Oh, what four short years can do. In 1970, Oldsmobile had a heavy hitter on their hands in the form of their 370 HP, W30 equipped 442, Cutlass based muscle car. Four years later, it was still being offered but was a far cry from its 1970 incarnation. But that’s the way things were in 1974, insurance premium surcharges, clean air concerns, a fuel shortage, and changing buyer’s tastes all conspired to take the 442 from where it was, to where it ended up, as represented by this 1974 W30 example. Nevertheless, it’s still worth a look; it’s located in Brea, California and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,900.
One of the most obvious changes between this 442 and its 1970 predecessor, is the Colonnade body style, introduced in 1973. It brings out strong feelings as many hate it and refer to it as a “hero to zero” move while others praised the Colennade’s ride, handling, and braking – and yes, styling sometimes too. The biggest issue was just the shock of the stark appearance contrast between the two. The ’68-’72 Cutlass/442 is considered by many, including those who fork over big bucks to acquire one, Oldsmobile’s best A-body design, and perhaps, the best of the entire GM A-body line-up. But wait, there’s more…besides this Oldsmobile’s W30 bearing, it is a Hurst edition model, continuing a trend that was started in 1968. While a total of 1,800 Hurst/Oldsmobiles were assembled in ’74, only 380 bore the W30 identification so this is a pretty rare car.
Unfortunately, this example looks like it has been left out in the rain, or worse. Besides being sight deprived, the finish is shot and marred by surface rust. There is no evidence of rust-through, fortunately, and the trunk pan is still intact – no word regarding the underside and the floors. The trim and badges are still in place and the body panels are hanging straight so this 442 could be a good candidate for refurbishment or a full restoration.
This image is as close to the engine as we are going to get. It’s a 230 net HP, 455 CI V8, attached to a three-speed, Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. The seller states that it doesn’t run and from what can be seen, it looks as if things like the carburetor are missing. The performance statistics, from back in the era, record a zero to 60 run time at 8.3 sec. and a quarter-mile hot-foot registering a leisurely 16.2 seconds. For ’70, the W30 numbers, from the same source, are 5.7 and 14.1 seconds respectively.
The interior looks like it’s done up for a Halloween party with its cobwebs but those are probably real as opposed to originating in a spray can. Admittedly, the image isn’t very comprehensive but it shows a trashed seat, split dash covering, and either greatly deteriorated or missing carpet. A good cleaning would help as a starting point, but it’s going to take more than that to create a presentable environment.
Restored, I found three ’74 Hurst W30’s with prices ranging from $23 to $33K so that gives you a bit of an idea of market value. This example is going to need a lot of work to get close to the condition of those found examples, and at a $7,900 get your foot in the door price, it isn’t going to add up – especially with the unknowns around the engine. But take economics out of the equation entirely and think in terms of bringing an old, and fairly rare muscle car back to life and maybe this project is worth the challenge, what do you think?
When the seller was researching prices he must have been confused and looked up values for an earlier model year.
Steve R
Or one in much better condition.
Very sad. These cars were limited production and this always happens to special cars. Some hillbilly gets his hands on it and puts it out back, “Gonna get to it someday”, like the absolute jack ass in Alabama with two Superbirds rotting to death since 1979. This car would be far to expensive to restore properly. First of all, the aftermarket has completely ignored Colonnade cars, which are far better handling than the 68 to 72 Cutlass. I miss my silver 1976 Cutlass Salon that when new cost $8,000 due to a ton of options, including Hurst Hatches.
Yep, those California hillbillies!
There are plenty of derelicts in California, just like everywhere else. Even here, in Albuquerque.
Just goes to show you us hillbillies have great taste when it comes to cars! Jerkoff
Very sad. Why do idiots treat cars like this? Especially low volume cars like these. This car would cost a ton to restore, because you would have to hunt down NOS parts. The aftermarket has completely ignored the Colonnade cars and by this point, after 44 years, likely always will. Shame. I would far rather have a 73 to 77 Cutlass than any 68 to 72 car, well, maybe except a 70 W30 convertible 4 speed in Viking Blue. This car is worth about $2,500.
Sad to see in this condition. There is no way not to be under water trying to restore this one. But I do predict prime examples of this year Hurst Olds will only rise in value.
I will never understand how so many sellers on FB and Craigslist, even dealers, fail to include engine photos.
I’ve noticed that, too. It seems to be the latest thing, as was showing the right front tire, as your main picture.
I checked the listing this morning and there are some new images that have been uploaded, including one, finally, of the engine.
JO
I don’t understand how anybody could think this car would be worth $7900 in this condition.
1500$ to much work get it running and drive.
Spiders…why does it have to be spiders? I hate spiders!
Good luck….
The rule of ” YOU CAN’T FIX STUPID” applies to the Idiots who do the dumb things we are all commenting on . I like the one about the jack-ass in Alabama with the 2 superbirds .And yes some of these Idiots put a unbelievable sky -high price on even nice cars and total junk cars . Drinking and thinking to the max .
$500 for the car and you’ll still be buried in it by the time it’s restored, even to a mediocre level.
All snark aside, the asking price is probably 2X what it’s worth. The bigger problem is that repro parts for the colonnade cars do not exist. Couple that with GM’s self-destructing plastic used in the interior panels, and you’ll be hard pressed to finish a resto. Everyone restoring a colonnade car (yeah, both of them) is looking for good interior pieces.
I must dis agree on the after market stuff there are some things started to be repoped. Definitely not a catalog car but if you do your home work you can find stuff. I found complete seat recovers for swivel buckets. I was surprised to find them. Worth saving but not at 8 gs. He will see that nobody ( unless they are dieing for this car) won’t pay that much. But wouldn’t doubt . Some one with 4 grand may buy it. Atleast from what I have seen on other websites.
Show me a vendor making the inside sail panels.
Got some idiot near me trying to sell a 74 Hurst Olds W30 455 in about same condition asking $5000, I spoke to him and was totally evasive to my question about the missing ignition switch and no title, told him good luck, makes me sick when I see idiots leave rare limited production cars rot like this, these 73-77 Cutlasses/442s Hursts were some of the nicest looking, handling, of all the GM Intermediates, my first car at 16 was a mint 77 Cutlass Supreme with 442 options, was mom’s car. If the frame is solid and floors, its worth a shot restoring, but 2k for this 74 and nothing more.
People need to stop overpaying for cars that are way over-priced,sure ,once done, it will be a nice car, but that does not justify the asking price for this and many other cars, the cost of materials, labor, parts etc. make many of these cars not viable. this car should go for about a grand at best. IMO.
Yup, $10k in body/paint, $10K in mechanicals and at least $7k in interior and you will have a very nice $18,000 car.