Inherited Irony: 1975 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds W25 47K – SOLD!

October 16, 2023, Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

It’s safe to say that just about any follower of GuysWithRides.com would welcome the chance to inherit a desirable classic car.  While car enthusiasts would love to score a sweet barn find or inherit a cool car, we must remember that not everyone feels the same way classic car enthusiasts do.

A prime example is this Black 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst/Olds for sale, first spotted in September 2023 on Craigslist in Kettle Falls, Washington. Reported to be a 47K mile survivor example, this W25-powered (that’s the 350 cubic inch V8 version) Hurst Olds features desirable swivel bucket seats and the Hurst Hatch option.  The seller hints that while they inherited their Hurst/Olds, they do not know much about it, do not have a place to store it, and indicate they are very busy. Those are usually three motivations for someone to sell a classic car despite having it bequeathed to you.  More interesting is the seller’s pricing strategy.  Using a reverse-auction technique, they started the pricing in their Craigslist ad at $35,000 and promised to lower their ask by one thousand dollars each day until the car sells.  Consequently, we will be keeping a close eye to see how low the price gets before the car sells

Last offered for $35,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is right in line with this guide’s five-year results summary, but we note that oddly, only one Hurst/Olds built between 1973 and 1975 was sold at auction year-to-date in 2023.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for in the past rolling five years:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask currently falls one hundred dollars above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $34,900.

In the world of American muscle cars, few names evoke as much nostalgia and reverence as the Hurst/Olds. Born from a collaboration between the legendary Hurst Performance and Oldsmobile, the Hurst/Olds W25 of 1975 is a testament to the peak of muscle car innovation in the 1970s. With its distinctive appearance, powerful engine, and limited production numbers, the 1975 Hurst/Olds W25 continues to be celebrated among car enthusiasts and collectors.

The story of the Hurst/Olds partnership began in the 1960s when Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, decided to inject some youthful energy into its lineup. Oldsmobile turned to Hurst Performance, a company renowned for its performance tuning and specialty parts expertise, to create a limited-production, high-performance version of their Cutlass model. The result was the birth of the Hurst/Olds line, which debuted in 1968.

The 1975 Hurst/Olds W25 was the fifth installment in this series and marked the culmination of years of refinement and innovation. It was based on the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coupe and featured a variety of exclusive upgrades that set it apart from its mainstream counterparts.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the 1975 Hurst/Olds W25 was its striking appearance. The car was offered exclusively in two color schemes. Buyers had a choice of either a Black or White exterior featuring gold accents. This unique design gave the W25 a commanding presence on the road and remains an iconic feature of the vehicle.

The Hurst/Olds in 1975 was the first General Motors car to feature the “Hurst/Hatch” removable T-Top style roof. The car is based on the formal-roofed Cutlass Supreme coupe rather than the semi-fastback Cutlass S used in 1973–74. The car was available in either black or white, with either a black or white half-vinyl top offset by a wide aluminum band. Either a W-25, equipped with an Oldsmobile 350 engine, or a W-30, equipped with an Oldsmobile 455 engine, could be had. Due to the environmental regulations at the time, this was the first year General Motors introduced catalytic converters mounted in the exhaust system. Due to the added expense, only a single exhaust was available.

The 1974 Hurst/Olds hood carried over with the center-mounted louvers. Gold stripes adorned the sides of the car, as well as the trunk, hood, and mirrors. The car also carried gold 15″x7″ Super Stock III Oldsmobile rims. Interiors were similar to 1974 except for revised door panels and new reversible vinyl/velour seat cushions and backs for the all-vinyl Strato bucket seats. The most popular interior color combination on ’75 Hurst/Olds was white seats, door panels, black carpet, dashboard, steering wheel, and console. Additional colors such as red and beige dashboard, carpet, and seat cushions were also available. The Hurst Performance ‘Dual Gate’ Shifter carried on for 1975. An optional digital LED numerical readout tachometer was available and mounted on the center console by Hurst Performance.

The 1975 Hurst/Olds W25 was produced in limited numbers, with a total of 2,535 units being built. This exclusivity has contributed to its collectibility and elevated its status among muscle car enthusiasts and collectors. Today, finding a well-preserved and authentic W25 can be challenging, and when they surface, they command a premium price.

Preserving its originality and character is paramount for those fortunate enough to own or come across a 1975 Hurst/Olds W25. Restoring one of these classics to its former glory involves meticulous attention to detail, sourcing original parts, and ensuring that every aspect of the car is true to its factory specifications. Many enthusiasts and collectors take great pride in maintaining the authenticity of their W25, keeping the spirit of this legendary muscle car alive for future generations.

The 1975 Hurst/Olds W25 represents a fascinating chapter in the history of American muscle cars. Born from a collaboration between two automotive legends, this limited-production masterpiece captured the essence of performance and style in the 1970s. With its unique two-tone design, powerful V8 engine, and limited production numbers, the W25 continues to be celebrated and sought after by car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its legacy is a testament to the golden era of American muscle cars, reminding us of a time when power and style ruled the open road.

The Osborn Tramain YouTube Channel features this 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sport Coupe highlighting the swivel bucket seat interior that became so popular on the Hurst/Olds models:

In addition to a great color combination and the desirable Hurst/Hatch T-Top option, this survivor-quality 1975 Black Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst/Olds W25 for sale appears to be a rare find. The key is how long the next buyer is willing to wait to see if the asking price goes any lower than the initial $35K ask.

If you are serious about buying this Cutlass Hurst/Olds, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Oldsmobile W25 featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1975 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst-Olds W25 survivor for sale? Please comment below and let us know!