'69 Oldsmobile 442 Hurst Olds H.O. 455, Numbers Matching!

1969 Oldsmobile 442 Description

Depending upon the source, there were approximately 906 to 912 Oldsmobile 4-4-2's were made into Hurst H/O 455's in 1969. A few prototype convertibles are included in that number. The fact of the matter is, only a few trulyinvestment worthy exemplars remain today. This example is #240 in the Hurst/Olds Club of America Registry and is also documented by her original IBM build card and extensive owner history, tracing back to the early 80's.

She also retains her original VIN numbers matching 445 engine and her original Hurst Performance modified TH400 transmission, OH691686. Her body VIN plates and Fisher Body tag are also intact and original. She is desirably equipped with Hurst "His/Hers" Automatic and no A/C. This Hurst/Olds is one of the best restored specimens currently available.

Most serious collectors look first for good documentation and all VIN numbers matching when shopping for long term additions to their collection. This car offers something more. Her history tells us that this car spent a long part of her life in California, a safe haven from the rust belt.

Prior to restoration, the current owner confirmed that this Hurst/Olds also retains all her original body panels. He began with a fully intact, extremely original, but driver quality example before embarking on a two year frame-off concours restoration, documented by a full binder of receipts and completed in late 2010. When not out for shows, she is stored in a secured, climate-controlled environment under cover. More than an uptight garage queen, she has been shaken down mechanically and driven sparingly, less than125 miles a year since restoration,in fair weather during the summer months.

Exterior Description

In 2010, shecompleted nut and bolt rotisserie restoration, retaining all of her original body panels and remains in very excellent condition. She has been a kept woman all her life, no evidence of rust repair or collision damage, just need to put some "new" back on her after 40 plus years in the world. This Hurst/Olds is finished in factory original Cameo White with Fire Frost Gold stripes and hand laid black pinstripes and "H/O 455" in gold lettering atop the iconic dual-snorkel 'Mailbox' hood scoops- just like they did new at Hurst. All the elements are here as well, NOS Diecast H/O Emblems and factory original rear decklid spoiler. All the glass is date coded with full tint option, original to this vehicle. Even the headlights are the correct "T-3" sealed beams.
Doors close with the nudge of a single finger and a solid "click" for that bank vault feel of GM's most vaunted brands. Look down each side of this car and you will see that her lines are crisp as a freshly pressed shirt. The stainless and chrome are razor sharp with a mirrored gleam. All panel gaps are uniform, fit and finish better than assembly line could hope to accomplish.

Interior Description

The interior was a serious area of focus on this build. No corners were cut here, the entire interior is new or NOS. From the bucket seats, gold striped head rests, and carpet, to the headliner, arm rests, door sills, kick panels and date coded seat belts. The hard to find things like the H/O Glove Box Emblem, New Old Stock (NOS) 3-Spoke wood-grain inlay steering wheel and inserts and factory Hurst "His and Hers" Dual-gate shifter and console. All lights and accessories are in full working order, right down to the AM/FM radio.

Engine Bay Description

The numbers matching original 455 engine Rocket V8, factory rated at 380 Horsepower graces the engine bay, red and chrome like a jewel. The original, date coded 4 bbl carburetor fed by vacuum operated Ram Air as it is sucked in by those giant 'Mailbox' hood scoops. Other concours details include the original "D" heads, original numbers matching block, stamped belts and hoses, factory correct clamps, etc.

Chassis Description

The monstrous 500 pound-feet of torque are bridled by the original, numbers matching Hurst Performance modified Turbo Hydra-matic 400 Transmission. Doc Watson made certain comfort was not sacrificed this Hurst/Olds is equipped with Power Steering, Power Front Disc Brakes, and a Heavy-duty independent coil-spring front suspension. The live rear axle/ coil-spring rear suspension and 3.91:1 gears made sure the wheels got plenty of bite.

The white and gold color scheme is accented by chrome dual exhaust and chrome 15x7 SSII wheels, shod in raised white letter Goodyear F60X15 Polyglas Tires. Other OE details abound, from the jack and matching spare in the trunk to all the factory paint daubs, chalk marks, and factory tags on the undercarriage.

If you are looking for a 1969 Hurst/Olds that has to be well documented, extremely original, and runs out right on the road, this one offers no excuses. And there are none to prevent you from owning this one.