1972 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 For Sale

This highly original 1972 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 is an impressive example with its original mufflers, Ziebart undercoating and its original wheels and tires being sold with the car. A new owner could enjoy it as-is, reveling in its patina, or it would make an outstanding starting point for a complete restoration. This car was new at the tail end of the classic muscle car era, when those who knew where to look could still find high-powered machines on the market. The local Oldsmobile dealer was one source still selling Detroit’s thrill rides. The 442 remained at the top of the Olds performance pecking order, now available for Cutlass coupe and Cutlass Supreme convertible models by ordering the 442 Appearance and Handling Package. Appearance upgrades included hood and body stripes, a blacked-out grille, chrome wheel-well moldings and 442 emblems on the fenders, grille and trunk lid. Improving the car’s handling was the Rallye Suspension Package with its heavy-duty springs and shocks and front and rear sway bars.

This 442 was also equipped with the famous W-30 package, which for 1972 included the high-performance L77 version of Oldsmobile’s 455 CI V–8. Rated at 300 HP and 410 lb-ft of torque, the big-block was fitted with a performance camshaft, dual exhaust and an open-element air cleaner to receive fresh air coming from the functional scoops in the fiberglass hood. Backing the 455 CI V-8 here is an automatic equipped with a Hurst Dual Gate “His ’n’ Hers” shifter. At some point during the car’s life, its original bias-ply tires were exchanged for Uniroyal Tiger Paw GTS radials, mounted on polished Cragar 5-spoke alloy wheels for a day-two look.