off. You’ll also need to replace the lower radiator hose as it is leaking.
Nice steering wheel! I like the automatic shifter, too. Yes, Jamie likes an automatic. Surprise! Somehow it seems fitting in this car.
You can see the splits in the vinyl from here. However, it does look very, very original, and the dash looks nice as well. The odometer is showing around 50,000 miles, but the seller says “take that as you will.” Honestly, that doesn’t look like 150,000 miles on that seat, even with the split in the middle. So what are your thoughts on this 1972 442?
Nice but I thought 442’s came with either 400 or 455 engines ?
1972 the motor available were the 350 or 455 …
The last 2 years of this gen A-body were sort of a free for all, almost any engine could be available in any car, there really wasn’t even supposed to be a 1972 MY for these, the Colonnade cars were supposed to be out for 1972, but they were pushed back because of the long GM strike in 1971.
…if it came with the 350, then they should have changed the name of the car to “342”….
442 originally stood for 4barrel, 4 speed, and dual exhaust it had nothing to do with engine size.
…then after they started slapping automatics in them, it stood for 400, 4 barrel, and dual exhaust…hence my comment…
long as it had a 4 barrell carb and a 4 speed and dual exhaust …4 4 2
This is a 2-barrel car. Nice cruiser but not very fast, especially since most of these cars had 2.73 gears.
right,smh.
The car looks very complete. It’s got the dual gate which is cool. The color is kind of a bummer, but would be fun to just get it running and do brunouts and have fun with it.
The sport wheel they put on these is great. I think 442s look a lot better with the wing on the back, otherwise the trunk looks like it is dropping off too fast.
The green is a great period color. The available wing is not functional and adds weight. No A/C is a negative.
Green was a big color back then, I have a few green muscle cars. If it was red, blue, or black it would be worth more.
The wing does not add that much weight and is very desirable, and no one has ever complained about missing A/C on my w30, but you are probably right it would add value if it was all there.
Those seat covers wore like iron. The carpet not so well. 150K.
I was going to make a similar comment, the seat might not look like high mileage, but the drivers floor carpet looks like very high mileage!
The 442 was an option on the Cutlass (W-29) for the fearsome price of $29 on all body styles except the notchback. The good news is that you could still get the W-30 option (L77) with 300hp. My 442 pick would be a 68 4-Speed.
Worst year for that gen. Needs the dual hood scoops.
As much as I’d like to be drawn in by first visual impressions, its not-too-outlandish price, and its close proximity to me, I know that Minnesota = RUSTY. Bring your coveralls, you’re gonna want to crawl around under this one before deciding.
Off this car BUT on the subject, while it seems we have some knowledgeable 442 guys here…….
.is a W-31 the W30 option with AC? Is the W-32 Option the W30 with AC & Convertible? Or is this totally incorrect. I ran into a W-31 hardtop last week.
Tom, no I don’t think so, I know about 1970, the w30 was aluminum intake, F heads. a different cam, different carb, different distributor, red inner fender wells.and the w25 OAI hood (outside air induction).
I see a lot of people claiming to have W30, but don’t have the F heads. The real heads are very expensive. I was amazed one of the star cars at Mecum Indy was a blue 442 claiming to be a 1970 w30, but it had the wrong cylinder heads. Yikes, you can’t trust anyone…
W31 was a cutlass with the HiPO 350 engine option in 1970 I believe.
Does this even have dual exhaust? I can’t tell from the pictures. 350, auto, and perhaps a dual exhaust, how can it still be called a 442? 4 people can fit in it, 4 wheels, and 2 mirrors?
I like this 442. It just has that orig. used look. But not abused.
I just got a 71 Plymouth duster that has been in a dry barn for over 25 years.
Its just a 6cyl bench seat auto and even the green w/green int. but so orig. I love it. I also have a 71 twister duster,fc7,bucket seats orig. 3 on the floor, same thing-parked for many years under a carport and just as original. I like them both ,but the twister most.
Now I have a chance to get a twin to the green duster with a similar story. $2500. That’s a great price for a complete rust free 71 duster. Money is getting tight,but I mostly just want to save these mopars and do a little work to them and then find a loving home for them. I am very lucky to still have the nack to find these cars and save them.
I have owned a few Oldsmobile. The last one was a 72 Olds cutlass station wagon. Exhaust leaks were very common on thoses 350 motors. I am sorry I let that Old wagon go. Bruce.
By ’72, the 442 was essentially a trim package. I would have thought the W29 option would still come with dual trumpets but this one does not. I would also hope at the very least the beefier FE2 suspension with rear sway bar would still be included, but I cannot tell from the photos. $29 didn’t buy much even in ’72. The air cleaner lid shape indicates a 2bbl carb., but it should have front disk brakes judging from the master cylinder. Nice clean car, but it’s essentially a stripper Cutlass with 442 badges.
I had that same car, same color but with black interior…My 350 had some major mods done to it….. still hate myself for selling it
In 1971 the 442 was a separate model in the Cutlass for the last time. In 1972 the 442 was just a looks or looks and performance package. The 350 was the standard engine with the 455 in the optional performance option. A W 30 package was the top 442 option pkg tht included an aluminum intake, FE2 suspension, 300 horsepower 455 V8, ram air hood and rear bumper exhaust cutouts. To get a true 1972 442 it had to be a W30 and it was a detuned version at that due to rising insurance rates and gas prices. My 70 pictured here was the one to have with all performance items basically standard with the W30 package the only upgrade. The options I had were air, ram air hood, buckets and console, Hurst dual gate shifter along with power steering and brakes.
JUST ANOTHER GUTLESS CUTLAS!
But say 442 and it becomes something else.
A gold ring in a pigs nose, is still nothing more than a pig with a ring in its nose.
Buy it cheap and flip it to first sucker you can.