Vehicle Description
Oldsmobile's Cutlass-based 442 was a formidable performer, but
Hurst-Campbell President George Hurst saw further potential for
improvement. Nobody was better qualified for the job than Jack
"Doc" Watson, whom Hurst asked to design and build a special
"executive hot rod" for personal use. Watson, whose credits
included the original "HEMI Under Glass" wheelstander and
twin-engine "Hurst Hairy Oldsmobile" exhibition car, certainly
delivered. Beginning with a 442, Watson installed a specially tuned
version of Oldsmobile's new 455ci V8 engine, sidestepping GM's ban
on engines over 400ci powering its intermediate models. Next,
Watson continued his magic with a Hurst Dual Gate shifter allowing
full manual control of the modified Turbo 400 automatic
transmission, chassis upgrades, fat Goodyear Polyglas tires, and
comprehensive upgrades to the brakes, cooling and drivetrain.
Special paint, graphics, "Hurst/Olds" scripts and other upgrades
thrilled Hurst, who showed the car to Oldsmobile dealers and
received unsolicited requests for a production version, including
Watson's friend John Demmer and his son, who each ordered a
Hurst/Olds and offered to produce a limited run of the special cars
at Demmer Engineering in Lansing, MI near the Oldsmobile plant.
Further meetings brought distribution through Oldsmobile dealers,
with the cars retaining factory warranty coverage. Over 40 days in
1968, 515 cars were produced, with as few as another 906 updated
models for 1969. Continuing to benefit from a frame-off restoration
in 2007, this 1969 H/O retains the original matching-numbers
drivetrain, including the 455/380hp engine, mated to a Turbo 400
automatic transmission with Hurst Dual Gate shifter. Bearing Demmer
Car #128 and the 63rd listed in the H/O Registry, this elite muscle
car also retains the original upholstery. One of just 153 examples
produced with a climate-control system, it is further equipped with
an AM/FM radio, courtesy lights, power brakes and steering, a
rearview mirror, a Tic-Toc-Tach, three-spoke sport steering wheel,
tinted glass, vacuum trunk release and deluxe seatbelts. In
addition to the distinctive Cameo White paint, Firefrost striping,
aggressively scooped hood and big rear wing, this Hurst/Olds
includes a concours-quality Gardner dual exhaust system. Documents
include the Protect-O-Plate, partial Build Sheet, delivery receipt
from Oldsmobile to Hurst, original loan papers and title, plus the
original glovebox document wallet. From the Mile-High Collection.
