Oldsmobile’s ultimate muscle car, the 442, began as a “4-4-2” performance package for the 1964 Cutlass and F-85 models, its name referencing a four-barrel carburetor, a four-speed manual transmission, and dual exhausts. The package was popular enough that Oldsmobile made the 442 a standalone model in 1968. Built on the two-door Cutlass chassis in coupe and convertible body styles, it came equipped with a 400-cubic-inch V-8, special shock absorbers, heavy-duty springs, a stabilizer bar, unique wheels and tires, hood louvers, a paint stripe, and special emblems.

In 1970, the model received a version of General Motors' mighty 455-cubic-inch V-8. The following year would be the 442’s last as a standalone model, with the muscle car era solidly in decline. For 1972, the 442 reverted to a special handling and trim package—option code W-29—for the Cutlass S, with a standard 350-cubic-inch Rocket V-8.

This authentic 1972 Oldsmobile is one of only 1,171 Cutlass Supreme 442 Convertibles produced for the model year, as confirmed by the correct W-29 option code present on its accompanying factory build sheet. The 442 package included FE2 suspension with heavy-duty front and rear stabilizer bars, 14-inch wheels, a unique grille, louvered hood, exterior paint stripes, and 442 emblems. This particular car left GM’s Lansing, Michigan, facility finished as it is today in Sunfire Yellow with a White soft-top and interior. Other factory equipment included air conditioning, bucket seats with center console, rear auxiliary speaker, the interior lighting Convenience Group, sport steering wheel with tilt column, AM radio, front and rear seat belts, front disc brakes, and power steering, brakes, and top. Its 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine sends power through a three-speed automatic transmission.

Sutton Oldsmobile of Sacramento, California, sold the car to its first owner, Teresa A. Powell, also of Sacramento, on 31 March 1972. Registration documents indicate she owned the car in California for more than 30 years, finally parting with the yellow convertible in the early 2000s. The Oldsmobile received a cosmetic restoration to factory specifications sometime in the mid-to-late 2000s, as indicated by photos of the work on file. Notably, the numbers-matching 350-cubic-inch engine is still present, confirmed by its serial number 184528, which corresponds to the chassis number.

A 2007 Antique Automobile Club of America Senior National First Prize winner replete with its original build sheet confirming it as an authentic W-29-option-code 442 Convertible, this Sunfire Yellow Oldsmobile will hold great appeal to enthusiasts seeking a solid example from the waning years of the muscle car era. Having been well-kept within The Michael Leith Collection since 2023, it is now offered with the previously mentioned restoration photos and build sheet, original Protect-O-Plate warranty card, original sales documents, including an Oldsmobile factory letter to the first owner, as well as registration documents confirming her long-term ownership.