Oldsmobile had it all going on in 1972. It’s hard to imagine that they could make such a stylish car as this 1972 Cutlass S, hit a third-place domestic sales record of 1.1 M vehicles for ’77 – thanks in large part to the Cutlass, and then disappear in 2004 with only the Alero left on their docket. I hate to revel in the past but I’m going to make an exception as we review this Cutlass. It is located in Denver, Colorado and is available, here on craigslist for $24,950. Thanks to Gunter K for this tip!
Cutlass models abounded in ’72 with the Supreme in the top slot, then a pair of Cutlass S coupes matched up with a Cutlass Town four-door sedan, following, was the Cutlass Sports Coupe with its accompanying F-85 four-door sedan. The 442 performance variant lost its separate model designation for ’72 and became an option on the Supreme convertible, either Cutlass S coupe, or the standard Cutlass coupe. Our subject car is technically a Cutlass S Hardtop Coupe as opposed to a Cutlass S Sports Coupe which has a “B” pillar and framed door glass. It’s a shame these days are gone!
The seller refers to this Cutlas as a time capsule and adds, “This Cutlass is showing only 59,000 miles, but it’s in such great shape that it looks closer to 5,900 miles“. Accompanying this Olds is purchase documentation but none that verifies the mileage recording. That said, the 59K mile reading is believable. The what looks like “Saddle Bronze” finish, a typical ’70s shade, presents itself well and coordinates nicely with the contrasting white vinyl top. And the top is still a brilliant white with no signs of degradation, seam splitting, or separation from the steel roof. The seller claims that there, “isn’t even a speck of rust or bubbling anywhere” and the exterior presentation backs up that claim.
Under the hood is a “Rocket” 350 CI V8 engine that is probably a 160 net HP, standard version operating via a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission. There is no elaboration referencing this Oldsmobile’s running and driving capabilities but there is no reason to suspect an issue. Options on this Olds are a typical selection including power steering and brakes.
The standard brown vinyl, bench seat interior is about as one would expect considering the exterior’s condition. It shows very little, if any, sign of wear. The instrument panel is a standard plain-jane affair but that’s how most GM A-bodies rolled unless the buyer ordered up to something more informative. This is an A/C equipped car but the compressor is in need of replacement.
So other than the non-functioning compressor, this Cutlass appears to need nothing. The seller notes that the original 49-year-old Firestone spare tire is still trunk bound and holding air. I would have to agree, this Olds is a true time-capsule. It would be great to know the story of its life and how it ended up surviving all of these years in such original condition. Perhaps Ms. H. Kaufman, the original owner, was the proverbial little old lady from Mitchell, South Dakota that drove her car sparingly. Whatever the case this one is going to be like having your cake and eating it too. Own it and save it, or own it and drive it?
Seen it several times. This must be another one of those hilarious inside jokes like the low rider thing I’m not cool enough to get.
Beautiful!
2bbl car with what looks like a drum brake master cylinder, but that’s what my ’70 has, and it’s still a blast to drive. Please don’t “faux-faux-too” this car. Not many survivors like this left.
I like it, but not for $24K.
What the seller paid was likely the realistic selling price. As is often the case, these cars are often one flip removed from realistic pricing.
Steve R
This seller has a number of vehicles, all with “optimistic” pricing
Could have had a 307 with more hp?
No, sorry.
Had a 72 back in 74same color but black top and interior miss it.
Wonder why such a beautiful car doesnt have the ralley wheels painted to match?? As I recall, they were all painted to match the exterior color.
The rally wheels were added later. This car was originally equipped with “wheel discs” according to the dealer window sticker the seller has included on the Craigslist ad.
Built in Fremont, CA, sold in Mitchell South Dakota April 1, 1972 to Mr. Herb Kaufman who resided in Mitchell. That was a pretty good April fools day.
I look at this wonderful S from 1972 in several ways. It’s a solid car for sure, with late 60’s styling…although it was doomed by legislation and a year later the first gas crisis that helped the small car import market, things that remind of the current legislation looking to eliminate fossil fuel transportation altogether by 2030. Maybe it will happen and if it does will we be able to enjoy cars this in the years ahead. Driving, just not looking at them in a museum.
Nice ride and yes, Jim, it’s okay to revel in the past sometimes.
I had an exact copy of this car back in 1975. Wow.
Although I had a ‘71 olds Cutlass S this really made me remember mine..it was lime green, white vinyl top, white bucket seat interior, and was equipped equipped with the ‘rocket’ 350 4 barrel carb factory duel exhaust… I don’t recall the hp rating but it was a bit more then the 160hp of this ‘72. It also had a posi rear end and had no problem laying rubber and 2nd gear scratch. It was probably the best vehicle I ever owned with accrued miles of 168k before selling and a honest 21-22 mpg on the highway.. it literally gave me no problem after purchasing at 11k miles
My 71’ had 350’ rocket with 2bbl and it had 225 hp. Silver with black vinyl and black interior. Bought it for $975 in 79’ it had 32,000 miles on it. Sold it and the guy who bought it totaled it within a year.
My aunt had a 70 Supreme coupe, Lt blue with Dark blue top and bucket seat/console interior. I was 7 and visiting her and my grandparents and being a gearhead she took me with her. I tried to get her to buy one of 15 or so Ralley 350’s sitting in the front row but she didn’t like the yellow bumpers. Her’s was a very nice car and when my grampa and I drove it he really wrung it out, it was faster than I thought it would be.
My buddy had a 72, in 78, great running and riding car, like the colors on this one, if I bought it I’d re do the interior in white, very optimistic price, maybe it’s time to test sale my loaded 73 Grand Prix SJ, 455, factory sunroof car, see if it brings that money
Oh yea the 73’ Grand Prix. I was 13 years old when the neighbor drove his brand new 73’ GP black with white interior. I was looking at the most beautiful car I ever saw. Then the next year my Dad bought a barely broke in 73’ GP triple black with red stripes. To this day it’s my favorite car. Would love to see your 73’.
Mine is black w the white half top, white buckets, Applliance double spokes and Vogue tires, factory sunroof, it’s really a beautiful car
Much better than any new junk with 2,653 computers and you can’t back up with door open. Not worth his optimistic price. I would pay $12,000.