1973 Hurst / Olds 442

Following the success of Hurst components in Oldsmobile's 442 models, Oldsmobile, (teaming up with Hurst Performance of Warminster, Pennsylvania), produced special-edition performance versions of the 442 or Cutlass Supreme, dubbed the Hurst/Olds.

This name was assigned to Oldsmobiles that were modified by the Hurst Performance Research Corporation and resold through select Oldsmobile dealers. They represented the most powerful production Cutlass available for the model year. In addition, they are also the most sought after Cutlass model along with the W-30, W-31 and W-32.

In 1973, Hurst/Olds concentrated more on luxury than performance. In that year, like a few other General Motors models, Oldsmobile Cutlass (including the Hurst/Olds and 442) changed over to the "Colonnade" body style, which was used until 1977. The Hurst/Olds was based on the semi-fastback Cutlass S Coupe and featured an interior sporting swiveling Strato bucket seats separated by a console with Hurst Dual-Gate shifter for the Turbo Hydra-matic transmission. The only engine offerings were the 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8, either the 250 horsepower L75 U code engine, or the L77 V code 455 with 270 horsepower, which was available only with a 4-speed manual transmission. Both were accompanied with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts. 1973 was also the last year for Oldsmobile's high performance engine.

The 1973 model was the first Hurst/Olds to be offered in two color schemes: Black/Gold or White/Gold. A grand total of 1,097 Hurst/Olds were produced for 1973 with about 60% being White/Gold and about 40% being Black/Gold.

Although not as popular as the prior 442's, these are still cool. As for the luxury aspect of the 1973 Hurst/Olds...sometimes a little creature comfort can be a good thing. Especially for those car shows that aren't exactly "around the corner" to get to. (Hmmm....air conditioning and a smooth ride for the next 500 plus miles...ohhhh, okay...if I HAVE to...haha)