what's the difference between a cutlass supreme and a 442?

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This is a great question, and it reveals something interesting about the car you're looking at!

**The Cutlass Supreme** was Oldsmobile's premium trim level—essentially the luxury offering at the top of the Cutlass range. It featured nicer interior materials, more standard equipment, and a more upscale feel than base Cutlass models.

**The 442** (originally named for 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed transmission, and dual exhaust) started out in 1964 as a *performance option package* you could add to Cutlass models. It became its own separate model from 1968–1971, but then for **1972, it reverted back to being an option package** again.

Here's the key for 1972 specifically: The **W29 option code** was the official 442 appearance and handling package. If you wanted a **convertible** with 442 styling that year, the Cutlass Supreme was actually your *only* choice—the W29 package could be ordered on Supreme convertibles (and Cutlass S coupes).

So the car you're looking at is essentially a **Cutlass Supreme with the 442 appearance package** (W29), evidenced by the build sheet mentioned in the listing. However, it's worth noting this particular car has a non-original 455 engine—the original was likely a 350. This makes it more of a "tribute" or "clone" 442 rather than a numbers-matching original.

You can see the distinction in the market: there's another 1972 Cutlass Supreme 442 convertible [listed at Streetside Classics for $66k](https://classic.com/veh/1972-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-442-3j67m2m234408-4aymQg4/) with a 4-speed manual, while this one's priced at $27,500—reflecting its modified/tribute status versus a potentially more authentic build.

Would you like me to find more comparable Cutlass convertibles, or do you have questions about the 442 package specifically?

1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

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1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

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