Frame Off Restored 442 Convertible W30 455 V8 4 Speed

In it's 107-year history, Oldsmobile contributed more than its share of power and technology to General Motors. From the Jetfire Turbo V8 to the front-wheel drive Tornados, the company continually took chances and pushed the envelope on what the public was ready to drive. The muscle car era, however, saw a rivalry with Pontiac that lead to some wicked mid-size cars known by three numbers: 4-4-2. Thanks to their near-perfect mix of power and comfort, the collector car market has taken notice of these cars in a big way, making room for cars like this 1972 Cutlass 442 convertible. While it wasn't born a W-30, try telling that to the authentic W-30 visuals and rock solid 455ci V8. Factor in great options like a power top, power windows, power brakes, and factory air conditioning and the appeal just keeps growing. A frame off restoration brought the car back to better-than-new standards, creating a 442 that's both great to look at and a pleasure to drive.

This Cutlass convertible was born in GM's Lansing, Michigan factory and marks the end of a styling era that began in 1968. Judging by restoration pictures, this was a serious build that resulted in an impressive car that continues to make a great first impression on anyone lucky enough to see it. The color is similar to Oldsmobile's Nordic Blue and looks great over the sweeping Cutlass lines. Every panel is straight and fitment bests factory work with even gaps all around. When the weather gets inclement, a taut white top comes to the rescue, offering not only protection from the elements but also a great tie-in with the full W-30 regalia that adorns the car's crisp body work.

While the W-30 option is known mostly for power output, it also brought some strong visuals to the otherwise subtle Cutlass. The most obvious addition is the fiberglass Force-Air hood with bright hood pins and two long scoops. A dose of white paint draws extra attention to those nostrils while white side stripes and special die-case W-30 make sure this won't be mistaken for an average A-body from most angles. W-30 pieces aside, there is plenty to admire on this Olds. The front view has a great split grill accented by a bright red 442 badge while the rear is capped off by trumpet-style exhaust tips and massive chrome bumper with integrated tail lights. All the chrome here is showroom quality, as is the glass and stainless. Combined with the high-quality paintwork, the car presents an air of quality all around.

While this M-code Cutlass was born with a small block, restoration efforts provided something a little stronger. Lift the dual scoop hood to find a 455ci V8. According to many enthusiasts, these engines were superior to other GM products due to being statically balanced and filled with components like A, B, C, and D pistons that ensured a perfect match to the bore. Whatever magic Olds instilled in these engines, the bottom line is the bottom end – these 455s are absolute torque monsters. This particular 455 shows a little better than most thanks to restoration tactics that left this engine compartment showroom fresh. Under the Oldsmobile-branded Force-Air system, a single Quadrajet carburetor bolts to a Winters intake manifold. At either side, “G” heads with big valves are covered by nicely finished blue valve covers. The front of the engine spins items like a factory-fresh air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and an alternator to keep things charged. Spent exhaust gases are whisked away through cast iron exhaust manifolds that connect with a clean dual exhaust system. Item like the “UL” decaled oil fill neck and Delco batter contribute to the overall sense of authenticity the car carries.

Take a look under the car to find more of the same attention to detail present at all corners. From the satin black floor pans to the suspension components, every piece shows well. In the middle of everything, a Muncie 4-speed offers full control of the monster V8 up front. Power spins down the driveshaft and out to a factory rear end that sports a slick aluminum W-27 inspection cover. When it came to the front suspension, Olds didn't offer many options. This one wears the standard direct-action coil springs with ball joints and a stabilizer link under the front half. The rear consisted of a factory four-bar setup with semi-floating axles and coil springs which are aided by Air Lift airbags. New shocks at all corners complete the package. When the road ahead gets curvy, factory power steering combines with power-assisted brakes for a confidence-inspiring driving experience. Those brakes clamp down on front discs and rear drums that tuck neatly behind color-keyed Super Sport II wheels wrapped in 225/70/14 Goodyear rubber.

When it came to luxurious interiors of the early 1970s, few did it better than Oldsmobile. This 442 is a solid example thanks to an exemplary white interior that looks great against the blue body. There are plenty of options to admire here, beginning with the bucket seats up front. Great to look at and even better to sit in, they provide a front-row seat to the rich wood grain dashboard. Instrumentation remains purely GM with a three-gauge set that monitors fuel, temperature, oil pressure, speed, revs, and even time. Below, pristine sliders and switches offer control of the wipers, power top, and factory air conditioning system. A tilt-column topped by a tough-looking four-spoke steering wheel pairs with like-new pedals and a chrome shifter to offer the driver full control. To the right of the gauge cluster, the factory AM/FM radio remains in place. At either side, stylized door panels bring in more wood grain while introducing the black carpet that lines the floors below. Nearly every piece presents as new, while modern features like power windows and locks reinforce that feeling. Behind the seat, the trunk continues the high-quality theme, offering a correct trunk mat alongside a fifth Super Sport II wheel.

This clean drop top comes with both restoration receipts and photos that offer significant insight into how this car became the show stopper it is today. Other interesting artifacts include an owner's manual, emissions manual, and a service schedule sheet to help you keep your new Oldsmobile in top shape.

With its W-30 visuals, solid options package, and 455 cubic inches worth of V8 under the hood, this Cutlass is a strong reminder of what the Oldsmobile division was once capable of. Even if it was “your father's Oldsmobile” you'd probably try to borrow it show lesser-equipped Chevelles and GTOs a thing or two off the stoplights. If you're looking for an alternative A-body that's ready to wow crowds and put a smile on your face, clear out some room in your garage for this 1972 Cutlass 442 convertible.