1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1972 Oldsmobile 442 W-30
1. I-6 Engine No Longer Available
2. Hurst/Oldsmobile Returns
3. 442 Now an Option on Cutlass Line
4. Cutlass Supreme Coupe Largest Seller in 1972
5. W-30 442 Still a Potent Performer
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1972 OLDS W30 4-4-2 & W-45 HURST/OLDS & MAX-PERF – Car Guy Chronicles“
1972 – Holding the Line Until 1973
In anticipation of the new body style arriving in 1973, aside from the grille and taillights, the 1972 Mid-Size Oldsmobile was little changed over the 1971 model. The I-6 was dropped as a powerplant and the 350 CID V-8 and 455 CID V-8 continued in several different power options. The regular station wagon was discontinued. The big news was that the W-30 performance option was still available.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Resources
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1972 Oldsmobile Service Manual
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1972 Oldsmobile Service Manual
1972 Oldsmobile Wiring Diagrams PDF Download –
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1972 Oldsmobile Wiring Diagrams
1972 Oldsmobile A Body
Assembly Manual
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1972 Oldsmobile A Body Assembly Manual
Oldsmobile Engine Modification & Tuning Guide
GEN 2 V-8 1964 – 1987
Covers 260-403 Small Block & 400-455 Big Block
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1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1972 Oldsmobile
| 11 Cameo White | |
| 14 Silver Pewter | |
| 18 Antique Pewter | |
| 19 Ebony Black | |
| 24 Nordic Blue | |
| 26 Viking Blue | |
| 28 Royal Blue | |
| 36 Radiant Green | |
| 43 Pinehurst Green | |
| 48 Sequoia Green | |
| 50 Covert Beige | |
| 53 Saturn Gold | |
| 54 Sovereign Gold | |
| 56 Sunfire Yellow | |
| 57 Baroque Gold | |
| 62 Saddle Tan | |
| 63 Saddle Bronze | |
| 65 Flame Orange | |
| 69 Nutmeg | |
| 75 Matador Red | |
| 81 Bamboo |
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1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts
NOTE: Vista Cruiser was considered a special separate model line and is not covered here.
For 1972, there were only minor style changes to the Cutlass, and the 442 reverted to being a Cutlass trim with the W-29 option. It was no longer a distinct model; it was in 1971. Further, the engine choices now were any available V-8 from the 350 CID 2-barrel to the W-30. Distinctively, the primary changes to the 1972 Cutlass were the front grille and the tail lights. The straight six engine was dropped, and all mid-size Oldsmobiles had a complete mix of small and big block V-8s to choose from.
The entry-level F-85 series was reduced first to a 2-door coupe and a four-door sedan but was then discontinued mid-year due to low sales. This ended the use of the F-85 nameplate in mid-sized Oldsmobiles, although it would resurface in 1975 as an entry-level X-Body Omega. Further, the Mid-Size station wagon was dropped, leaving only the Vista Cruiser as an Intermediate wagon offering.
This would be the last year of the true W-30 engine option in the 442, with later years using this nomenclature to either designate the 455 CID V-8 or the most powerful 350 CID available. The Hurst/Olds returned as a factory built performance model – assembled by Hurst, however, it used the Cutlass Supreme notchback hardtop and convertible bodies. Surprisingly, the Hurst was not available with the manual transmission W-30 engine option (L77), though it did receive the 270 HP L75 version, albeit with a 3.42:1 rear axle. A 1972 Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500, and Olds built about 630 replicas in both Coupe and Convertible body styles.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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The Hurst/Olds returned for 1972 on the Cutlass Supreme body style in both Coupe and convertible versions. The cars were supplied by Oldsmobile, then converted by Hurst as before. Since they were only equipped with Automatic transmission, if the W-30 option was ordered, that version received the L-75 version of the V-8.
As the 442 was now a trim option, it could be had with any of the five available V-8s, from the 160 HP 350, through the L-77 300 HP V-8 (when W-30 and 4-speed transmission was ordered).
Initially listed as available as both a 2- and 4-door Sedan , and then never produced as a 2-door, the F-85 was dropped mid-year due to only 3,792 being sold.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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F-85 – The only F-85 offered this year was the four-door Town Sedan. Standard series equipment included: left outside mirror, cigarette lighter, head restraints, aluminized exhaust system, plastic fender inner liners, fiberglass hood insulation, side reflector markers, and four-way flashers. Standard tire size was F78 x 14 inches. Interiors were either vinyl or cloth or a combination.
Models offered were the 4-door Town Sedan and the 2-door Hardtop “Cutlass” Coupe.
The Cutlass Series, once Oldsmobile’s high end intermediate, was now at the bottom of the lineup. Just two body styles, a sedan and coupe, were available this year. All items from the F-85 were standard on the Cutlass plus: front and rear arm rests, rear arm rest ash trays, full carpeting, fiberglass hood insulation, special molding package, and DeLuxe steering wheel. Standard tire size was F78 x 14 inches. Upholstery was available in either vinyl or cloth.
Models Available: 2-door Cutlass Sports Coupe, 2-door Cutlass Hardtop Coupe and 4-door Town Sedan.
Cutlass S – A pair of two-doors were the models that made up the Cutlass S Series in 1972. The 4-4-2 was returned to an option as now the package had been reduced to a handling and appearance item. Standard equipment on this series included all items from the Cutlass group plus, simulated chrome hood louvers, DeLuxe bench seats, and special foam seat cushions. Standard tire size was F78 x 14 inches. Upholstery was done in cloth or vinyl.
Models Available: Cutlass S Sports Coupe and Cutlass S Hardtop Coupe.
Cutlass Supreme – Atop the Olds intermediate group was the Cutlass Supreme. This series offered a coupe, four-door sedan and a convertible. This would be the final year a true Cutlass convertible would be offered. Standard equipment included all items from the Cutlass plus, a larger 4-barrel 350 CID V-8, a special die cast grille, wood grain dash trim, and Strato bucket seats. Standard tire size was F78 x 14 inches. Upholstery could be done in vinyl or cloth.
Models Offered: 4-door Hardtop Sedan — 2-door, Hardtop Coupe, and Convertible – 5 Passenger. Note: The Convertible could be ordered in 442 trim.
Hurst/Olds – While offered separately by Hurst industries, The car was truly a Cutlass Supreme supplied by Oldsmobile and modified in paint, and interior and exterior trim. Standard equipment included all items from the Cutlass Supreme plus the 455 CID V-8 in L75 and L77 (W-30) configuration, the W-25 Air Induction hood, a special grille, wood grain dash trim, and Strato bucket seats. On the exterior were special gold hood and side stripes, “H/O” emblems and a special vinyl roof covering. On the pace car option, door and rear fender “H/O” decals were available. In the interior a Hurst Dual Gate shifter and a “Digital Performance Computer” were fitted. Standard tire size was F70 x 14 inches. Upholstery could be done in vinyl or cloth. An electric sun roof was optional.
Models offered: 2-door Hardtop Coupe, and Convertible.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 160 HP 350 CID V-8
- 175 HP 350 CID V-8
- 160/175 HP 350 CID V-8 California
- 180 HP 350 CID V-8
- 200 HP 350 CID V-8
- 180/200 HP 350 CID V-8 California
- 200 HP 350 CID V-8 SMT
- 250 HP 455 CID V-8
- 270 HP 455 CID V-8
- 300 HP 455 CID V-8 442 W-30
350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 160 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM; with dual exhaust: 175 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 275 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM; with dual exhaust: 295 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7042155 (automatic) 7042156.
350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 175 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 295 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7042155 (automatic) 7042156.
Exhaust: Dual.
NOTE: not available in California.
350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 California Only – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 160 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM; with dual exhaust: 175 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 275 SAE Net @ 2400 RPM; with dual exhaust: 295 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 262°, Exhaust 274°, Overlap 48°, Lift 0.440″ (intake), 0.440” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2GV 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7042155 (automatic) 7042156.
350 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 200 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 295 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester MC 4-barrel 7042250.
NOTE: Not available in California.
350 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 200 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 300 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester MC 4-barrel 7042250.
Exhaust: Dual.
NOTE: Not available in California.
350 CID 4-Barrel V-8 California Only – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 180 SAE Net @ 4000 RPM; with dual exhaust: 200 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 275 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM; with dual exhaust: 300 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 262°, Exhaust 274°, Overlap 48°, Lift 0.440″ (intake), 0.440” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester MC 4-barrel 7042250.
350 CID L34 V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower – SAE Net: 200 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque – SAE Net: 300 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 285°, Exhaust 287°, Overlap 66°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4MC 4-barrel (automatic transmission) #7041251.
Exhaust: Dual.
NOTE: Not available in California.
455 CID L75 V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 250 SAE Net @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 370 SAE Net @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 285°, Exhaust 287°, Overlap 66°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4MC 4-barrel (manual transmission) #7042953 (automatic transmission) #7042251.
NOTE: 3-speed transmission NOT available.
270 HP 455 CID L75 V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower – SAE Net: 270 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque – SAE Net: 370 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 308°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap 88°, Lift 0.474″ (intake), 0.474” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel (manual transmission) #7043251 (automatic transmission) #7042251.
NOTE: 3-speed transmission NOT available.
455 CID L77 V-8 (W30) – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 10.50:1.
Horsepower – SAE Net: 300 @ 4700 RPM.
Torque – SAE Net: 410 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 328°, Exhaust 328°, Overlap 108°, Lift 0.475″ (intake), 0.475” (exhaust).
Induction: Forced Air (OAI)
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel (manual transmission) #7043251 (automatic transmission) #7042251.
NOTE 1: 3-speed transmission NOT available.
NOTE 2: Not Available in California.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Hurst Oldsmobile
The 1972 Hurst/Olds was developed by Hurst Performance, and not Oldsmobile. The 1972 edition of the Hurst/Olds had some of the lowest production numbers of any produced with a total of 629 hardtops were made and 130 convertibles. Of the hardtops, 220 were produced with a sunroof. All 1972 Hurst/Olds’ were identified with a W-45 Code on the cowl tag.
Hurst Performance volunteered to sponsor the 1972 race with a pace car, and it was the only time a pace car was sponsored by a manufacturer other than an automobile manufacturer. For Indy, an additional 6 station wagons were constructed for press and ambulance use, though not considered true Hurst Oldsmobiles, and 279 of the hardtop cars were made available and later sold.
The color of all cars was Cameo White with reflective gold stripes that were stick-on decals, not paint. All cars had the W-25 Ram Air Hood and gold SS III Rally Wheels with a chrome bolt-on center cap and chrome beauty ring. The tires were unique to the car; Goodyear Polysteel Radials.
The base engine was the L75 455 CID V-8 rated at 250 SAE net horsepower. Optional at extra cost was the W-30 option with the L77 455 CID V-8, typical of Oldsmobile, it was a blueprinted engine rated at 300 SAE net HP. Engines were mated to a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 transmission with console-mounted Hurst Dual-Gate shifter. (There were no manual transmission cars). All were fitted with black Strato bucket seat interior with a center console and Dual gate Shifter as well as a “Digital Performance Computer”.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All 2-door: 112 inches; all 4-door : 116 inches.
- Overall length: All 2-door: 203.6 inches; all 4-door: 207.6 inches; Station Wagon 207.6 inches.
- Overall height: All 2-door: 52.9 inches; all 4-door: 53.5 inches; Convertible: 52.9 ; Station Wagon 55.2 inches.
- Overall width: F-85 4-door & 2-door: 76.3 inches; All Cutlass & Cutlass Supreme: 76.8 inches.
- Weight: See 1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets, page 25, found HERE.
- Front track: All: 59.7 inches.
- Rear track: All: 59.0 inches.
- Standard tires: F78 14
- Optional tires: G70 14; G78 x 14.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
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- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
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- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
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- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1.
- 455 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1.
- 455 CID V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.20:1 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
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- Automatic Transmission Ratios
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- 350 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.93:1.
- 400 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
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- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
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- 350 CID 160-170 HP V-8 SMT: 3.23:1.
- 350 CID 160-170 HP AMT: 2.73:1; Optional 3.08:1; 3.23:1.
- 350 CID 180-200 HP V-8 3-Speed SMT: 3.23:1; Optional 2.73:1; 3.08:1.
- 350 CID 180-200 HP V-8 4-Speed SMT: 3.23:1.
- 350 CID 180-200 HP V-8 AMT: 2.73:1; Optional 3.08:1; 3.23:1.
- 455 CID 250-270 HP V-8 4-speed SMT: 3.23:1.
- 455 CID 250-270 HP V-8 AMT: 2.73:1 Optional 3.08:1; 3.23:1.
- 455 CID V-8 300 HP W-30 4-speed SMT: 3.42:1; Optional 3.73:1 Limited slip standard.
- 455 CID V-8 300 HP W-30 AMT: 3.42:1; Optional 3.73:1 Limited slip standard.
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1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 3-speed manual transmission was standard in all mid-size.
- 3-speed Automatic transmission ($221).
- 4-speed manual floor shift transmission ($195).
- Air induction package with W-30 (no charge).
- 350 cubic inch 180-200 horsepower L-34 V-8 engine ($47).
- 455 cubic inch 250 horsepower L-75 V-8 engine in F-85 only ($188).
- 455 cubic inch 270 horsepower L-75 V-8 engine ($188).
- 455 cubic inch 300 horsepower W-30 V-8 engine ($648).
NOTE: 4.10:1, 4.66:1 and 5.00:1 rear axle rations available as dealer installed.
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($407).
- Bumper guards ($16).
- Cornering lamps ($36).
- Cruise control ($64).
- Electric clock ($19).
- Headlamp off delay ($12).
- Outside thermometer ($12).
- Power brakes ($69).
- Power seats ($78).
- Power steering ($115).
- Power trunk lid ($14).
- Radio, AM ($73). Radio, AM/FM ($139).
- Rallye pack instruments ($84).
- Rear window defogger ($63).
- Stereo tape player ($133).
- Super stock wheels ($73).
- Tilt steering wheel ($45).
- Tinted window ($43).
- Wire wheel discs ($115).
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1972 Oldsmobile Full Line Prestige Brochure
1972 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds Brochure
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Print Ads
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars AMA Specifications Sheets
1972 Oldsmobile Super Tuning Guide – All 442, Cutlass and W-Series
1972 442 W-30 Road Test – Hi-Performance Cars Magazine
1972 Hurst/Olds Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1972 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below
1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Convertible
The 1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Convertible was also produced by Hurst using Cutlass Supreme Convertibles supplied by Oldsmobiles. Only 130 found buyers.
1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Coupe
The 1972 Hurst Oldsmobile Coupe was constructed from Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Coupes delivered to Hurst. 629 were delivered.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible
The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible was the only Convertible offered this year, though it was available in 442 trim and as a Hurst/Olds. 11,571 found buyers.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Coupe
The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Coupe was the most popular mid-size Oldsmobile this year with 105,087 delivered.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 4-door Hardtop
The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 4-door Hardtop sold well with 14,955 built.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 2-door Hardtop Coupe
The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 2-door Hardtop Coupe was the sporty Cutlass and was the 2nd most popular mid-size Olds with 78,461 built.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass S 2-door Sports Coupe was the only 2-door sedan in the line, now that the F-85 version was dropped. Only 4,141 found buyers.
1972 Oldsmobile 442 2-door Hardtop Coupe
The 1972 Oldsmobile 442 2-door Hardtop Coupe was not an individual model but a trim option. 8,674 442s were built and counted in Cutlass S production figures. 1,171 Convertibles were delivered as well – also counted in Cutlass Supreme Convertible totals.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 2-door Hardtop Coupe and Cutlass 4-door Town Sedan
The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 2-door Hardtop Coupe and Cutlass 4-door Town Sedan used to be the bread and butter mid-sized Oldsmobiles, but while they sold well at 37,790 and 38,893 respectively, their popularity was waning.
1972 Oldsmobile F-85 4-door Town Sedan
This would be the last year of the mid-size 1972 Oldsmobile F-85 4-door Town Sedan and of the F-85 Nameplate. Only 3,792 were produced.