Replacement 455 V8: 1975 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds
The 442 (or 4-4-2) was not Oldsmobile’s only mid-size muscle car. Sporadically from 1968 to 1984, Olds partnered with Hurst Performance to produce a limited-edition car with both Olds and Hurst goodies. Such was the case in 1975 when 2.535 copies were built on the Cutlass Supreme platform. This ’75 edition looks to be in good shape and has been upgraded under the hood – the original W-25 350 cubic inch V8 has been replaced by a W-30 455 (or at least a 455).
In 1975, you could order a Hurst/Olds in one of two colors, white and black. Production numbers were split roughly equally (1,293 in white, 1,242 in black). That could also be said for the W-25 and W-30, with 1.342 having the smaller of the two engines (1,193 had the big-block). There are no records as to how many of each motor came in what body color. The seller’s example sports white paint, but no mention is made as to whether it’s original or has been repainted.
Once inside the Oldsmobile, you’ll be treated to swivel bucket seats and removable T-Tops to enjoy the open air while driving. But when you don’t want them off, the car has cold air conditioning (factory?) to keep you comfortable. At 78,000 miles, we’re told the automobile runs and drives great, though we don’t know the mileage on the 455 (was it new when it was installed or did it come out of another Oldsmobile?). The car has an automatic transmission as that may have been the only choice in 1975.
This Oldsmobile isn’t a show car but should impress your friends and neighbors at Cars & Coffee. This is a rare vehicle that is seldom seen as most were either driven into the ground or rusted away. Located in Washington, North Carolina, this Colonnade-era muscle car is available here on craigslist where the asking price is $21,750.
Comments
The good Dr Olds blessed this brute w alot of weight, ultra tall 2.56 gear, but lots of torque. Swivel buckets are gold. 😎
The last of the muscle cars . By 1975 it was totally over at GM Pontiac , Oldsmobile & Buick stopped putting the 455 in everything but full size cars & a sad day in automotive history as a race to gutless fuel economy was in full swing till the laughable 4 cylinder Cadillacs came out. I at least got to see the industry rebound to great heights to only fall on its own sword in epic fashion . If I only lived closer what sweet ride this would make!
Nice H/O and a 455 to boot. That red dash really greets you when you open the door.
Much more money than the previous Monte Carlo, but much more car! You get what you pay for “sometimes”.
Is red interior correct for one of these? I don’t pretend to be an Olds expert but every one i’ve ever seen has always had white seats with black dashboard.
I don’t remember red dash, carpet, and seat belts being offered either. Dad was Olds dealer in 75,our H/O was white w/ black dash &carpet
Attached is a great source for info. This car did come from the factory with the red oxblood console and dash per the data plate. https://www.hurstolds.com/tips/1975%20Hurst%20Spotters%20tips.pdf
I have been looking for one of these for years. Sadly, either they are 6,000 mile originals for $40,000 plus, or a basket case. This one looks very nice and the price seems fair, but pictures don’t tell the whole story. I’ve done some research and they were available with the white/black reversible seats, red and camel, as shown here. I see the rear ear muffs are pretty decent, the white panels that cover the quarter glass. These are not being reproduced that I know of and several cars I looked at had ones in very poor shape, destroyed by the sun coming through the t-tops. This one has an aftermarket intake, air cleaner and incorect shift knob. I do like it doesn’t have power windows. I had a 76 Cutlass Salon and those side pieces of glass really put a strain on the power window motors. I am very interested in this car, but really wanted one in black.