Drop the top and hammer down in this rare tribute car.
By the time 1972 came around, the muscle car market was amid a double whammy smack down in the form of skyrocketing gas prices and soaring insurance rates. It was an epidemic that was targeting the muscle car nation, but letting it win was not an option. Premier Auction Group is excited to auction off a potent car from that era, an attractive 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 Convertible Tribute. It crosses the auction block on Friday, December 6th in Punta Gorda, Florida. Register to bid here.
The 4-4-2 (pronounced four-four-two) name did not stand for engine displacement but stood for the original car’s four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhaust pipes. Although the name suggests manual transmission, automatic cars were also labeled as 442s. Some people may argue that the ‘2’ at the end meant that it was equipped with a positive traction rear differential.
Stuffed under the massive hood of this Olds 442 tribute car is a 455cui V8 mated to an automatic transmission. From the factory, these big block engines produced 300-horsepower and 410 lb/ft of torque. The cars given the W30 package could expect a lightweight aluminum intake manifold, the fiberglass W25 ram-air hood, anti-spin differential stuffed with 3.42 gears, and a capable cooling system. The addition of power steering allows for easy drivability, and power disc brakes bring everything to a halt. An FE2 suspension upgrade package consisted of heavy-duty springs and shocks, front and rear sway bars, and boxed lower rear control arms.
Slathered in a bright orange exterior paint scheme with contrasting black striping, this brute beauty is sure to grab attention anywhere. Adding even more contrast to the overall aesthetic is a crisp white power convertible top that flows into a bright white interior. Only 113 W30 convertibles were produced (and 659 W30 coupes) which makes a muscle car recreation extremely rare and highly desirable.
