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Limited Edition: 1973 Hurst/Olds 455 V8

In the 1960s, Hurst Performance forged a partnership with Oldsmobile to provide Hi-P parts for the 442 models. Beginning in 1968, they got their own limited edition run of cars called the Hurst/Olds. For nine years scattered throughout 1968-84, more than 16,500 of these muscle machines were built across several platforms of the Cutlass and its derivatives. Located in Collinsville, Oklahoma, this 1973 edition is said to run but needs the completion of bodywork that looks to have already been started. It’s available here on eBay for the Buy It Now price tag of $6,500, although offers are also encouraged.

The Hurst/Olds was offered in 1968-69, 1972-75, 1979, and 1983-84. In 1973, the car was based on the semi-fastback Cutlass S using the new Colonnade styling that applied to all General Motors’ intermediate-sized cars. The vehicle featured an interior with swiveling “Strato” bucket seats and a console that contained the Hurst Dual-Gate shifter paired with a Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission. The engine of choice was an Olds 455 cubic-inch Rocket V-8 that put out 250 hp (net) with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust. There was a more powerful 455 you could order, but only if you passed on getting factory air conditioning. 1973 was the first time that the Hurst/Olds could be had in more than one color, with black/gold trim and white/gold trim being the choices. Of the 1,097 units built for 1973, the split was 40/60. Hurst-only options included a digital tachometer, air shocks, and an alarm system.

The seller’s ’73 Hurst/Olds is the black/gold configuration, which would make it one of about 440 cars. We’re told the car has very little rust, but the photos suggest there may have been problems around the black glass, which required said glass to be removed (it’s whereabout are not mentioned). If you assume that’s the extent of the trouble, finishing off that area and applying new paint to the entire car would come next. The trim pieces and badging that were removed are retained and will come with the car. The same applies to the original rally wheels.

Regarding the interior, the dashboard and door panels may be good and the front seats at a minimum need some stitching. But the back seat and related carpeting are out, perhaps victims to the issues around the back glass. We assume they will also come with the car. The photos of the interior really don’t help much to assess the situation.

The seller says the car runs and drives and is currently registered. But he doesn’t mention the health of the drivetrain and whether any attention is required with the engine, transmission, or other mechanicals. There is no statement of mileage, so it can be anywhere between very little and infinity. The seller indicates his reason for selling is not having enough time to finish work already started.

Based on Hagerty and other online sources, a 1973 Hurst/Olds in premium condition is a $20,000 proposition and higher. A white/gold one was offered for sale recently in the mid-30’s. But these would be in better condition than the seller’s car. At his/her asking price, is there enough room to restore this car to like new and have any equity when you got done? The Colonnade GM cars were prone to rust.

Comments

  1. Avatar Moparman Member

    This would/will be a nice car when completed. In compliance w/ the 5 mph bumper standard, this car had the cool hinged grilles that would spring back when depressed in a minor front bump. GLWTA!! :-)

    Like 4
    • Avatar David Bailey

      MOPARMAN, I’m not as well computer versed as you. I can’t figure out GLWA!!–I’m not sure I want to know?

      Like 0
      • Avatar bone

        “good luck with the auction”

        Like 2
    • Avatar JoeNYWF64

      I thought only a handful of FULL SIZE GM cars had those – wonder why they didn’t last long – i remember seeing a commercial or 2 showing the moving grills!
      Today, the plastic grills ARE the bumpers! – 1 minor bump & thousands of $s damage! I’m sure the bean counters are responsible for those, as well as quickly clouding/yellowing/unique/soon to be obsolete ugly plastic headlite assemblies, costing hundreds of dollars each, instead of $8 for a sealed beam headlite. Not to mention the additonal complicated $$$labor to replace those or even a taillite bulb these days!

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Rosko

    I love malaise era rides. Probably because they are just about all I can afford. In a few years I’ll be swooning over Cobalts and Festivas. *Sigh*

    Like 9
  3. Avatar Christopher Gentry

    I love these old Oldsmobile s. Can’t tell you why , I generally swing to much much smaller cars. But Oldsmobile s are just cool. Wish I had , well any money really. :)

    Like 5
  4. Avatar JOHN Member

    Amazing it still has the Harmon Electronics digital tach… they always seemed to “disappear” rather quickly.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Desert Rat

    I dig the coke bottle wheels…

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Dennis Froelich

    American Racing wheels. My favorite!! Tach and dual gate shifter also present.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar David Bailey

    Orig. wheels and this exact body style may be best OLDS ever.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Leroy Roush

    Would love to see more pictures and information on running conditions

    Like 2
  9. Avatar ADM

    Here’s a Bud Lindemann test.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJesWkxo21k

    Like 0

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