1972 Oldsmobile 442

The 4-4-2 Model returned in 1972 but it was once again an optional status on the Cutlass model. Many Oldsmobiles in the Cutlass Series were 4-4-2 optioned (option code W-29), but the package was reduced to a handling and appearance trim.

The 4-4-2 Model was available on the Cutlass Holiday coupe, Cutlass S sport coupe and Holiday coupe, and Cutlass Supreme convertible. It was not available on Cutlass Supreme notchback hardtops.

The 442 listed for $29 and had 'FE2' suspension upgrades including heavy-duty springs and shocks, front and rear sway bars, boxed lower rear control arms, and 14x7-inch wheels. They also had side striping, fender and decklid badging, faux hood louvers, and a unique grille. In the back, the bumper had cutouts for exhaust tips when it was paired with the optional L75 455 cubic-inch V8 in place of the standard 350ci V8.

A special edition Hurst/Olds was given the honor of pacing the 1972 Indianapolis 500. The H/O coupe was based on the notchback Cutlass Supreme Holiday coupe and the Cutlass Supreme convertible, both of which were standard with a 270 horsepower 455 Rocket four-barrel V8 or optional 300 horsepower W-30 option 455. Both H/O engines were coupled to a Turbo 400 transmission with console-mounted Hurst Dual Gate shifters. A H/O Vista Cruiser was provided for the Medical Director.

In total, there were 629 examples of the Hurst/Olds 4-4-2 convertible produced.

The base Cutlass hardtop coupe with the 442 option had a two-spoke steering wheel, and vinyl or cloth/vinyl bench seat as standard equipment. They also had rubber floor mats with carpeting offered as optional equipment. The Cutlass S sport coupe and Holiday hardtop coupe had full carpeting, deluxe steering wheel, courtesy lighting, and bench seats with cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl upholstery or optional Strato bucket seats. The Cutlass Supreme convertible had more woodgrain interior accents than the 'S' along with an all-vinyl notchback bench seat with armrest or no-cost Strato bucket seats, between which a center console was an extra-cost option.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014