Profile of the 1969 455 Olds 442, or the “Hurst/Olds”
During the 1960s, muscle cars were hitting the highway. Auto makers were starting to compete fearlessly in a horsepower race. When Pontiac came out with its amazing GTO muscle car, Oldsmobile was the first division of General Motors to follow suit. Oldsmobile wanted to offer its own full-size muscle car using the Cutlass line. This was in 1964, and the new Cutlass package would be called “442” or “4-4-2.”
The 4-4-2 signified the engine’s four-barrel carburetor, four-speed manual transmission and dual exhausts. These specifications would change over the years, but the name “4-4-2” would stick. The 442 became known for offering well-balanced performance and good handling. In later years, the modified “W” and “Hurst/Olds” models would be released. Here’s some detailed information about the 1969 Hurst/Olds models and what these great cars had to offer for muscle car fans.
Background of the Hurst/Olds 442
The Hurst/Olds 442 was first released in 1968. This is the year when the 442 became a stand-alone model. It still had the A-body platform design, which was a mid-sized body. All the A-body two-door models by GM were three inches shorter on the wheelbase and were built with new sheet metal as well.
Both the standard engine and the Forced Air induction engine had an increased stroke and a decreased bore, but their horsepower and displacement numbers were the same. The engine with Forced Air induction also had air intakes that were installed under the bumpers. But even with these exciting changes, the biggest news for 1968 was the release of the 455 Hurst/Olds. The Hurst/Olds prototype was created by Jack “Doc” Watson for George Hurst, his boss. Watson was also the designer of “Jaws of Life.” To create the Hurst/Olds, Watson used a 455-cubic-inch V-8 engine from the Olds Toronado. He installed the 455 engine in a 442 Oldsmobile. Then, he persuaded the executives at Oldsmobile to produce a limited run of Hurst/Olds models.
The Hurst/Olds models had Forced Air induction systems along with Turbo Hydromatics and Hurst Dual-Gate shifters. They came in only one color combination, which was Peruvian Silver with Black accent stripes and a Black rear deck panel. There were only 515 Hurst/Olds produced their first year.
The 455 engine was rated at 390 horsepower at 5000 rpm and had 500 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. It could zoom from 0 to 60 in only 5.4 seconds and could go a quarter of a mile in only 13.9 seconds at 103 mph.
The Hurst/Olds Gets a New Look in 1969
The 1969 Hurst/Olds came back with a vengeance. It got a new look with a gorgeous Firefrost Gold and Cameo White color combination and amazing hood scoops that could get anyone’s attention.
Production facts
According to the Oldsmobile company records, there were 906 Hurst/Olds produced in 1969. However, according to a book put out by Hurst called the “The Hurst Heritage,” there were really 912 hardtops and 2 convertibles. The additional six hardtops are said to be prototypes, publicity and promotional models. The production number of 906 was derived from the VIN numbers that were given to models during production.
Specs for the 1969 Hurst/Olds
The Hurst/Olds of 1969 featured a 455-cubic-inch V-8 engine with a special camshaft, heads and distributor. It also featured a Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission that had been modified for maximum performance. The car also had a unique Hurst Dual Gate shifter and console. Its hood scoops were functional, giving it the “Forced Air” induction capability as well as an air cleaner that was operable by vacuum.
The tires used were Goodyear G60-15 tires with special seven-inch rims. These rims were made exclusively for the Hurst/Olds models. The car also featured a custom hood scoop, a rear deck spoiler, and racing mirrors. It had custom paint, Hurst/Olds emblems, and distinct striping to give it a look of its own.
More interesting facts about the Hurst/Olds
Originally, production was planned for 700 models, but a little more than 900 were actually produced. All models for this year, except convertibles, were based on the 4487 Olds model (442 Holiday Coupe). The cars were modified to meet Jack Watson’s specifications at a company called Demmer Engineering in Lansing, Michigan. The cars went from Demmer to the Olds dealer.
The Firefrost Gold color used to paint the exterior of the Hurst/Olds was only available on these models for 1969. The Hurst/Olds emblems were made of plastic, were copper-coated, and then painted. The convertible models had a gold stripe just like the hardtop models, but painted on the white convertible top.
There are also a few minor differences in some of the 1969 models. One is the paint color for the hood scoop interior inlets. Some of these were white, and some were painted black. Some of the cars had a gold stripe that continued along the front of the hood scoop exterior, some did not. Also, Hurst/Olds buyers were offered a dash plaque that was engraved, but not all buyers sent in for their plaque. So, some models will have the plaque, and some will not.
Pricing details
The code for the Hurst/Olds package was W-46. It was priced at $683.94 for buyers, and cost the dealer a net price of $475. The dealer was billed by Hurst Performance.
The 455 Hurst/Olds was dropped from production after 1969, but reappeared for 1972 and 1973. It was a great muscle car in its day, and because so few were produced, collectors consider it to be a prized possession today. The year 1969 was obviously special to George Hurst as well because it’s the only Hurst/Olds year model he kept over the years.
