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 was the 1975 Monte Carlo that had the Frenched’esk! rear taillights.
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. It is missing trim around the rear side (c-pillar? b-pillar?) windows. Olds couldn’t sell enough of these and the 60s and 70s models were the make’s heyday.. Sadly though, future faulty GM strategies doomed Olds to fall into the dust bin of history. The great Olds cars are a distant memory.
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.
Colonnade refers to the pillared roof with frame less door glass. This includes sedans and wagons.
Sorry, but the 4 door Cutlass models are Colonnade’s, the glass is frameless just like the 2 doors. The 4 door would even be a hardtop 4 door, except for the center, “COLUMN” of which the term “Colonnade” was derived from. The wagons are Colonnades also.
I could be wrong, but, This definitely could be the original miles. This was a top shelf offering from Oldsmobile for ’73, especially with the 455. It’s really a shame that rust is starting to form on it, honestly, I think if its really all original, keep it garage kept and enjoy it on nice sunny days and try to keep the rust at bay. Cutlass 2 doors are my favorite of all the Colonnades, the Grand Prix a very close second. Hope it goes to a good new home and gets enjoyed.
What’s with the opera windows? Is that factory or did a previous owner decide to cut them out because they look home made. Good looking car otherwise. These Colonnade GM’s might be collectable one day. I take it back, I took a closer look and there are Hurst Olds decals on those windows so I guess they’re OEM? Still look kind of janky.
I’m pretty sure it is a Hurst Olds thing. You see them with no quarter windows too on the ’75 models, but most images of the ’73 has that back window. If you see the interior photo the shows the back window, you can see the outline of the back window of a Cutlass “S”, on that interior panel which had the long triangular back window. That interior panel looks like its from Hurst. There’s way better Oldsmobile experts on here that I’m sure can shed better light on that.
The quarter glass is correct for a Hurst-Olds.
Good looking H/O. I would tend to think this is an original car.
Nice looking care IMHO as long as you don’t get too close to it. I believe the rust is going to be extensive underneath. The truck rust is from a water leak most likely from the opera window on that side.
Rust in the fenders, quarters, deck lid and roof is problematic.
Yep, its got a lot of rot, the restoration will be cost prohibitive for many. It just sold a week ago at auction for $15,100. I wonder if the buyer thinks its worth more, or has remorse after getting it home. https://www.biddergy.com/Event/LotDetails/512773438/
Those cars are fabulous. Ride like on a cloud plus great power. Wish I could pick one up.
factory “U” code car in 73 is rare. out of the H/Os made from 73-75 these were the best looking especially in black. this body with those side windows was really smooth looking. only down fall was the rust these attracted. this looks like a good survivor or an older restoration. it is missing the H/O specific hood ornament which is hard to find. bids are @ 9300.00 under the reserve. my guess the reserve is close to or better than 20k. these don’t come up that often for sale.
V code is the rare one, most were U code. This car just sold at auction last week for 15,100.
https://www.biddergy.com/Event/LotDetails/512773438/1973-Oldsmobile-Cutlass-S-Hurst-455-Only-48036-Miles
I have one just like it but no rust on mine with 73,000 on the clock
Sell it to me!?
I’ve seen Gary’s car up close and personal. Very nice condition. Looks great and sounds awesome!
That 455 would be the star worth the trouble, I always liked those swing out bucket seats , nice car bet the a/c just needs a charge.
This was just bought at auction in Michigan last week. Quick flip.
That is a nice looking car. Hopefully someone buys it and addresses the rust issues soon!
I noticed there is no radio in the dashboard.
Mine is just a radio delete from the factory.
I own a 1975 Hurst Olds with the lightning
rods. It is in very good shape as it has spent most of its life in a garage in Florida. I live in Michigan but I keep it hid in the winter 😖. My son has his eyes on it, so for now it’s not for sale .
The ‘83 and ‘84 H/O’s featured the lightning rods, so if you have them in a ‘75, you must have the only one. Better hang on to it…
The Colonnade 73 to 77 GM cars are far superior in every way over 68 to 72 models. Yeah, so they got slower thanks to stupid government nonsense, but in today’s ridiculous world of highways that are more like parking lots, what’s the point of having 350 hp when you cannot use it. Think about it. I like this car, but I want a black 75 H/O because of the t-tops. Still looking.
Nice to see this same remark I’ve made, the chassis design is far superior.
Too bad the digital tach isn’t functioning. Useless on the console, but they were a cool gimmick!
Nice OLDS here. Clean it up a little with new carpet. Thank god the radio area is not cut up. Adjust the left tail pipe too.
Nice OLDS here. Clean it up a little with new carpet. Thank god the radio area is not cut up.
I’ve said it before, my dear friend a Red Seal mechanic, redid a vinyl roof, he’s an ace and a hard worker, and he said it was no small task. This one may be worth the rewards, big block Olds w nice interior. 🏁
I owned a whit 73 H/O auto with all the bells and whistles. Loved it, regret selling it 15 yrs ago. I have spare parts it interested. I would love to have another one but cannot deal with the body work. Good luck. Rare find in any condition.
Great year. I owned a 73 H/O 16 years ago. White with all the bells and whistles including power windows ,all gauges no ( idiot lights ) Great car . Good luck .I Have some great spare parts whom ever the lucky bidder.
Hello Geo, I may be interested in some of the spare parts that you might have. Do you have a list of what you have, and what state do you live in? I am in MI. Thanks! Paul
Hurst modified the Olds triangular quarterwindow into what you see here.They look better in person IMHO ,the damn tin worm attacks again!