The 1972 model year marked the final for production of Oldsmobile’s Third Generation Cutlass range. It remained a favorite among buyers, selling in respectable numbers. This 1972 Cutlass Supreme Hardtop Sedan is a perfect example of the breed, and while some may consider it a survivor, others may argue that a repaint undermines that claim. However, it presents beautifully and is a numbers-matching classic needing little beyond a new home. My illustrious colleague Russell Glantz spotted this gem listed here on eBay in Mesa, Arizona. The seller set their auction to open at $1,000 but, surprisingly, has received no bids at the time of writing.
Oldsmobile had a replacement for the Third Generation Cutlass waiting in the wings for a 1973 release, but buyers were still lining up to hand over their money for cars like this 1972 example. The seller confirms that it received a repaint in its original Pinehurst Green, but not when this occurred. The lack of significant flaws or defects suggests this may have been recent, although the impressive condition elsewhere could indicate that it has simply been protected and cherished since the work ended. The Green paint is complimented by a spotless vinyl top in a much darker version of the same color. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and while the underside shots reveal areas of dry surface corrosion, there is no evidence of penetrating rust. The trim looks excellent for its age, the glass is clear, and the steel wheels retain their correct hubcaps.
Powering this Cutlass is a 350ci “Rocket” V8 that the first owner teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The Dealer Specifications Sheet quotes power and torque figures of 180hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, and although both figures are considerably lower than those provided by the range-topping 455, the 350 represents an excellent compromise between performance and economy. This engine bay presents exceptionally well and is bordering on perfection. The seller states that the engine received a rebuild in 1999, with the transmission receiving similar attention in 2011. They wax lyrical about the appearance but, frustratingly, provide no information regarding the car’s mechanical health. However, if the presentation is an accurate guide, I can spot nothing causing concern.
I have stated in previous articles that it is often educational to assess a classic’s interior because it typically provides insight into the sort of life a vehicle has led. Abuse and neglect can reveal themselves in damaged upholstery and broken plastic, but there are no such problems with this Olds. The Green cloth and vinyl trim hasn’t worn or faded, and the dash is excellent. The faux woodgrain is a highlight because it hasn’t deteriorated significantly. The carpet on the lower door trims has slightly faded, but it is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle. The seller indicates that the air conditioning requires attention to blow cold, but that is the only identified functional issue.
This 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a surprise packet. That isn’t due to its excellent presentation, but because it hasn’t generated significant interest. The listing has only received sixty-seven views during the past twenty-four hours, with ten people adding it to their Watch List. I understand it to a certain extent because many enthusiasts will consider that it has too many doors. However, it must be a contender for someone wishing to park a clean and practical classic in their garage. Monitoring this auction to see if it kicks to life in the final hours will be fascinating. I won’t be surprised if it does. Will you?
Wow. You would be hard pressed to find one nicer than this. My ultimate favorite would be a ’70 to ’72 (70 my favorite) Cutlass S 2 door. I just love the arches in the quarter panels. But a very, very close second would be a 4 door hardtop. It still has the arches I like in the quarter panels. And the hardtop just looks very upscale, very classy. I would love to own this one if I could.
This beautiful 72 Cutlass has been offered on eBay many multiple times and for months now. The dealership selling this car has BIN price $20,995 or best offer. Obviously people think it isn’t worth near this money or it would be sold by now. JD Powers gives this car a high retail value of $14,050 and an average retail value of $9700
Thank you. I almost offered $1,100 for it. Had a 2-dr ’71 when I was a kid. Bought it fir $175 in 1987. Looked snd ran great. Only the passenger side had been sideswiped, but otherwise it was a great car. When I got in and out, I never even saw the passenger side, so I loved it.
Dr Olds nails another design. Beautiful seamless 4 door. Had to be more fun cruising w the whole tribe 👪 in this pillar-less sedan.
It’s the sharp angle of the hardtop’s side window (what the pros call “daylight opening”
) at the top rear. On post sedans it’s rounded off – and only post sedans, wagons have an angle there too, with full window frames.
Funny, I’m not sure if I never saw a 4 door Cutlass, or if my mind just blanked it out if I did. But, just saw another one for sale on Craigslist, asking 19k, with 40k miles.
There is a ’71 4 door that has been featured on BF several times.
It is in Long Island, NY and the clown selling it started off a 90K. Now it is at a more reasonable 11K.
https://barnfinds.com/1971-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-hardtop-sedan/
Primo example of a Cutlass Supreme. Good colors and condition. The 350 hauls this around just like you remember. This car is around today because they were ignored by the fast crowd.
Beautiful car, great condition. The GM A bodies delivered a very smooth ride and reasonable handling thanks to all coil spring suspension and 4 link rear axle vs leaf springs as were used by all other brands in this size. The 350 is more than adequate. I would love this as a daily driver. It has been for sale several times at a really high asking price. It would be a great deal at $10k as where can you find this much comfort, performance and space in any used car for $10k? Best of success to the lucky winner.
It’s hard to believe that a high-end Cutlass Supreme would have been ordered with no radio
I had to take a double take on that one. The fact the Oldsmobile engineered such a nice looking cover with the wood applique and everything to match is something else. Truth be told, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an Oldsmobile from this era without a radio.
At Storey Olds in Lansing Michigan you would have. No radio in any car unless standard equipment. Omega? No radio. Cutlass? No radio. Ninety-Eight Regency? No radio. All were equipped with radio prep from the factory. When you selected your new car you then walked over to the ARA display and chose the radio you wanted. The unit was installed during delivery prep.
Oldsman, that was going to be my comment to start.
Let’s see, extra cost model, motor, trans., p/s p/b, a/c, remote mirror and inside mirror with map light that I’ve seen on ebay for $100. But no radio. Hmmm.
Wonder how hard it’d be to find a nice, if not new dash piece radio ready for a factory FM stereo. Harness could be hiding behind the dash.
As nice as this is, especially the engine, still not worth 20g, maybe 10-12.
If I could at the moment I would give $15,000. This car is in better shape than a lot of higher end cars for $15k that don’t even run and need a ton of work plus in those days I drove nothing but Oldsmobile after Oldsmobile for years and I know how they ride, drive, steer and sound and it’s beautiful. Except for the 73’ Grand Prix and a 67’ Caprice
babe magnet for sure