1972 · Oldsmobile · United States
1972 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds: An Option, Not a Series
The 4-4-2 became a Cutlass option again, engines were rated in SAE net (W-30: 300 hp), and a Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
This record's own dek states that the 4-4-2 became a Cutlass option again, that engines were rated in SAE net with the W-30 at 300 hp, and that a Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500. This record's own overview states that the 4-4-2 was no longer a separate series but a Cutlass trim option, W-29, combinable with any V-8 from the 350 two-barrel to the W-30 455, and that the Hurst/Olds returned on the Cutlass Supreme hardtop and convertible, converted by Hurst, all finished in Cameo White with gold stripes.1,1
This record's own key facts state that the 4-4-2 option totaled 9,845 cars, 8,674 Cutlass S hardtops and 1,171 Cutlass Supreme convertibles, with 659 hardtops and 113 convertibles carrying the W-30 package. They state that the Hurst/Olds totaled 759 cars, 629 hardtops and 130 convertibles, with 220 of the hardtops built with a sunroof, and that Cars magazine's November 1972 test of a W-30 4-4-2 with the M41 Turbo Hydra-Matic and a 3.42 axle ran the quarter mile in 14.37 seconds at 98 mph.1,2
This record's own production rows carry several documented irregularities in the source compilation: the combined 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds total's own table heading is misprinted '1971' although its rows are the 1972 figures, the 4-4-2 hardtop row prints body number 3677, a sports coupe designation, even though its own caption calls the cars hardtops, and the compiler's second table repeats the 1971 4-4-2 W-30 values in a Hurst/Olds W-30 column that this record does not use. This record's own production rows also place the 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds cars within a 294,690-car total for all Oldsmobile mid-size production, noting that whether Hurst/Olds cars are included in that total is not stated by the compiler.1
This record's own engines section documents the W-30 455 at 300 hp at 4,700 rpm and 410 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm SAE net, with an unreconciled compression conflict between 8.5:1 as given by Cars magazine and the factory AMA specifications and 10.50:1 as given by the Over-Drive compilation's engine tab. It documents the L75 455 four-barrel at 270 hp and 370 lb-ft, the factory AMA sheet separately giving a lower 250 hp and 370 lb-ft rating for sedan applications, and the L34 350 four-barrel at 180 hp with a single exhaust or 200 hp with the dual-exhaust N10 option. This record's own production notes state that Hurst/Olds cars ordered with the W-30 package received the L75 engine, though no count is given for how many were so equipped.2,3
This record's own performance section documents the Cars-tested W-30 4-4-2 hardtop running 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.37 seconds at 98 mph at Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, and a Motor Trend-tested Hurst/Olds, at 4,060 lb with a three-speed automatic, running 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds at 94 mph on its best run. This record's own prices section documents factory prices of $4,251 for the Hurst/Olds hardtop and $4,421 for the convertible, alongside the Cars test car's $3,087 list price and $5,255 as-tested price.2,4
This record's own identification section states that every 1972 Hurst/Olds carried a W-45 code on its cowl tag, and that the W-30 (L77) power team was fitted to four specific body codes, not available in California. This record's own specifications section documents a 112-inch wheelbase, a 203.6-inch overall length, a 159-lb W-30 differential weight, and a 3,885-lb weight for the Cars test car. This record's own unpublished leads note a single secondary source's claim that 279 of the Hurst/Olds hardtops were made available for Indianapolis 500 use and later sold, with six station wagons built for press and ambulance use, a claim this record flags rather than adopts.3
Fact sheet · 1972 · United States
The numbers
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds — The 4-4-2 became a Cutlass option again, engines were rated in SAE net (W-30: 300 hp), and a Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
- 4-4-2 option: 8,674 Cutlass S hardtops and 1,171 Cutlass Supreme convertibles, 9,845 in the table.1
- W-30 on 4-4-2: 659 hardtops and 113 convertibles.1
- Hurst/Olds: 629 hardtops and 130 convertibles, 759 in the table.1
- Cars (November 1972) ran a W-30 4-4-2 with the M41 Turbo Hydra-Matic and a 3.42 axle through the quarter mile in 14.37 s at 98 mph.2
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-4-2 option and Hurst/Olds combined1 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds · not stated by source The table heading is misprinted '1971'; its rows are the 1972 figures. | 10,604 | built, model-year | Reported |
| All Oldsmobile mid-size (F-85, Cutlass, Cutlass S, Cutlass Supreme)1 all series · not stated by source The compiler says 4-4-2 cars are counted in Cutlass S and Cutlass Supreme convertible production; whether Hurst/Olds cars are included is not stated. | 294,690 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-4-2 option, Cutlass S hardtop coupe1 4-4-2 (W-29 option) · 2-door hardtop coupe · not stated by source Counted within Cutlass S production per the compiler. The table prints body 3677 (sports coupe) although the caption calls these hardtops. | 8,674 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 4-4-2 option, Cutlass Supreme convertible1 4-4-2 (W-29 option) · 2-door convertible · not stated by source Counted within Cutlass Supreme convertible production (11,571) per the compiler. | 1,171 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-4-2 W-30 hardtop1,5 4-4-2 W-30 · 2-door hardtop coupe · 455 W-30 · not stated by source | 659 | built, model-year | Reported |
| 4-4-2 W-30 convertible1,5 4-4-2 W-30 · 2-door convertible · 455 W-30 · not stated by source | 113 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Hurst/Olds hardtop1 Hurst/Olds · 2-door hardtop coupe (Cutlass Supreme) · 455 · automatic · not stated by source Article: 220 of the hardtops had a sunroof. | 629 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Hurst/Olds convertible1 Hurst/Olds · 2-door convertible (Cutlass Supreme) · 455 · automatic · not stated by source | 130 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Hurst/Olds hardtop with sunroof1 Hurst/Olds · 2-door hardtop coupe · not stated by source | 220 | built, model-year | Reported |
In the compiler's second table the Hurst/Olds W-30 column (810 / 110) repeats the 1971 4-4-2 W-30 values and is not used.
The article says Hurst/Olds cars ordered with W-30 received the L75 engine; no count is given.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Hurst/Olds hardtop1 | $4,251 | factory price as given by secondary compilation, 1972 |
| Hurst/Olds convertible1 | $4,421 | factory price as given by secondary compilation, 1972 |
| Cars W-30 4-4-2 test car, list2 | $3,087 | list price as reported by Cars, 1972-11 |
| Cars W-30 4-4-2 test car, as tested2 | $5,255 | price as tested, 1972-11 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-30 · 455 V-8 W-30, forced air2,4,1,3 455 cu in · Rochester Quadrajet, forced air | 300 hp @ 4,700, 410 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE net) | optional with 4-4-2 | Not yet sourced |
| L75 · 455 V-8 4-barrel4,1,3 455 cu in · one 4-barrel | 270 hp @ 4,400, 370 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE net) | optional; Hurst/Olds | Not yet sourced |
| L34 · 350 V-8 4-barrel1,3 350 cu in · one 4-barrel | 180 hp @ 4,000, 275 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE net (single exhaust; 200 hp with dual exhaust)) | optional | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| M41 · Heavy-duty Turbo Hydra-Matic with Hurst Dual-Gate shifter2 | with W-30 (Cars test car) | Not yet sourced |
| Close-ratio 4-speed manual1 | optional with 455 | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
W-30package |
455 W-30 V-81 | $648 | Not yet sourced |
L75RPO |
455 4-barrel V-8 (270 hp)1 | $188 | Not yet sourced |
W-29RPO |
4-4-2 appearance and handling package1 | — | 9,8451 Reported |
W-45package |
Hurst/Olds (cowl-tag code)1 | — | 7591 Reported |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
11 |
Cameo White (all Hurst/Olds)1 | Not yet sourced |
14 |
Silver Pewter1 | Not yet sourced |
18 |
Antique Pewter1 | Not yet sourced |
19 |
Ebony Black1 | Not yet sourced |
24 |
Nordic Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
26 |
Viking Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
28 |
Royal Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
36 |
Radiant Green1 | Not yet sourced |
43 |
Pinehurst Green1 | Not yet sourced |
48 |
Sequoia Green1 | Not yet sourced |
50 |
Covert Beige1 | Not yet sourced |
53 |
Saturn Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
54 |
Sovereign Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
56 |
Sunfire Yellow1 | Not yet sourced |
57 |
Baroque Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
62 |
Saddle Tan1 | Not yet sourced |
63 |
Saddle Bronze1 | Not yet sourced |
65 |
Flame Orange1 | Not yet sourced |
69 |
Nutmeg1 | Not yet sourced |
75 |
Matador Red1 | Not yet sourced |
81 |
Bamboo1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase2 | 112 in | two-door bodies |
| Overall length2 | 203.6 in | two-door bodies |
| Weight, W-30 4-4-2 test car2 | 3,885 lb | Cars test car |
| Curb weight (base series, not 4-4-2-equipped)3 | 3,491 lb | Cutlass S sports coupe G77 (front 1952, rear 1539) |
| Curb weight (base series, not 4-4-2-equipped)3 | 3,508 lb | Cutlass S hardtop coupe G87 (front 1968, rear 1540) |
| Curb weight (base series, not 4-4-2-equipped)3 | 3,499 lb | Cutlass Supreme hardtop coupe J57 (front 1964, rear 1535) |
| Curb weight (base series, not 4-4-2-equipped)3 | 3,632 lb | Cutlass Supreme convertible J67 (front 2005, rear 1627) |
| Curb weight (base series, not 4-4-2-equipped)3 | 3,483 lb | Cutlass hardtop coupe F87 (front 1946, rear 1537) |
| W30 differential weight3 | 159 lb | F-85, Cutlass, Cutlass Supreme optional equipment |
| Axle ratios with W30 (L77)3 | 3.42 std, 3.73 (4-speed manual and Turbo Hydra-matic 400) :1 | bodies 33287, 33677, 33687, 34267 |
| Axle ratios with L75 4553 | 4-speed: 3.23; Turbo Hydra-matic 400: 2.73 std, 3.08, 3.23 :1 | Cutlass/Cutlass S/Supreme coupes and convertible |
Period road tests
| Test | Car tested | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, 1972-1120-60 mph | 4-4-2 W-30 hardtop, 455 W-30 (300 net hp), M41 Turbo Hydra-Matic with Hurst Dual-Gate, 3.42 limited slip, G70-14 | 7.1 s |
| Cars, 1972-112standing quarter mile | 4-4-2 W-30, M41 Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.42 axle98 mph, Raceway Park, Englishtown NJ | 14.37 s |
| Motor Trend, 1972-0540-60 mph | Hurst/Olds, 455 (standard 270 net hp or optional W-30; version of the test car not legible in the extracted text), 3-speed automatic, 4,060 lbbest run | 6.8 s |
| Motor Trend, 1972-054standing quarter mile | Hurst/Olds, 455 (standard 270 net hp or optional W-30; version of the test car not legible in the extracted text), 3-speed automatic, 4,060 lb94 mph; best run | 15.2 s |
A road test result belongs to the one car that was tested, with its engine, gearing, tires, and conditions. It is not a figure for every car of the year.
Identification
- Hurst/Olds cowl tag
- All 1972 Hurst/Olds cars carried a W-45 code on the cowl tag, per the compiler.1
- 1972 body codes carrying the W30 (L77) power team
- 33287 Cutlass hardtop coupe (F87), 33677 Cutlass S sports coupe (G77), 33687 Cutlass S hardtop coupe (G87), 34267 Cutlass Supreme convertible (J67); the 1972 designations in parentheses are shown for identification. W30 not available in California.3
Identification
Read a 1972 Oldsmobile VIN
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Same model year
Also in 1972
- AMC AMX The first year of SAE net ratings and Chrysler-built TorqueFlite automatics. Javelin AMX production rose to 3,220, and the 304 V8 became available.
- AMC Gremlin X and Spirit AMX The first V8 Gremlin: the 304 (150 hp SAE net) in AMC's subcompact. Gremlin X production is not published in any source found.
- AMC Javelin The base model was dropped, so every non-AMX Javelin was an SST. This was the first year of the Pierre Cardin interior and of Chrysler-built automatics.
- Buick Riviera Net ratings only for 1972: 250 hp standard, 260 GS per ROA; 2,171 of 33,728 were GS.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX The last A-body GS year before the Colonnade Century; the GSX package, now in many colours, was invoiced on only 44 cars, most of them outside the lower 48 states.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The last Z15 Chevelle SS of the first generation: net-rated engines, an LS5 454 at 270 net hp, and 5,333 SS 454s.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova The source engine table switches to net ratings; SS and Rally Nova offered. Enthusiast-compiled production: 349,733 cars; Super Sport 12,309.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS Last year of the Chevelle-bodied El Camino SS; 50,359 V8 Malibu El Caminos were built, and the SS share is not separately published.
- Dodge Challenger Hardtop only, with a new grille: the R/T gave way to the Challenger Rallye package, and the most powerful engine listed was the 340 four-barrel.
- Dodge Charger The R/T and Super Bee were dropped; the new Rallye package became the performance Charger, and the 440 Six Pack was cancelled after a handful of cars.
- Dodge Dart GTS, Swinger and Demon The Demon's second and final year under that name: 8,773 Demon 340s, with small Canadian and Swiss-market 340 runs counted separately.
- Ford Maverick Grabber The dual-scoop-hood Grabber in its second year as a model; Classic Industries counts 35,347.
- Ford Ranchero GT The Ranchero GT continued on the 1972-76 Ranchero; 12,620 GTs were built, per reference-site counts in the Standard Catalog lineage.
- Ford Thunderbird First year of the sixth-generation Thunderbird; only the whole-line production total was found.
- Ford Torino The new body-on-frame Torino sold 496,645 in 1972; the performance models were the Gran Torino Sport SportsRoof (60,794) and hardtop (31,239), with the 351 Cobra Jet and a Rallye Equipment Group on the option list.
- Mercury Cougar Net ratings arrived, the 429 was gone, and the 351 Cobra Jet became the performance Cougar engine, fitted to 3,560 cars.
- Mercury Montego GT The first year of the fastback-only Montego GT on the new split-wheelbase intermediate, with the Cyclone name reduced to a performance option that only a few dozen buyers took.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda Hardtops only, single headlamps, four round taillamps, and a 340 four-barrel as the top engine: the 'Cuda carried it as standard.
- Plymouth Duster 340 and 360 In the first net-rating year the Duster 340's 8.5:1 340 was rated 240 net hp with electronic ignition, the Twister became order code A51, and output rose to 15,681 in both compilations.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite For 1972 the GTX existed only as the 440 four-barrel option on the Road Runner hardtop; Mueller's Muscle Car Source Book counts 672 of them.
- Plymouth Road Runner The hardtop-only Road Runner took a 400 four-barrel as its advertised standard engine, and production fell again.
- Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am A strike-shortened year: 29,951 Firebirds and 1,286 Trans Ams, every one a 455 HO.
- Pontiac GTO The GTO goes back to being an option on the LeMans, with net ratings only; 5,807 were built.
- Pontiac Grand Prix A carryover year with the SJ still offered; production recovered to 91,961.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The GTO becomes a LeMans option, and the LeMans gets WW4 and WW5 performance packages.