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If you’ve ever wondered what the world would be like if a group of enthusiasts took the bull by the horns and circumvented the “rules”, the automotive realm is littered with ingenious ways, both printable, and not. Historic moves such as using COPO codes, usually intended for spec-ing out cabs and whatnot, handily put horsepower where it was never intended to go.
Thanks to a dedicated group of enthusiasts within Olds, the torque-monster we know as the 455ci engine found its way under the hood of select cars.
Likewise, the folks at GM’s Oldsmobile division were dodging the same hurdles. Starting in 1968, their answer to the General’s corporate dictate limiting engines over 400 cubes to full-sized autos was to not “officially” build the cars. Instead, the Olds folks partnered with Lansing, Michigan-based Demmer Engineering to do the heavy-lifting of upfitting the car to high-performance trim.
While it may have been inferred that Hurst installed the larger-than-acceptable engine, facts show that the 455-sized engine was installed at the factory, behind a beefed-over Turbo-hydro 400 transmission. After that, the cars were shipped to Demmer Engineering where the finishing touches were installed. For 1968, that included black accent paint with white, hand-applied pinstripes over a Peruvian Silver paint. Additional walnut trim, H/O emblems, and that oh-so-cool “His/Hers” Hurst shifter.
Interior components including the "His/Her's shifter" were added by Demmer but the heart of the beast was actually installed at the factory.
For 1969, cars got a coating of Cameo White paint before heading over to Demmer, who then applied Firefrost Gold accents and hand-applied striping, a dual mail-slot hood scoop, a rear spoiler, European-style racing side mirrors, and the aforementioned trim and shifting goodies. Reportedly, there were over 900 cars built including two convertibles for Hurst promotional use which struggled for our attention whenever the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter” Linda Vaughn was nearby. This car is reportedly the first one produced that year and has the accompanying paperwork, including conversion documents, window sticker, and Hurst/Olds Registry verification.
This particular car had a window sticker price of $4,638.18, plus the additional $683.94 coin for the Hurst/Olds conversion, but it could be yours for considerably less! The folks at Dream Giveaways have partnered with the knowledgeable staff at Fusick Automotive Products to secure this beauty as one of their annual offerings, to be awarded to one lucky individual along with $20,000 to pay for the taxes!
This Grand-Prize auto was treated to a complete, frame-off restoration and is in working order so the lucky winner can either show, or go with it— whichever brings them the most joy. We spent a little bit of “get to know” time with this particular Oldsmobile H/O and can tell you that it’s a hoot to drive, and those 500 lb-ft of torque will squish the seat springs with joy. Click HERE to hear a sound bite of this monster. As the loud pedal drops, the sound from that Rochester Q-Jet carb becomes intoxicating and you’re instantly reminded unapologetically to the fact you’re in a muscle car. The rush takes you back almost as quickly as it pushes you forward.
The blacked-out grille, gold stripe, and Goodyears on Cragar S/S wheels tosses you back into the muscle car era almost as quickly as the 500lb-ft of torque. The car drives like a new muscle car and serves as a pinnacle of performance from the era.
Beyond the hi-po add-ons, this car also has air-conditioning, power steering, power brakes, a powered trunk lid, a rear radio speaker (take THAT you 10-speaker autos of today!), and power windows. Of course, for all that power, you also got the Deluxe seat belts and sport steering wheel. With the additional power options, it’s easy to see how this car wears the “Oldsmobile” badge. For the day in which it was built, it has comforts that keep it at the front of the class, but that burly 455ci engine keeps it coming back around to the starting line.
The 1969 Hurst Oldsmobile Dream Giveaway only runs through April 27, 2021, so you’ll want to make sure you get your chances in before time runs out. As a loyal Street Muscle reader, you’ll get DOUBLE tickets on your donation of $25 or more when you use PROMO CODE: STREETMUSCLE at https://www.dreamgiveaway.com/tickets/hurst-olds?promo=streetmuscle. As mentioned, time is running out. The folks at Dream Giveaways will be picking the winning ticket in just a few weeks on Thursday, May 13, 2021. You’ll want to get your tickets early and start planning where you’ll put this awesome ride in your garage, if you hold the winning number. Considering this is the first Hurst produced for 1969 and all the hoops the folks at Olds needed to jump through to make this project happen way back then, the person holding that ticket will be one VERY lucky individual. Good luck!
