Life was tough in the seventies if you liked cars that went fast. Between emissions regulations and various fuel crises, new car lots weren’t exactly filled with the most pulse-pounding offerings. There were some interesting choices if you wanted a distinctive ride though. Take for example this 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Hurst/Olds W-25 for sale on Craigslist in Detroit Lakes, Michigan. While it has 61,253 miles on the odometer, this white and gold Olds looks to be absolutely showroom new and is said to “run and drive super.” Would you be willing to pay $32,500 to park this smooth-shifting special edition in your garage? Thanks to Rocco B. for this T-top tip!
Hurst Performance Incorporated started out making aftermarket bumpers for Volkswagen buses. Before long, the company had become an original equipment manufacturer for many United States automakers. They began to specialize in shifters and developed a strong marketing program that built them into an aftermarket accessory powerhouse. Much of that fame came from their liberal use of Linda Vaughn’s talents as a spokesperson (Miss Hurst Golden Shifter was her official title) at racetracks nationwide.
That notoriety helped foster a partnership between General Motors and Hurst Performance. Hurst-branded products found their way into various performance vehicles, but the most visible evidence of this relationship was the company’s partnership with Oldsmobile. Hurst-themed automobiles were sold by the company intermittently during the seventies and eighties, with each of these cars sporting a special Hurst shifter among other identifying features.
The 1975 version of the Hurst/Olds was built on the Cutlass Supreme platform. The company produced 2,535 examples of these cars, labeled W-25 for the version with a 350 cubic inch V-8 and W-30 for the cars with a 455 under the hood. Customers could choose from either Cameo White or Ebony Black as an exterior finish. Regardless of color, the car was overlayed with gold striping and Hurst logos. Also, among the options were white or black padded half roofs that could be ordered with either color combination.
In addition to the paint and decals, Hurst/Olds came with smoked glass T-tops made by Hurst, a Hurst Dual Gate Shifter placed within a center console, special wheels, Hurst/Olds badging, dual sport mirrors, and swivel bucket seats that came with removable inserts that were reversible if you wanted to change colors. You could also order a Hurst/Olds branded tachometer if you wanted to track your lack of performance. If you are wondering what a swivel bucket seat is, it is, obviously, a front seat that pivots outward when you turn to get out of the car. Believe it or not, these were offered as options on more than one brand of automobile at one time or another. They are a rather rare and complex oddity in the automotive world, and likely died a merciful death when engineers had to consider the design’s rigidity regarding crash testing.
The Hurst/Olds you see here among this collection of automobiles that are very nice themselves is an exceptionally well-kept example. The seller tells us that it is all original and in perfect condition. It is said to be free of rust, scratches, and dents. Looking at photographs of the car, the most amazing feature is the interior. How did the seller preserve an all-white interior from the seventies like this? It is like the car came out of a hermetically sealed time capsule, right down to the swivel seat.
The ad goes on to tell us that this W-25 is a two-owner car and that it “runs and drives super.” While it is hard to believe that the mileage is sitting at 61,253 given the car’s overall condition, the evidence that it was exceptionally well taken care of is obvious. It would be hard to find a nicer example if you are looking for a Hurst/Olds of this vintage.
Red interior bits seems odd to me
Called Oxblood. I owned a ‘75 just like it.
The inserts are actually reversible with vinyl on the other side. You could get the ‘velour’ side in red or black. Seats swivel to ease getting out.
An ex girlfriend had a ’75 Supreme with swivel buckets. Hers had blue inserts to go with the dark blue exterior.
Rear seats should have matching RED inserts. Something seems wrong with this car. I had a 75 with swivel buckets, and rear seats matched the front.
Need to knock $10k off the price with this mileage.
I knew these cars were worth money but not that much,I only remember them having white interiors!
Boy oh boy. This looks as nice as new. I have never seen red accents on an H/O, but suppose anything was possible back then. Looking back it’s easier to see why these were so popular. Funny how the haters stepped aside and let these become a huge success. Glad to see they are getting love again today.
We’ve owned 4 ’75 H/Os. 2 white, 2 black. All 4 W-30s. Modified the 455s in 2 of them and they made great sleepers. Over 30 large for a 350 version? Not for me.
Any with the red interior dash, carpet, etc?
U always say the same thing about cars from the 70s about not being fast and emissions and malaise Era I think by this time people already know about that we don’t need to hear it everytime u talk about a 70s car
I’ve owned three, all W-30’s. I currently have white over red like this car. I also had black over black and white over green (very odd). I have seen white over tan as well.
Yep. One of the white ones had a red dash and inserts. It was a good combo!
I have always been a Mercury guy with some FoMoCo products involved as they are the same company but I really like these mid 70s cars from GM. They had style.This car is definitely sweet and oh so cherry but I agree with another comment that it’s 10 grand to high, would I own it, yes, but it’s out of my price range. I wish all the best to selling and buying parties. Very cool.
30k to be a clown is a bit steep
Did you mesn “CLONE”??
This car is much nicer than the one a few cars back but 30k is a bit of a reach? Folks are insane for cars right now and this units appearance is quite nice and it is optioned nice. Who knows? Personally I like it. I had a 75 442 briefly before the beltway battle claimed it.
He is dreaming on that barrett Jackson price. For 30 gs you can get a real nice true 442. Not this baged cutlass supreme.
$32500 would be in line with a W-30. The 350 knocks at least $7500 off the asking price; the mileage shaves off another $2500. Nice, rare piece of Malaise Era history though.
I’m not an expert on this type of Cutlass, but I certainly have a few concerns.
There are only nine pictures total, and none of the engine compartment. No VIN provided, although this is a museum quality vehicle, and at a premium asking price.I see no documentation or any mention of having it, assuring a potential buyer that everything is correct?
Also, this museum quality gem is listed for sale on Craigslist?
The car looks really nice, I am just questioning the seller’s ad.
I would certainly need more information and documentation than what is provided, before I would shell out $32,500.00 for a Cutlass Supreme with decals?
If I cared enough, I realize that i could call the seller.
But, I don’t!
Just my oponion!
Ashtray you took the words right out of my mouth….
Even though 1975 saw the most H/Os ever built, 2,535 production, they are miuch harder to find than the earlier models. I passed on a black one on eBay last fall at $20,000. Pretty solid, but needed work. A 9,000 mile black 75 did not sell at Mecum in Florida and bid to $37,000 and it was far nicer than this one. His price is too high. These could be ordered with black/white, red/white and camel/white interiors
Another 70’s , post real era, “muscle car”? nice shape, neat to drive around in, but $30K range seems foolish for this. Market may prove otherwise.
How can this be a Hurst without a 4-speed?
Are you serious?
Clueless
I had a 74 W-30. White exterior with white seats. The dash, console, carpet was black with white door and rear seat trim. This does seem odd with the red.