Beginning with its debut in 1966, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme was akin to a personal luxury car in the mid-size market. But it was not an independent nameplate like the Pontiac Grand Prix was to the Tempest/LeMans. It would grow in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-selling automobiles in America. This 1972 edition can also claim to have a touch of muscle, with the U-Code 455 cubic inch V8 under the hood. Located in Boston, Georgia, this beauty is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $17,900.
General Motors redesigned its A-platform intermediates in 1968, including the F-85/Cutlass lineup. The “regular” Cutlass coupes were fastbacks, while the later Supreme coupes were given a formal, more upright treatment. And while the 442 and Olds/Hurst were the performance alternatives, you could get a big-block V8 in the Supreme, too. That included the 455 which was rated at 250 hp as Detroit was now stating output in SAE net terms.
While the seller says this Olds is an original U-Code car, he/she doesn’t exactly say if its numbers- matching. A TH-400 automatic transmission is part of the mix, and we assume the Oldsmobile runs as good as it looks. The body and paint are tidy, and we’re told the 40-year-old repaint presents well though it shows its age when you get up close.
This Supreme has a bench seat as opposed to buckets and the Cutlass has a sport steering wheel and a gauge package that includes a tachometer. This swell beauty also has factory air conditioning which we’re told blows nice and cold. This era of the Cutlass Supreme was some of the most striking in appearance (IMO) and this one looks like a car that shouldn’t disappoint. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
Sale pending. Looks like a good price. Undercarriage picture looks new.
Nice! That HS chum of mine,( ’58 Bug, ’63 Dodge, Kaw 900) that drank himself into the nuthouse, his mom had a car very similar. It was gold, no brown, and a 350, no fancy wheels, but we got to cruise in that car quite a bit. His dad wouldn’t let him drive his 4″double nickel”, ’70 2 door Bonnie much,( he knew his son) so he’d get moms Cutlass. I don’t recall it being very powerful, I can imagine the 455 would change that, but just a really nice car. It had a factory FM, and cruising down the lakefront with WZMF playing Led Zepplin in a Cutlass, life was good,,,yes sir, can’t do that today. Wonderful car.
These look great from any angle. 455 is a cherry on top.
This is a great Cutlass. Very well preserved/taken care of. The 455 is really the icing on the cake with this too. The interior is in incredible condition too.Even though the 455 was a lower compression ratio in 72 from 70, it still had plenty of effortless torque. I like the unique color too. Nice memories there too Howard. Isnt it funny how certain old cars takes us back?
Dave
Such a great design, makes me wish Olds offered a 442 in this style.
You could get hi-performance options in the “formal roofline” body – the SX (455) and the Hurst Olds were offered in this shell.
@DGMinGA, In 1970 & ’71 only for the SX.
There was a “442 option package” available on the Cutlass in ‘72.
I believe he is saying the 442 package was not available on the “formal roofline”, only on the hardtop or post coupe style.
Buy it and drive it till the wheels fall off.
Nice car excellent price! In my opinion.
Love it! 😎
There was an identical V code (only differences were bucket seats and console, SSI wheels) for sale near me several months ago. Much more rare but double the price too. This U code looks nice. Needs the correct Olds blue engine color for the 455 and the O-L-D-S-M-O-B-I-L-E lettering on the decklid but definitely a reasonable price for a solid looking Supreme. Not surprised it is already pending sale.
Very nice looking car. Correct me if wrong, but I thought the 455 was not available in the Cutlass for 1972? In 1970 and 71 only, they had a Cutlass SX, which was a way to get the 455 in the Cutlass without the higher insurance of the 442. In 1973, both the 350 and 455 were offered in Cutlass models and 442. I have a 1974 Cutlass Supreme with the 350.
455 was definitely available in ’72 Cutlasses.
Way, way, way underpriced in my opinion. When a car sells that fast, it’s underpriced. For me that’s a $35,000 car. But that’s just me.
My Mom had a 72 Supreme, 350 automatic that was a very fast car. I ended up with it and had a guy tell me that it had performance heads on it that would be in a 442 normally. It also had a 12 bolt in it. That was a fun car, I would love to drive this with a 455!!!
Just an FYI, the Olds 12 bolt rear is not the same as the highly desirable Chevrolet 12 bolt rear. The only similarities between the two is the number of bolts holding the rear cover on. The 455 heads have 80 cc chambers, you would lower the compression ratio from the 350 heads. There would also be a port mismatch if I remember correctly, but that was a long time ago!
sweet ride. sold cheap. needing only minor corrections as stated in previous a comment. great color combo and no v/top to boot. not too many U codes built.
I thought the 455’s engines were still painted blue in 72, while this one is gold, typically found on the 350’s? Still a nice appearing Cutlass!
True as well. Every legit, numbers matching 455 I have seen would be metallic blue during this time and through 1974, I believe. In 1975 and 76, it was more of a flatter blue color. Some call it corporate blue. 1976 was the last year of the 455. The 403 would become the larger engine after, although it was a bored 350.
I love the Cutless of the early 70’s in any configuration, I just like em with buckets and a console.