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Parked With Windows Down: 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Flexes V-Code Muscle

1972 Cutlass Supreme 16 photos
Photo: eBay seller theparthunter
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Despite being the last year of the third generation, the 1972 model year witnessed several big changes in the Cutlass lineup.
On the one hand, Oldsmobile introduced only subtle styling changes, focusing on the grille and the taillight. On the other hand, the carmaker retired the six-cylinder engine and went all-in on V8 mills until 1975, when the need for more economical units forced it to undo its decision.

The 422 was no longer a stand-alone series and returned to the Cutlass lineup. The Supreme remained the icing on the Cutlass cake, with the 1972 model year serving as the last refresh of the convertible. The company discontinued the removable top version, reintroducing it in 1990.

Someone on eBay recently listed a Cutlass Supreme whose only option is a complete restoration, as the vehicle spent "many years with the windows down." We all know what this means, so you should expect the vehicle to come in a rough shape in almost every department.

The floors are already wrecked, but the frame and the suspension are clean. You'll spend much time doing the metalwork, so the Cutlass Supreme isn't aimed at the faint of heart. Every inch of metal needs attention, so the car isn't an easy winter project or a way to spend time with your son. It could be a major investment, as a Supreme in tip-top shape could sell for a small fortune with the right fixes.

However, the main selling point is hiding under the hood. The Cutlass Supreme rolled off the assembly lines as a V-coded model, using a 455 V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor and 270 horsepower. The car still flexes a matching numbers drivetrain, and the engine is in running condition. The transmission and the steering column are out of the car, and the original carburetor is still around if the next owner is brave enough to attempt a complete restoration to factory specifications.

A Cutlass Supreme with a complete and original drivetrain is rare today, so I don't expect the car to remain available for too long. The vehicle also sells with the build sheet and comes with a clear California title.

According to some rough estimates, Oldsmobile produced over 130,000 Cutlass Supremes for the 1972 model year, including hardtops and convertibles. The rarest configurations rolled off the assembly lines with the M20 4-speed and the desirable V-code tags, though I couldn't find any official numbers. However, it's safe to assume few are still around these days, especially with the factory drivetrain.

It's not an easy project, but it doesn't mean a rare car should sell for beer money. Seller theparthunter expects to get $7,500 for the car, which is a fair price, considering the details above. You can find the Supreme parked in Meadow Vista, California, and you'll need a trailer to take it home.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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