Oldsmobile Cutlass, Black, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $29,995.

To get your horsepower fix in 1972, there weren't a lot of options left, but the Oldsmobile W30 was still a player. This lovely W30 tribute was built from a rust-free Arizona car using a ton of authentic date-coded W30 components, and the amazing triple black color scheme gives it an intimidating look, kind of like a heavyweight boxer in a tuxedo.

The paint is less than two years old, and in that time it has seen barely more than shakedown miles, so the finish is deep and rich with no road rash or polishing swirls. The Olds version of the GM A-body is perhaps the most attractive of the bunch, ideally blending performance and luxury in a perfectly proportioned package. Those quarter panels are original GM steel, and no patches to the body were required, although new floors were installed during the frame-off restoration just to ensure everything was in top condition. Considerable time was invested in wet sanding and buffing the final finish to give it that mirror-like shine that we all expect from black paint, and the gold pinstripes emphasize the beautiful Cutlass curves.

Fresh black upholstery covers most of the interior, including seat covers, door panels, and carpets, all of which were replaced during the restoration. Oldsmobile provided more features on their cars that were optional on lesser vehicles, including a center console, power steering and brakes, and A/C, all of which you'll find on this W30 ragtop. Look closely at the console and you'll find a Hurst dual-gate shifter, which gets the driver more involved than a standard GM horseshoe setup. On the other hand, the factory gauge package doesn't give you much to look at, but everything works properly and the gauge faces show crisp markings and shiny stainless steel bezels. The original AM radio remains in the dash, but includes an FM upgrade as well as a CD changer in the trunk, plus hidden speakers in the kick panels to retain a stock look. A fresh black convertible top offers power assist and disappears with a touch of the button, while the trunk is finished as original with a correct mat and tire cover.

The engine is a legitimate 1972 W30 455 cubic inch V8, albeit augmented with a full roller cam and lifters. Finished in W30 metallic blue, just as they were during production in 1970, 1971, and 1972, it looks almost show-worthy under the hood, and runs well with a familiar Olds burble from the tailpipes. The transmission is a TH400 3-speed automatic driving a bulletproof 12-bolt rear, one of the few differentials able to withstand the 455's prodigious torque. Correct Super Stock III wheels, perhaps the best-looking muscle car wheel ever invented, are painted to match the body and wear fat 235/60/14 Firestone radials.

With an original Protect-O-Plate, owner's manual, and receipts for some of the restoration work, this is a solid, no-stories car that you can drive with confidence and show with pride.