V Code Registry Home

The 1972 Cutlass/442 "V Code" Registry

** updated 3/23/2013 **

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Ah, memories... During 2002-2003, I had *two* V codes in my garage (note the plates). The white 442 convertible was sold in late 2004 (dumb move), but the dark blue Supreme hardtop is back in the garage as of May 2006 after having two interim owners.

The "V Code" Registry attempts to track the few Cutlass Supreme notchbacks built in 1972 with the L75 455 and M20 4 speed transmission. I've always been a fan of the '72 Supreme styling and figured that there had to be some "ultimate" ones built with a 455 4 speed drivetrain. These are very special cars, as no 455 manual transmission Supremes were built in 1970 or 1971, just TH400 automatic cars. (see www.sx455.com) In 1972, you could finally get a big block stick in this body style, but only 77 were built.

I placed a Cars Wanted ad on 442.com in early 2001. I heard from one owner who was interested in selling (I eventually bought his car 3 years later), and Greg Mross provided a copy of a 1980 letter with official Oldsmobile production numbers for 1972 cars built with the 270 net h.p. L75/M20 (which is designated by a V in the VIN, hence the "V Code" nickname). This letter was from the late, legendary Helen Earley (who was in Oldsmobile Public Relations at the time), and was drafted before much of this detailed production information was lost due to a fire in the 1980s (link to this letter below).

In any case, these cars fascinate me and I have attempted to document as many as possible with the help of the other V Code owners out there. The registry quickly expanded to include the convertibles (66 built) and fastbacks (maybe as many as 751 built) as well. If you have one of these cars or know someone who does, please contact me at vette442@hotmail.com.

1980 letter from Helen Early with V Code Supreme Production Numbers

V Code Specifications - by Greg Mross

Correct Muncie 4 speed Shifters & Diagrams / Where to find your 350/455 engine and trans VIN stamps

V Code Air Cleaner and Air Deflector Reinforcement Info and Pics

Getting benefit from this site? Any small contribution towards the ~$150 a year that it costs me to host it would be greatly appreciated! You can Paypal me at my vette442@hotmail.com ID. Thanks much!

Cutlass Supreme Hardtops (77 built)

Terry Divelbliss' Cutlass Supreme hardtop

Dan Guild's Cutlass Supreme Hardtop **updated March 2013**

Brian McCall's Cutlass Supreme hardtop

Steve Minore's Cutlass Supreme hardtop

Greg Mross' Cutlass Supreme hardtop

Hal Pike's Cutlass Supreme hardtop

Black Cutlass Supreme hardtop - *8200 original miles* - Unknown Owner near Buffalo, NY

Cutlass Supreme Convertibles - including W29 442s (66 built)

Steve Aumann's Cutlass Supreme convertible

Jim Ballinger's Cutlass Supreme Convertible

Joel Booher's 442 convertible