1969 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible

In 1969, Motor Trend magazine called the Hurst/Olds H/O 455 “The Mind Shatterer.” Until 1970, General Motors set a maximum limit of 400 cubic inches in all intermediate-sized vehicles like the Cutlass, Chevelle, and Skylark. GM produced larger cubic inch engines, but they were exclusively reserved for full-sized vehicles like the 98, Caprice, and Wildcat. In 1968, George Hurst worked with Oldsmobile to develop a limited edition 4-4-2 called the Hurst/Olds that carried forward into 1969. While Oldsmobile installed the 455 CID V8, having Hurst technically finish the vehicle leveraged a loophole that allowed Oldsmobile to produce it. The Hurst/Olds was both an appearance and performance package called “a rich man's hot rod” by Motor Trend magazine. In 1969, all Hurst/Olds started as modified Cameo white 1969 Oldsmobile 442 Holiday Coupes with an automatic transmission, sans 4-4-2 badging. On the exterior, a Hurst/Olds featured custom Firefrost gold stripes on the top and sides, functional fiberglass hood with dual-snorkel hood scoops, custom rear wing, silver Super Stock II wheels, and Hurst/Olds badging. -Thx to Musclecarsillustrated.com

This sought-after champion is a prime example of a much lauded “bar brawler in a tuxedo” sales mentality. A tribute to the 2 or 3, (numbers vary depending on sources), promotional convertibles used at drag race events featuring Linda Vaughn and that large Hurst shifter to drum up excitement about Hurst's offerings. Featuring a white respray with black convertible top color combination and an impressive restoration, this pristine Olds is one of the coolest A-Bodies on the planet! And if you're looking for a solid, road-ready classic that'll turn heads and bring home trophies, this could be your tree lighting, rubber burning grocery getter!

Exterior
Originally restored about 15 years ago, and still wearing its original sheet metal, the gaps remain well minded to this day. After all the metal was straightened and aligned a color change from Burgundy Mist to white was performed to set the backdrop for the Hurst droptop look. Bathed in white, this exterior is looking presentable for a driver quality restoration but does show some flaws and inclusions along with a blue tint to the twin scooped and 455 HO decaled ram air hood. Add on a Firefrost Gold stripe racing back from the center tooth of the hood then halting at the rear of the twin ram air scoops and we are in Olds muscle heaven. For some extra wow, more Firemist Gold for the side stripes that run back the beltline and across the lower rockers creating a wrap around highlight to the coke bottle sides. Up front, dual headlights flank the black deeply inset grille and a wrap-under chrome front bumper completes the look. Not to be outdone, a tall rear spoiler has been added to the trunk lid and hovers over a wide Firemist Gold stripe. Just below is a near perfect chrome bumper that follows the contour of the trunk lid and melts under the body with precision curves. Integral tail lights are deeply set into the body and bumper and help create a fluid look to the rear with dual chrome tips peeking out from the semi circle cut outs. A new black canvas convertible top was installed and the addition of some snappy Olds Super Stock II wheels in chrome and a pleasant charcoal wrapped with 225/70R15's on front and bigger 275/60R15's in back fill out the package splendidly.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we see plenty of tuck and roll vinyl with a triangular pattern in black for the panels. Front bucket seats are similar with the tuck and roll inserts and smooth black vinyl bolsters. These sit within a plastic molded tub that has a chrome piped edging where it meets the bolsters. Headrests are noted on the buckets along with gold striping, and a rear bench stretches from door to door. A very clean dash, which is original but fully restored, has all the correct buttons, instruments and knobs, and is fronted by a clean and beautiful 4 spoke steering wheel. A Mallory tachometer has been strapped to the column and an AM/FM/Cassette radio is in the center, meanwhile a small cluster of 3 gauges hangs below the dash in a black bezel. Carpet is in very good condition, and lest I forget the center console in black plastic with its chrome trimmings, ribbed aluminum inlay and 442 chrome armed shifter.

Drivetrain
A non original, circa 1970, rebuilt approximately 5,000 miles ago 455ci V8 lurks under the gold striped hood. Fully finished in light blue and contrasted by the red and black Olds 442 ram air air cleaner assembly. Hoses are all supple and shiny, and absolutely not a hint of any corrosion under here. On the back is a circa 1977 TH400 3-speed automatic with a reverse manual valve body. A 12-bolt rear from a 1969 Chevelle has consignor stated 3.42 gears has posi-traction. We note a new alternator and our consignor states that a recent coolant flush, oil change, and rear gear oil change was performed.

Undercarriage
As one would expect, the underside shows nearly no surface rust, just black paint and a nice patina but all is structurally sound. Floor pans are clean and rust free, and the rockers remain rust free. Disc brakes for the front, and drums for the rear provide the stopping power. Independent coil springs are upfront and a 4 link with coil springs and air shocks are on the back along with lift brackets for the upper control arm mounts. Headers and a Flowmaster exhaust snakes its way rearward to the chrome tipped ends.

Drive-Ability
Certainly, a quick starter, and smooth runner. Nice power as we went through the paces after learning the shift pattern, (yes, it's an automatic with a 4-speed manual shifter that has been modified to work the automatic). A great cruiser with some snappy acceleration, all looking good on the test drive with the exception the clock only being right twice a day. A bit of trivia for you followers of my long winded word. In my youth I spent a fair amount of time at various racing venues and a photo does exist from my college years with the myself, albeit thinner and with a full head of hair, and the illustrious and sensual Ms. Hurst Shifter, Linda Vaughn. Sadly, she rejected my offer for her to row my gears...

A tribute to the 2 or 3, depending on whom you ask, built promotional cars for Hurst and Oldsmobile. A muscle car that is a step above the GTO's and Chevelles with its upscale trimmings, textures and materials used. Similar coke bottle design, but done in a tasteful way, and this with the Firemist Gold over white stripes, and muscle under the hood, this car is definitely an investment that is sure to rise in the coming years. While not original but still a true 442, it's one you can drive without worrying about a ding or scratch on an original. All restored so you can turn the key and drive away into the sunset...Maybe Ms. Vaugh will accept my offer these days.

VIN DECODE
344679E168285
3-Oldsmobile
44-442
67-Convertible
9-1969
E-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
168285-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 69 44467-1969 442 Convertible
BDY BL391-Linden Body #
TR 947-Parchment Vinyl Buckets
PNT 67A-Burgundy Mist, White Top
05A-1st Week May Build

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.