Story
1975 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds W-30 455
The 1975 Hurst/Olds combined the formal-roof Cutlass Supreme with a conversion completed by Hurst Performance Research in Brighton, Michigan. Lansing assembled the base cars, then Hurst installed the removable Hurst/Hatch roof panels, vinyl roof and trim, gold graphics, emblems, hood ornament, and Dual-Gate shifter.
Two engine paths shared the package. W-25 identified the 350, while W-30 identified the T-code 455. The 455 was rated at 190 SAE net horsepower and 350 lb-ft, used a Quadrajet four-barrel, and was paired with a Turbo Hydra-Matic 400. The catalytic converter and single-exhaust layout place its performance in the emissions-controlled 1975 context rather than the earlier W-30 era.
Every 1975 Hurst/Olds used FE2 Rallye suspension, 15-inch gold Super Stock III wheels, and power-assisted front disc brakes. The 455 car's rear axle could carry 2.56, 2.73, or 3.08 gearing with an open or Anti-Spin carrier. Exact transmission and axle codes matter because later swaps are common.
The cabin was one of the year's defining features. Swivel buckets had reversible cushions, and white-seat cars could use Oldsmobile's Compaticolor treatment across the cushions, dash, console, carpet, and seatbelts. A Hurst tachometer ahead of the Dual-Gate was optional.
The Hurst/Olds Club records 2,535 cars: 1,193 W-30 455s and 1,342 W-25 350s. It also records 1,293 white cars and 1,242 black cars, but no surviving engine-by-color split. Authentication therefore begins with paperwork and reconciles the VIN, body tag, engine and transmission stamps, axle code, roof conversion, paint, interior, graphics, and Hurst-installed equipment.