In 1968, Oldsmobile teamed up with Hurst to create a new muscle car. Although it shared its body with the regular 442 and Cutlass, the Hurst/Olds was, at the time, the only GM intermediate to offer an engine larger than 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters). Nearly 60 years later, it's arguably Oldsmobile's most iconic golden-era automobile.
Despite this, the Hurst/Olds isn't as sought-after and expensive as other muscle cars from the era. While some Mustangs, Chevelles, and Mopars fetch well over $300,000, and some even go into seven-figure territory, only a few Hurst/Olds cars have surpassed the $100,000 mark.
Until May 2026, only nine examples fetched six-figure prices at public auctions. The most expensive of the bunch, a 1969 prototype, sold for $150,000 in 2015. Since then, no other Hurst/Olds changed hands for over $110K. That changed at Mecum's Indy 2026 auction, where a 1969 hardtop sold for a record $187,000 (including a 10% premium).
Unsurprisingly for a record-setting classic, the muscle car underwent a frame-off restoration with NOS parts. It was built to Oldsmobile Club of America judging standards and it's essentially a Concours-ready vehicle. There's no info on whether it won any awards, but that may not be the case since the restoration is fresh. While the odometer shows 67,225 miles (108,188 km), only five were added since the refresh.
The coupe is flawless inside and out and sports all the features that make the Hurst/Olds iconic. I'm talking about the dual-scoop hood, the fiberglass rear spoiler, and the Ram Air induction system with the Hurst/Olds-specific intake and air cleaner setup. The car is finished in the correct Cameo White paint with Firefrost Gold accents.
The color scheme was one of the main changes for the 1969 model year. The first-year Hurst/Olds was finished in Peruvian Silver with black stripes, but the company switched to the slightly flashier white/gold layout. Additionally, the 1969 version gained the "mailbox" hood scoop, a trunk spoiler, and unique chrome wheels.
The W46-code 455-cubic-inch (7.2-liter) V8 engine was carried over from the previous model. It was rated at 380 horsepower; a 10-horspeower decrease compared to the 1968 version. Torque remained unchanged at an impressive 500 pound-feet (678 Nm).
The 1969 version was a tad more popular than its predecessor. While the 1968 Hurst/Olds was produced in 515 units, the 1969 variant saw daylight in a little over 900 units. While some sources claim 913, others state that 909 were built. These numbers include three convertibles. The Mecum ad says this hardtop coupe is one of 906 produced.
As of this writing, the Hurst/Olds is the second most expensive classic car auctioned off at Indy 2026, surpassed by a 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE ($236,500). However, this will definitely change since most high-profile classic vehicles are scheduled to go under the hammer on May 16, the final day of the event.
Related News
