The Hurst/Olds was a collaboration between Oldsmobile and Hurst Performance. They were built sporadically between 1968 and 1984, based on the then-current mid-size Cutlass. The 1974 edition saw only 1,800 copies made and used the Colonnade body design employed by all GM intermediates (not true hardtops, but with frameless glass). The seller’s car is painted white (some were also black) and is a very rusty project with a 350 cubic inch Rocket V8. Located in Danville, Ohio, it will take a lot of vision (and funds) to make a restoration happen. It’s available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000 OBO.
Cars like this one were intended to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500 that year. But since convertibles we required, Oldsmobile had to substitute Delta 88s at race time. Despite this, you could get Indy 500 decals for your ’74 Hurst/Olds as they were still used to shuttle dignitaries. The minority of the ’74 Hurst/Olds editions came with the W-30 455 cubic inch V8 (380 copies), with the rest (1,420) having the 350 rated at just 180 horsepower (the detuning era was in full swing). We understand that the production of these vehicles was evenly split between white or black paint, so the seller’s car may be one of about 700 built. It’s rare, but is it savable?
We’re told the engine runs, but apparently from an external source (there’s an antifreeze bottle sitting under the hood). No mention is made if it will move anywhere under its own power at 76,400 miles. These machines only came with an automatic transmission, in this case, a TH-350. The coveted Hurst shifter is apparently missing from this car.
The body is rough except for the front clip. The rear quarter panels have been chewed on and the roof has holes in it at the pillars and might be the most difficult thing to fix (in other words, where do you find a spare roof to graft on?). The chrome may be all there, but it needs to be redone. These cars had swivel front bucket seats, and the seller has a spare pair if needed. Even with extra parts (the 455 would be more desirable, too), is this Hurst/Olds too far gone?
The missing shifter is the final straw. 🏁
If you can find a part to salvage that will be all it’s worth. Pretty sad it ended up in this condition, was probably asked a hundred times 30 years ago if it was for sale but we all know what the answer was.
1974 Hurst/Olds had a padded vinyl “roll bar” that covered the B-pillar and wrapped over the roof. Once the vinyl deteriorated and allowed moisture in, the padding retained it, resulting in the rust damage seen here.
too much rot. what a shame.
“‘Mon Dieu! My automobile has been eaten by rats!’ exclaimed Ted, with equal fluency in both languages.” — B. Kliban
$4800 for what?
C’mon Russ, do some homework. Modified H/O’s paced Indy, not Delta 88’s. 350 H/O’s didn’t get the Hurst shifter.
It’s not to far gone, I hope someone restores it and doesn’t part it out. If I had the extra room, I would buy it, I’ve had a lot worse than this put back on the road.
Parts car. $1,500