Although 1969 was considered one of the best years for classic muscle cars, GMs midsizers (the Buick GS, Pontiac GTO, Chevelle SS 396, Olds 442) all had a corporate-imposed, 400 cubic-inch limit on engine size. But as in the previous year, the Hurst company joined forces with Oldsmobile and found a way around that and stuffed a 455-cuber into a debadged 442, along with a ton of other cool stuff thus creating the Hurst/Olds. That other cool stuff included a ram air hood with two massive scoops, .....
a special Cameo White and Frost Gold paint scheme, a rear decklid spoiler, Hurst/Olds badges, a His-and-Hers ratchet shifter for the TH400 automatic (all of these cars were automatics) and of course that massive 455 V8 with 380 horsepower and pavement-rippling 500 pound-feet of torque. Like the 442 on which it was based, the Hurst/Olds was not just a straight line rocket that could rip off high-13-second quarters, as it out-handled and out-braked pretty much any other muscle car of its time, all while delivering a smooth and quiet ride. Inside, there was an upscale theme, as Oldsmobile was positioned a cut above Chevrolet and Pontiac. Fancier upholstery and wood-tone trim made this the gentlemans muscle car as did a three-spoke steering wheel along with patterned vinyl upholstery. These were rare cars, with less than 1,000 produced (914 according to most reports), so its a real treat to see one at a Cars and Coffee or car show. Here we have a 1969 Hurst Olds that has been treated to a frame-off, no-expense-spared restoration that started with a rock-solid and correct example. To say this car is very clean would be a massive understatement; its what we call a Lasagna Car, meaning it is so pristine that wed eat our Sunday pasta off of the underside. This example is also loaded with factory options, whose highlights include air conditioning and power windows. Note that this is one of approximately only 300 of these cars equipped with A/C. It is also indicated on the Hurst Performance Research Corp. documentation as being the 19th car built, making it a very early production example. Under the hood is the original 455 engine numbers-matching engine paired up with the original TH400 automatic which sends the power to a 3.23-geared Positraction rear end. Out on the road, this 69 Hurst/Olds drives and feels as if it just left the showroom back when Sugar, Sugar was at the top of the Billboard charts. Of course it also sounds awesome, with a subtle yet powerful soundtrack that only a factory-tweaked 455 can deliver. For more information or to see this rare icon of the original muscle car era, just give us a call at 603-627-5595. Financing is offered through our approved lender, interesting trades are considered and enclosed shipping can be arranged.