The Hurst/Olds was the result of a partnership between Oldsmobile and Hurst Performance. This relationship spawned more than 16,500 low-production performance cars across nine model years. The first of the hot machines was introduced in 1968 and the end came after 1984. This 1975 edition is one of only two colors offered and has the largest of two engines offered in 1975, the W30 455 cubic inch V8. This non-running project hails from Brookville, Pennsylvania, and is available here on craigslist for $14,900. Thanks for the rare tip, Mitchell G.!
There apparently was no rhyme or reason as to when the Hurst/Olds would be built: 1968, 1969, 1982, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1983, and 1984. The lowest production year was the first at 515 copies, while 1984 saw the most at 3,500 units. The 1975 edition was built on the Cutlass Supreme coupe and had T-Top roofing for the first time. You could buy one in any color you wanted as long as it was white or black with a half-vinyl top using an aluminum band and gold stripes here and there. Besides badging, the most notable Hurst contribution was the “Dual Gate” shifter for the automatic transmission.
Olds built 2,535 of the cars in 1975 which were split roughly evenly between white and black paint. And a similar mix of W25 and W30 engines was installed. So, the seller’s estimate of roughly 600 black cars with 455 power sounds about right. We’re told this car is a barn find which at a minimum means it’s been off the road for a while. The odometer reading is at least 64,000 miles (the gauge is broken). The paint is said to be mostly original (which parts aren’t and why? Earlier accident?). The floors are reported to be in good shape, so it may be a question of whether any is lurking in the sheet metal.
The motor turns freely, so perhaps getting this car to run again will involve flushing out the fuel system from A to Z and treating the 455 to a tune-up. Of concern is the vinyl top and how it’s separated around the big band. Given the low number of these cars out there to begin with, this seems to be a viable restoration project which could start with what might be a solid original interior (for the most part).
Big, cool, boats from the good Dr. Olds.
455ci and neat Hurst shifter for the Turbo 400 Hydramatic autobox.
Too tall 2.56 gear ⚙️ could be upgraded to help hustle along the lo-po big block.
I hope some moron doesn’t put an LS motor in it…..or an EV conversion 🤮
Screw the plebian LS or EV swap! A nice little 4 cylinder engine from an early 2000s honda would be a great swap! at least it would make over 190hp. LOL
In 1975, the 455 Olds had 310 horsepower and over 500 ft pounds of torque. It was one of the hottest production engines of the year.
Jim G, are you serious? The 1975 455 put out a whopping 190 net horsepower and 350 lb/ft of torque, lol! They wouldn’t turn the tires (tire?) over on an oil slick.
JimG …another member of the “wildly misinformed” club.
Jim. G – I think he’s talking about gross numbers vs net but still a bit much.
Amen !
I wish they had made some with a 4spd. Stick. I had a 76 cutlass s 2dr. With the 260 v8 and 5 spd. I was gonna put an olds 350 or 455 with a 4spd. And better gears in the rear, then clone to a 442 or hurst, but I was also building a 70 impala conv. With a 454, 4spd. With ss badging, buckets, console from a 69 impala. It was a fun one of none.
I also had a 76 Cutlass Supreme with a 260 V8 and a 5-speed. Those were very rare cars! Mine was silver with maroon velour buckets. It had no console just the big shifter box.
Swivel buckets great for fishing and a 6 pack next to a river and looks solid.For 15k get it running and driving safe. I think half the price imo as a non runner who knows what it needs car. ….and it probably needs a lot.
That 455 had real potential so no reason to think LS ! Power Nation had Dr Olds on to work his magic and the motor put down if I remember 500 hp so not a joke ! I had a 1975 cutlass supreme 350 motor florida car i put headers on it of course really a sweet ride swivel buckets it’s the car that got me thinking about finding a ralleye 350 engine in a junkyard lol! I was 18 boy if that backseat could talk lol!
If there is no rust under that vinyl top, this looks like a really decent car and is worthy of a restoration if you have deep pockets, or, drive it as it is and baby it.
To beef up this Olds 455 Engine, remove the J heads use C-D-E-F=G-H or Ha Heads, J-Heads are Pollution Heads and nothing can be done with them. Use C-D-E-G- H or F Heads 1968–72, , and Factory Intake Manifold, Put in 1968 – 1970 Pistons, they are High Compression. “F” Heads are 1970 W-30 and empty heads will run around 2k, very sought after. All Oldsmobile Engines were Unrated in HP, This way you still have a numbers matching Hurst/Olds.
What do you think of the K and Ka heads?
Not sure it “ low prediction performance car” more like slightly rare, non-performance cars “
Look at the underhood shot. That tells the whole story. You better be a good welder.