Oldsmobile collaborated with Hurst Performance on several occasions in the 1960s through the 1980s to produce some limited-production automobiles. Hurst shifters and special graphics helped set the cars apart from other mid-size Olds products. This 1974 edition does not have its original engine and has the marking of the 455 W30 which it is not. The car needs some cosmetic work and should run with some carburetor attention. Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, this project Olds is available here on craigslist for $5,000 (cash-only). Thanks for the cool tip, Pat L.!

The 1974 model year would mark the fifth appearance of the Hurst/Olds. It was the second use of the new Colonnade styling where the doors were pillarless, but the cars were no longer true hardtops. This was during the so-called “Malaise Era” of U.S. cars because of their general build quality. Just 1,800 of the autos were built, so they weren’t commonplace on the streets. Of those, 1,420 came with a 350 cubic inch V8 rated at 180 hp (the rest had the W30 option and a 455 engine with 50 more horses). Originally selected to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500, the Hurst/Olds lost out to the Delta 88 because it was not available as a convertible.

This ’74 Hurst/Olds had its original 350 V8 replaced by a prior owner. So, the 90,000 miles on the odometer is not an indicator of how much use the engine has seen. That same owner may have added W30 markings as he/she wished that was the case. The current 350 is from 1972 and has been tuned up but does not hold an idle (the float in the carburetor may be stuck). All of the 350 cars came with an automatic transmission.

The body is in fair shape, with rust in just one place on the frame and the driver’s side rear quarter panel is questionable. The floorboards have been patched and the trunk floor has surface rust but may be okay. The interior looks good except for the cool swivel bucket seats which will need new upholstery. There is a console, but it’s out of the car as may be the Hurst shifter. This auto once had factory A/C and cruise control, but they have flown the coop and the tilt steering is loose. Also, the rollers for the windows need adjusting. Roll up your shirt sleeves and dig in!