At a time when many automakers were phasing out muscle car production, it was a breath of fresh air that the Oldsmobile-Hurst partnership continued as the all-new fourth-generation Cutlass was introduced in 1973. The new H/O Colonnade was based on the Cutlass S, with buyers having a color choice of either a white base with gold accents or black and gold, with this 1973 Hurst/Olds here on eBay wearing the latter combo. This one is in Spring Lake, Michigan, and seems like a pretty solid and mostly original example overall. The high bid is currently $7,020, but that’s understandably still short of the reserve.
The seller tells us this sporty Olds is an estate find and that a classic-car restoration business determined it retains most of its original sheet metal and paint. For the most part, this one still looks quite good on the outside and could likely be driven and enjoyed as-is unless you’re a stickler for perfection. A few trouble spots are mentioned, including some rust on the lower areas, such as the bottom of the fenders and quarters. Unfortunately, the vinyl top has caused the most sheet-metal damage, with corrosion around the rear window and the nearby trim.
In 1973, a 455 was still powering the Hurst/Olds, with two different horsepower ratings. The “U” in the VIN here indicates that this one is the base configuration, which received a HP rating of 250, with that number switching from gross to net the previous year. The seller says it still runs strong, though there’s no confirmation that the 48,250 miles shown are actual. The automatic transmission reportedly shifts smoothly, so perhaps no major mechanical work will be needed for a while. However, the car has been sitting, and the tires have developed flat spots, so a new set of radials will be needed sooner rather than later.
Things are looking really strong inside, with the dash and seats still holding up well after all these years. These cars came with those cool swivel front buckets, and this one’s also got a tilt wheel, so entry and exit should be a breeze. Just a set of nice floor mats might be all that’s needed for the interior, unless you choose to repair the non-operating fuel gauge. There seem to be plenty of positives here, and this Oldsmobile undoubtedly ticks a lot of desirable boxes. What are your thoughts on this 1973 Hurst/Olds?
Good looking car. Too bad about the rust around the vinyl top. One of my favorite features of the new-for-’73 Colonnade vehicles from GM were the set-in or “frenched-in” taillights. I believe it was on the Monte Carlo and the Cutlass, maybe the Buick. The next year this was gone.
It looks like it’s been stored and sweated some with the trunk mat showing the start of rust. It’s a nice looking car and would be a sweet ride to cars and coffee. These cars were big but beautiful and the Hurst package is really cool.
Good luck with sale.
GM did a great job styling these “Colonnades”, especially the Olds, Buick and Pontiac. EPA and 5 mph bumpers be damned! Too bad this one has the tin worm, otherwise it’s gorgeous. Olds couldn’t sell enough of these. Sadly, faulty GM strategies doomed Olds to fall into the dust bin of history.
PS GM quit building true hardtops that year, partly due to safety reasons, so they replaced them with what they called the Colonnade. It was even in sales brochures. And no, the four door sedans are NOT Colonnades.