1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Description

Everyone says they want a Chevelle, but the cars we have the most difficulty keeping in stock are Cutlass convertibles like this extremely nice 1972 ragtop. Dressed in classic springtime colors and offering the near-perfect blend of performance and luxury, it's no surprise that these are gaining traction as some of the best collector cars to own.

While all the A-bodies shared some underpinnings, somehow the Olds got the most dramatic sheetmetal, with that seductive kick-up behind the doors and a sweeping front end. Finishing it in bright yellow certainly helps emphasize the car's finer points and the bright color definitely suits the sporty ragtop. The work was finished a few years ago but still looks great today, making this the kind of car that stands out without making a spectacle of itself. Instead, onlookers will surely appreciate the deep shine, the crisp white pinstripes, and the minimalist detailing that Oldsmobile gave it. Twin grilles up front have an intricate egg crate pattern, a theme that is echoed in the taillight lenses, and all the original Cutlass and Oldsmobile badges have been retained, so it looks just about the way GM intended. The only notable modification is a 442 rear bumper with exhaust trumpets peeking out from underneath, but it looks so cool, who can blame a guy for making the change?

If you're going to have a car that's spending a lot of time in the sun, a white interior is a must. Bright seat covers adorn the front and rear benches, along with matching door panels that are probably original-issue. However, to prevent it from being too bright inside with the top up, there are black carpets on the floor and a black dash with woodgrained inserts. The gauges should look familiar to anyone who's driven a car from the Rocket division in the '60s and '70s, and the brushed stainless bezels for all the controls are a sharp styling touch. You could also get a whole host of luxury options in your Olds, including factory A/C and an AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track player underneath, a cool factory upgrade that's going to get a lot of attention. The white power convertible top was just replaced in August 2014 and folds neatly into the well where it's covered by a matching white boot. The trunk is correctly finished with spatter paint, a reproduction mate, and a full-sized spare Rallye wheel with brand new tire.

Despite displacing the same 350 cubic inches, the Oldsmobile small block V8 shares virtually nothing with its corporate cousins. Many believe the Oldsmobile V8 is the best of the bunch, offering increased nickel in the block and a robust bottom end that was built to haul luxury cars and stations wagons along the interstate for tens of thousands of miles. Detailed with a gold air cleaner and valve covers, it looks quite authentic and shows few modifications or signs of abuse. Power steering and brakes were, of course, standard equipment, and a TH350 3-speed automatic feeds a set of highway-oriented gears to make this car a relaxed cruiser out on the open road. The suspension is a great compromise between agile handling and a comfortable ride, and with those slick Rallye II wheels and 225/70/14 BFGoodrich radials, it certainly looks racy.

This '72 Olds offers a lot of fun in the sun, great V8 performance, and a look that will get attention everywhere it goes, all for the fraction of the price of a comparable Chevelle. What's not to love? Call today!