Even the idea of stealing parts from a vehicle is something I’d like to think most auto enthusiasts would frown on, but when someone follows through on that notion, they’re truly lower than a snake’s belly in my opinion. According to the seller, theft has reduced this poor Olds to mostly a shell, as the engine, transmission, front seats, console, and steering column were all stolen from the previous owner. If there’s any good news here, this one might be a better candidate for a Restomod than cutting up a better example, as the seller implies. Priced at $3,000, this 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is located in Kennewick, Washington, and can be found here on Craigslist. Curvette, thank you for spotting this one and sending us the tip!
It’s not mentioned how long ago the items went missing, but a positive is that there’s a good running Oldsmobile 350 Rocket engine included in the sale, plus a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. No further information is provided regarding the pair, but that sounds like a good head start to help get excited about a restoration here. There is quite a bit of surface rust in the bay, but the firewall and fender wells appear reasonably solid overall, and it’s good to see that this is a factory A/C car to begin with.
Much of the corrosion outside doesn’t appear too serious either, with the area near the rear window probably the most severe. The passenger side door appears to have been replaced, with the hood and section around the grille showing a different color than the rest of the body, so it’s likely that not all of the panels are original. However, with some careful massaging, perhaps they’re all still solid enough to salvage. Once everything’s straightened out, this one will probably look nice again after some fresh paint and possibly a new vinyl roof are applied.
The dash is slightly bent on the bottom, and while the seller suggests patching some areas down below, replacement floors would likely be a better choice. Fortunately, a new trunk pan has already been sourced, and it’s included. I’m feeling the idea of a Restomod here, but whatever its future, there is a lot of work ahead for the next owner before this one will be ready to function again. Is this 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme worth the effort?
It has significant rust, probably worse than the picture suggest. There are a lot of expensive parts missing, bucket seat cores, console and floorshift steering column, then there are all the small parts in the engine compartment. This will add up quickly and can change the dynamics of a project. Potential buyers often don’t calculate these sort of costs when purchasing a car, it can be a costly mistake that is pretty common.
Steve R
I agree with Steve R that costs of all the items add up fast and changing out floor boards and a trunk pan is not fun. The price is not bad for a core. The best plan is to source a non titled distressed but complete flood car, or one with bad accident damage from Copart and make 1 car out of 2 wrecks. The good running 350 with turbo 350 if working can make for a fun ride. The 350 can be improved to 1970 specs with high compression pistons and the 4 bbl cam and larger 455 valves to deliver 310 HP with vacuum to run the power brakes. I would forgo the Turbo 350 and source a Turbo 200-4R with overdrive and lock up torque converter which is a bolt in. All HD and upgrade suspension parts for a 442 or big block chevelle such as boxed rear control arms and rear sway bar are cheap and readily available to update the handling. No computer, no O2 sensor or catalyst, these are handsome, good looking, simple cars that ride and handle well when done.
The seller should finish stripping the car before having it hauled to recycler. Usually the underside of a car’s floor will have more rust than its interior surface. Carrying the idea further, usually the exterior of a car will have more rust than the interior. That’s not the case with this oldsmobuick. A major concern is the amount of rust and corrosion visible on the roof header and passenger-side roof rail. A portion of the header has been lost to rust. Putting any money into this leaky shell is pointless.
There is also rust on the dash just below the VIN, (picture 11 of 24) it appears the seller was trying to frame the picture so it wouldn’t be obvious. If that’s the case, what else isn’t shown?
Steve R
too much missing here. you can but a 72 supreme in good shape for 25k. you be hard pressed to have running ready for paint for 25k. i would pull the am/fm radio and whatever was saleable and let it go. it’s too late come back now
He says lots of parts included. Depending on what parts, it might be worth it. Someone who is good with body/paint and handy with a welder could do it if they have time on their hands. Yeah it needs work but it could be built into something nice.
Jeepers. No thief am I but if you had time to strip the interior, the front and rear bumpers look mint.
I also noticed almost all engine compartment components missing including the wire harness!
This car being in Kennewick Wa with rust issues means it’s not local. The area around the Kennewick area is very dry and roads not salted. If local and no rust it would be worth much more/
Not native to Kennewick very dry climate and no salt on roads. If local and missing parts it would at least be worth thinking about.
I love this body style as much or more than the Chevelle, and the Cutlass Supreme is so much more affordable. (I wish they had made the 442 in this body style in addition to the fastback.)
I agree with everything that has been written so far about the obstacles the buyer would face. Spot on.