However, we can offer some context:
* Total Cutlass Production (1972): The 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass line (including Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass S, etc.) was extremely popular, with production likely in the hundreds of thousands. Exact figures are hard to pin down without extensive archival research through Oldsmobile/GM records (which may not be publicly accessible in this level of detail).
* 455 Engine Prevalence: The 455 was a powerful, desirable option, but it wasn't the *most* common engine in the Cutlass line. Smaller, more fuel-efficient engines were more popular due to the changing economic and social climate of the early 1970s. Therefore, the number of Cutlasses with the 455 would be a significant fraction of the total production, but still a minority.
To get a more precise answer, you'd likely need to consult specialist resources like:
* Oldsmobile enthusiast clubs and forums: These communities often have members with deep knowledge of production numbers and options.
* Automotive historical societies: These organizations may possess archived documentation that includes production figures.
* Oldsmobile parts catalogs and dealer brochures from 1972: While they wouldn't provide total numbers, they might offer clues about engine option popularity.
In short, while we can't provide the exact numbers, we know the total 1972 Cutlass production was very high, and the 455-equipped cars represented a substantial, but smaller, portion of that total.
