1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible, 442 trim package

Up on the auction block is 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 442 (W29) Convertible. This car has only been owned by two families including the very short time that I have owned this car.

I would not hesitate to get in this car and drive 10-12 hours. It is in good, drive-able condition.

Youtube link of car being driven down the road:

https://youtu.be/Mn5815O9VZg

Youtube link of convertible top in operation (copy and paste link below):

https://youtu.be/bW7N9fBGCLs

Car Features & Highlights:

· V-8 / 350

· Convertible

· 4 Barrel Carburetor

· Dual Exhaust

· Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission

· 442 Handling and Trim Package (W29)

· Air Conditioning

· Power Brakes

· Power Steering

· Power Convertible Top

· Wood Grain Dash

· Dual Sport Mirrors

· Console Shifter (Automatic Transmission)

· Hood Louver Trim

· Original AM Radio

· Bucket Seats

· 14 x 7" steel Rally Wheels w /trim rings (original)

· Upgraded Sound System (Sony CD Stereo) model EXCD-206

· Sound System Amplifier model Alpine 3550 4/3/2 Channel Power Amplifier

· Car has had one frame-off restoration (1988) and a recent engine recondition (2017)

· No appearance of rust

· Odometer is around 55,627 miles

Preface:

I will do my best to share everything that I know about the car as I know that when making a purchase like this, historical information is not only interesting but highly important to access value and know specific work that has been completed, # of owners, etc.

Previously, I have sold 2 vintage vehicles on EBay. In both occurrences, I started the bid at $1000 as the starting bid (which is where this Cutlass 442 will also begin). Both buyers were pleased with the entire transaction as the vehicles were accurately described. One buyer was from out of state (FL) and one buyer was out of country (Australia). Both purchased the vehicle from me, arranged transportation and had the vehicles shipped without ever laying eyes on the vehicles until the car carrier arrived at their destination. I will strive to give you the same honesty and confidence in the sale with this Olds Cutlass Convertible 442.

Ownership History:

This 1972 Cutlass Supreme Convertible 442 fresh from the Lansing, MI factory assembly plant was purchased at the local Shelbyville TN Coltharp Oldsmobile dealer by Elise Beck in December 1971. Elise was roughly 40 years of age at the time she was presented the keys. Elise purchased one of only 1,041 Cutlass Convertibles and of those 1,025 had automatic transmissions. How many of those had the (W29) 442 Handling and Trim Package, the center console with the floor shifter, and factory air conditioner (all upgrades)? Elise’s son, John Beck took ownership of the car from his mother sometime before her death in 2010 but not sure when that occurred. Elise lived to be 99. There are insurance records where it reflects that both Elise and John were simultaneously insured to operate it. John took much pride in the car and it was the love of his life, second after his mom (he never married). I’m told John and Elise shared the same house until her death. Those two were the only owners of the Cutlass until I took ownership. I purchased the Cutlass at an estate auction after the passing of John Beck. Shortly after I purchased the automobile, I had the engine professionally reconditioned (documentation of that restoration is noted below).

The car has set idle in my enclosed garaged for months. My wife and I simply have not had time to enjoy the car due to our full time day jobs and the never ending demands on our expanding cattle ranch. Hence, that is sadly the reason the Cutlass is up for sale at this time. The car does have a small leak, of unknown origin. I have check all of the fluids and they are all full. The car runs and drives well, as shown in the you tube videos linked above.

Documentation included with sale of vehicle:

Original Production Code “2” 1972 Model Build Ticket

Original (plastic) Oldsmobile Protect -O-Plate (dated 12/17/71).

Original 1972 Oldsmobile Pre-Delivery Service & Adjustment Check sheet dated 12/15/71 from Coltharp Olds in Shelbyville, TN.

Original 1972 Oldsmobile Owner’s Manual

Original 1972 Oldsmobile New Vehicle Warranty Policy in the name of Elise Beck.

Original 1972 Oldsmobile Consumer Information Manual

Original 1972 Oldsmobile Emission Control Systems Manual

Death certificate of John Beck (passed on 4/9/16 at the age of 66).

Parking meter violation notice (dated 2/24/77) for the Cutlass. The ticket fine states $1 if paid by the court date (3/9/77) and $5 if paid after court date.

Major Service History :

Documentation (included with the purchase of this vehicle) indicates the following restoration work:

February 7, 1977 (Completed at a cost of $386.79):

A receipt from Mr. Transmission dated 2/7/77 to rebuild the transmission. Note: on the receipt it references the vehicle as a 1972 Olds, model 442.

Fall of 1988 (Completed at a cost of about $10,000):

· Removal of fenders, doors, deck-lid, hood and interior excluding the dash board. Removed the engine and transmission from the frame assembly.

· Cleaned the firewall and underside of the vehicle and disassembled the front and rear suspension prior to rebuilding.

· Sandblasted front frame section from the firewall forward and repaint to original type finish.

· Rebuilt the front suspension to include new upper and lower ball joints, bushings, shocks, springs, tie rods, and drag link.

· The transmission was rebuilt to include “overhaul kit”.

· Engine was NOT part of this restoration as an overhaul was completed prior to this body off restoration.

· Interior restored to include new top, new weather-stripping where needed and new seat covers and carpet.

· Front and rear bumpers were re-chromed.

· 5 new tires.

11/11/16 (Completed at a cost of $7,697):

· Removed Engine and Replaced all Gaskets and Seals

· Replaced Distributor and Updated Distributor

· Cleaned Engine Block

· Replaced Cam Bearings

· Honed Cylinders

· New Power Steering Pump

· New Fuel Line

· Transmission Filter Kit

· Tail shaft seal

· Selector Shaft Seal

· Pinion Seal

· Engine Gasket Kit

· Intake Manifold Gaskets

· Valley Pan Gaskets

· Rear Main Seal

· Valve Cover Gasket

· Oil Pan Gasket

· Rear Main Seal

· Valve Cover Gasket

· Timing Cover Gasket

· Oil Filter

· Valve Steal Seals

· Time Cover Gasket

· Timing Set

· Gold Engine Pain

· Engine Crankshaft Set

· High Volume Oil Pump

· Oil Pump Screen

· Intake Manifold Set

· Distributor Cap

· Distributor Rotor

· Thermostat and Gasket

· Brake Line

· PCV Valve

· Lower Radiator Hose

· Top Post Battery Cable

· Distributor

· Ignition Coil

· MSD Resister

· Compressor

· Receiver Dryer

· Expansion Valve

· Refrigerant

· Fan Belts

· Speed-O Housing

· Radiator Tubing

· Ignitor

Overall condition - Engine runs well as it should from a recent recondition. The car easily cruises down the road straight and true. The brakes work well. Lots of tread remain on tires. Car does not smoke and no weird noises. The sound system sounds great. No cracks in the glass. Air conditioner works. Heater works. Car doors, hood and trunk all open and close as they should. Clear title in hand. This car is sure to climb in value.

Body - No signs of rust. Body has an approximate 22” deep scratch on driver’s side rear panel (told it was a garage door mishap) but most certainly repairable and no challenge for a reputable body shop. Aside from that, typical dings, scratches and faded paint that you would expect for a 29 year old paint job. See pictures.

Top - Electric powered convertible top works fine both up and as it should as shown in the YouTube link. The rag top does have a tear on driver’s side and if you are pressed you could drive it as is with a patch, but long term you would want to get a new top. Personally, I would never drive it in inclement weather and thus the top would always be down anyway. In that case, the tear would be unnoticeable but the car is deserving of a new top. The Cutlass has a landau cover but the fasteners are missing so when getting a new top, you would also want to install a new landau cover to give it that extra appeal.

Engine – Oldsmobile 350. Runs well and sounds great. Everyone that has heard the engine has stated that it runs like a sewing machine.

Trans – Works fine and shifts into all gears easily. The transmission works well.
Brakes – Power brakes work great.
Tires – Kumho P215/70R-14. Lots of tread remaining. I can’t say they are new but you’ll not need to buy new tires for a long while.

Wheels – Original rally wheels. If the car is repainted, you would also want to match these to the same color unless you decide to go with chrome wheels. I would opt to keep it original but that’s my preference.

Interior – Overall the interior is decent condition as seen in the pictures. The original dash pad is in very nice shape. Carpet could stand a good cleaning but still very nice. Seats look good but the driver’s seat needs some re stitching in a few spots (the upholstery needs to be tightened up). It has the cool center locking console and arm rest option making top down cruising a pleasure.

Heater and Air Conditioning - Both work well. When the engine was reconditioned, they also refurbished the air conditioner. Documentation included.

Steering – The car drives straight and the power steering allows the wheel to be turned either way with just one finger with little effort. You may notice this in the YouTube video.

Sound System The original factory AM radio is still in the dash but a new modern Sony CD stereo system was installed in the center dash. An amplifier is installed in the trunk (driver’s side). You can hear the Sony system playing in the YouTube video link provided below.

Gauges – all work. Car has electric clock but it does not work. I have not researched to find out why.

The wipers work.
Room for improvement – It will need a new convertible top, you’ll need to find cause of minor leak and resolve, and finally get it into a body shop to fix the nicks and scratches and give it the proper shine this car deserves. A few hours in the upholstery shop will tidy up the interior.

Closing –

If you are looking for a 70’s vintage top down fun car that turns heads and sounds good, this is the one.

I reserve the right to end the auction early.

General Terms

Please note that the sale is binding and final. The vehicle is being sold As-Is, Where-Is with No warranty expressed, written or implied. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himself/herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment. I have tried to represent the vehicle as accurately as possible to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs. Current owner does not warranty anything that may or could happen after the sale. Please carefully read the terms and conditions for the sale before bidding. Any inspections are to be completed before the end of sale, not afterward. Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it, but obligates you to complete the purchase! I reserve the right to end this listing at any time, should the vehicle no longer be available for sale.

Winning Bidder:

All bidders with less than 5 feedback score need to make contact with me or their bid might be canceled.

The successful high bidder will submit a $1000.00 Non-Refundable payment deposit with PayPal within 24 hours of the close of the auction to secure the vehicle. Buyer agrees to pay remaining balance within 7 days of the close of the auction. All financial transactions must be fully completed before delivery of the vehicle.

PayPal is for deposits only.

Terms and Conditions

Remaining Balance Payment Options:

I accept the following payment methods:

- Bank Wire transfer
- Cashier's Check/Money Order (cleared through local bank)
- Loan check from eBay Financing Center (cleared through local bank)
- Cash in person (counted at a local bank)
- Personal check (once cleared at local bank)

Vehicle Pickup & Shipping

All shipping charges and transportation arrangements are buyer's responsibility.