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170-406: The first Hurst/Olds was the 1968 Hurst/Olds . It shared its body with the regular Oldsmobile Cutlass and 442 , but had a unique Peruvian Silver and Black paint scheme. The Hurst/Olds was powered by a 390 hp (395 PS; 291 kW) @ 5000 rpm and a maximum torque of 500 lb⋅ft (678 N⋅m) @ 3200 rpm, 308° duration cam W-45 (without A/C) or 285/287° duration cam W-46 (with A/C), with

340-462: A 383 cu in (6.3 L) B engine . Suggested retail prices showed a reduction from the past at US$ 5,090 ($ 51,270 in 2023 dollars ) for the coupe and US$ 5,461 ($ 55,007 in 2023 dollars ) for the convertible. A more formal, angular, so-called "crisp, new custom look" appeared for 1963, ushering in the Chrysler C platform architecture. To avoid confusion with the number one, the letter "I"

510-508: A displacement of 455 cu in (7.5 L) Rocket V8 , equipped with a single 4-barrel Rochester Quadrajet 4GC carburetor . This engine was similar to the 400 hp (406 PS; 298 kW) W-34 455 engine offered in the Toronado and the 390 hp (395 PS; 291 kW) W-33 455 option available on the full-sized Delta 88 . The W-45 and the milder W-46 engines differed in camshaft and cylinder head selection. The 455

680-455: A 0–60 time of 9.2 seconds, with a top speed of 110 mph (176 km/h). The Jetfire's high cost (nearly $ 300 over a standard Cutlass hardtop) and reliability problems with its turbocharged engines limited sales to 3,765. Ultimately the Jetfire engine was far ahead of its time. With forced induction and an already high compression ratio, the Jetfire was capable of producing more torque than

850-424: A 3-speed manual (with synchromesh on the top two gears) and the newly introduced 3-speed Roto Hydramatic . Overall length was 188.2 inches (4,780 mm), and curb weight was around 2,800 pounds (1,300 kg). A few months after the model introduction, Oldsmobile added a "power pack option", which included a four-barrel carbureted, high-compression (10.25:1), dual exhaust version of the 215 cu in aluminum V8, and

1020-475: A Buick 231 V6 , Oldsmobile 260 V8 , Pontiac 301 V8 or Chevrolet 305 V8s with either two- or four-barrel carburetors. This generation could still be ordered with the T-50 Borg-Warner five-speed manual transmission for several model years. Chrysler 300 letter series#1970 Hurst 300 The Chrysler 300 "letter series" are high-performance personal luxury cars that were built by Chrysler in

1190-613: A GM policy limiting intermediates to engines of 400 cu in (6.6 L) or less. Cutlass and Vista Cruiser station wagons were likewise redesigned; the F-85 wagon was discontinued. Engine options were similar to the previous year, although the Cutlass's V8 option was expanded to 350 cu in (5.7 L), still with both two- and four-barrel carburetion. The variable-pitch stator feature of both optional two-speed Jetaway and three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic automatic transmissions

1360-530: A Spinnaker White and gold paint scheme similar to the Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds , Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix Hurst models of mid-1960s to early 1970s. The scooped hood and trunk lid (with a molded spoiler) are both fiberglass. All Hurst 300s had satin tan leather interiors that were straight out of the Imperial and could be had with column- or console-mounted 727 automatics. All came with

1530-560: A choice of two versions of the 354 cu in (5.8 L) Hemi V8 producing either 340 or 355 hp (254 or 265 kW), with a 10:1 compression ratio used to achieve the higher horsepower rating. A companion of this generation was introduced as the DeSoto Adventurer and the Dodge D-500 that were less luxurious, while still sharing much of the mechanicals, giving DeSoto and Dodge a performance enhanced model, while

1700-422: A column shifter would come out from under then-standard practice, so manual cars used a floor shifter. Due to the installation of the "AstraDome" instrument cluster extending outward towards the steering wheel, the traditional installation of the turn signal lever was relocated to the dashboard underneath the "TorqueFlite" pushbutton gear selectors and was installed as a sliding lever that would return to center as

1870-468: A conventional body-on-frame chassis with a perimeter frame which it shared with the newly introduced "A-body" Chevrolet Chevelle , and upgraded Buick Special and Pontiac Tempest . Wheelbase grew to 115 inches (2,900 mm), overall length to 203 inches (5,200 mm), and weight by more than 300 pounds (140 kg). Both the aluminum V8 and the Roto Hydramatic were discontinued in favor of

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2040-465: A convertible was added to the lineup in September, available in both standard and Cutlass versions. An all-synchromesh four-speed manual became optional. Overall F-85 sales rose to 97,382, with the Cutlass displacing the four-door De Luxe sedan as the top-selling model. The Oldsmobile Jetfire was a Cutlass pillarless hardtop with a turbocharged version of the 215 V8, which Oldsmobile referred to as

2210-601: A corporate policy at that time which prohibited the divisions from putting larger engines in cars smaller than full-sized models other than the Chevrolet Corvette . Oldsmobile got around the 400 cubic-inch limit by implying that the engines were installed by Hurst, not Olds. In fact, the special drivetrain and ram-air package (shared with the W-30 and W-31) was installed at the factory. The cars were then taken across town ( Lansing, Michigan ) to Demmer Engineering where

2380-535: A factor in bringing the H/O back for '84. The paint scheme was reversed, with silver being the main body color, and black on the rocker panels. In most respects, the '84 was mechanically identical to the '83. The '84 did get a stronger 8.5" rear end. 3500 units were produced in 1984. A fully loaded 1984 H/O model cost $ 19,500 ($ 57,188 in 2023 dollars ) while a base model was priced around $ 11,000 ($ 32,260 in 2023 dollars ). Oldsmobile Cutlass The Oldsmobile Cutlass

2550-470: A four-door hardtop Holiday Sedan, a four-door Town Sedan, a convertible, a flat-top station wagon called the Cutlass Cruiser, as well as the fancier Vista-Cruiser station wagon. Counting all trim level and body style permutations, Oldsmobile's 1970 lineup included 15 different intermediate models. With GM tossing out the 400 cubic-inch limit for intermediates and the 4-4-2 now coming standard with

2720-412: A hand-operated headlamp dimmer switch built into the turn signal switch. All Cutlass models came standard with front disc brakes The standard engine was a 180-horsepower (134 kW) 350 Rocket V8 (K VIN engine code), a 200-horsepower (149 kW) 350 Rocket V8 with dual exhaust (M code), a 250-horsepower (186 kW) 455 Rocket V8 (U code, or L75), and a 270-horsepower (201 kW) 455 V8, with

2890-562: A hotter cam and W30-style heads. This engine was called the L77 (V code), and was used primarily in four-speed cars and automatics without air conditioning in the Hurst/Olds. Transmissions included a standard column-shift three-speed manual, optional four-speed Muncie M20 manual with Hurst shifter, and three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic. Upgraded gauges were optional. Changes for 1974 included new taillight lenses and radiator grilles, and

3060-422: A larger 22 gallon fuel tank, and "flush and dry" rocker panels introduced first on the redesigned 1971 full-size GM cars. Another structural improvement was a stronger design for the side door guard beams. Options included swiveling Strato- bucket seats (with console) for coupes, a power moonroof, and Turbine I urethane (backed by steel) wheels, as was the instrument gauge cluster. The Oldsmobile Cutlass (including

3230-431: A limited-edition Hurst/Olds - it was the 15th anniversary of the first Hurst/Olds introduced in 1968. The Hurst Lightning Rod floor shifter was introduced in the '83 H/O. For its 15th Anniversary Edition, the '83 H/O came only in black with silver rocker panels. Chrome 15" wheels fitted Goodyear Eagle GT tires, and a power bulge hood and rear spoiler gave the car a purposeful look. A modified version of Oldsmobile's 307 CID V8

3400-407: A major body restyle in 1968, as did all other GM A-body cars. Oldsmobile's was penned by the styling studio headed by Stan Wilen . Two-door and four-door models now rode different wheelbases: 112 inches (2,800 mm) for two-doors and 116 inches (2,900 mm) for four-doors. Ostensibly, this change was to allow more individual styling, although several engineers were quoted off the record as saying

3570-408: A naturally aspirated engine that was twice its size, significantly improving the engine's efficiency and usability in real-life driving conditions, turbo lag not being an issue at motorway speeds. But since turbo and supercharging the engine essentially means forcing the compression in the combustion chamber even higher, the Jetfire was prone to 'spark-knock' and without modern engine management systems,

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3740-510: A new cast-iron small-block V8 of 330 cu in (5.4 L) displacement and an optional two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission with variable-pitch stator . Buick's 225 cu in (3.7 L) V6 was the standard engine. It was the first time that Oldsmobile used a six-cylinder engine since the Oldsmobile Seventy Six was discontinued in 1950 while it was sourced from a different GM Division. The body styles of

3910-506: A new front fascia with bumper-mounted turn signals used only on the base model. There were newly mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) rear bumpers , with a new hydraulic energy absorpotion system. Both the 350 and 455 Rocket V8s were carried over unchanged from 1973 aside from revisions required to meet 1974 emissions regulations . The Turbo Hydramatic transmission became standard equipment on all Cutlass models. For 1975, Oldsmobile added two smaller engines to attract economy-minded buyers in

4080-471: A quarter-mile time of 16 seconds at 94 mph (151.3 km/h). A total of 618 hardtops and 191 convertibles were produced, in part due to a recession , competition from the Ford Thunderbird and the listed retail price of US$ 5,173 ($ 54,630 in 2023 dollars ) for the hardtop and US$ 5,603 ($ 59,171 in 2023 dollars ) for the convertible. The 300D saw a new luxurious competitor from Mercury called

4250-448: A rectangular die-cast "300" badge on rear fenders. Tested by car magazine Motor Trend , a TorqueFlite-equipped 300L 2-door Hardtop accelerated from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 8.8 seconds, and covered the quarter mile in 17.3 seconds with a terminal speed of 82 mph (132 km/h). A total of 2,405 300L hardtops and 440 convertibles were produced. Intending to return the 300 letter series to its roots, Chrysler proposed

4420-554: A reduced price for 1958, and Mercury offered the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser for 1957 with the optional 430 cu in (7.0 L) Super Marauder V8 . The car introduced red, white, and blue '300C' circular medallions on the sides, hood, trunk, and interior and was the first model to use the color scheme, and despite the late-1950s design trends that added ever increasing amounts of chrome, styling flourishes, intricate grilles and interior appearance features

4590-411: A research octane rating of 91 or higher (equivalent to 87 octane by today's octane measurements). For 1972, there were minor style changes to the Cutlass, and the 4-4-2 reverted to being a Cutlass trim line (W-29 option) instead of the distinct model it was in 1971. The primary changes to the 1972 Cutlass were the front grilles and the tail lights. The straight six engine was dropped but would return to

4760-481: A shorter 3.36:1 final drive ratio with either manual and automatic transmissions. This premium fuel-only engine was rated at 185 horsepower (138 kW; 188 PS) at 4,800 rpm and 230 lb⋅ft (312 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm. Initial sales were somewhat disappointing, but were soon picked up by the May 1961 introduction of a pair of pillared two-door coupes, each with a different roofline and market placement:

4930-658: A smaller platform again, they didn't return to the traditional naming convention of reintroducing the Series 70 and instead offered the new compact as the F-85 Series, inspired by the North American F-86 Sabre fighter jet, and beginning a new tradition of using fighter jet names for their products as the Jet Age began, and using nameplates as series designations, and was a revival of a naming convention

5100-506: A total of 629 made; 130 Convertibles, 220 hardtop with sunroof, 6 Station Wagons for Press and Ambulance use, and 279 hardtop cars. The only color available was Cameo White with reflective 3M gold stripes that were stickers, not paint. All of the cars had the W-25 Ram Air Hood and gold SS III Rally Wheels with a chrome bolt-on center cap and chrome beauty ring. The tires were Goodyear Polysteel Radials. The standard Hurst/Olds engine

5270-618: A traditional six-way power adjustable split front bench seat, with a new "Natural Tan" leather upholstery feature called "Living Leather" that used a basket-weave pattern to promote air circulation in warm weather, while optional interior choices were available from the New Yorker list of which the 300 was based. The exterior color list was updated to offer Formal Black, Turquoise Grey metallic, Cameo Tan metallic, Copper Spice metallic, Radiant Red and Ivory White. The listed retail price continued to climb to US$ 5,319 ($ 55,594 in 2023 dollars ) for

Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds - Misplaced Pages Continue

5440-421: A two-barrel carburetor and mild camshaft with the 400 cu in (6.6 L) engine and a (numerically) low axle ratio for efficient and relatively economical freeway cruising. The Turnpike Cruiser used the heavy-duty suspension of the 4-4-2, and was available only with a Turbo-Hydramatic. The term "Turnpike Cruiser" was a naming conflict due to the 1957–1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser . The F-85/Cutlass underwent

5610-409: 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

5780-552: Is believed that 15 were originally produced. Also new were four individual, leather bucket seats for front and rear passengers with a full-length console from dash to rear seatback which had previously been introduced on the Chrysler Norseman concept car of 1956. The rear passenger electric window switches were installed in the center console within easy reach, and bench seats for front and rear passengers were no longer available. The rear bucket seats were also offered on

5950-552: The Turbo-Rocket . This made the 1962 Jetfire the first ever turbocharged production car . Equipped with a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger and carburetor, the Turbo-Rocket engine was rated at 215 bhp (218 PS; 160 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm. The Jetfire came with bucket seats and console, unique trim—two chrome fins on the hood and full-length contrast stripes on

6120-507: The 1954 24 Hours of Le Mans and finished the race. With the growing popularity of European sports cars during the late 1940s, Chrysler sought to create a "drivers car" with sports car performance but with greater attention to comfort. in the growing post-WWII tradition of grand tourers . The car's "100-Million Dollar Look" styling can be attributed as much to the Chrysler parts bin as designer Virgil Exner . The front clip, including

6290-570: The Chevrolet Chevelle and Ford Torino to become the best-selling intermediate-sized car in America. The Cutlass was also the second-best selling car line in the U.S. in 1975, with only the full-sized Chevrolet Impala/Caprice ahead of it. The Cutlass became America's best selling car this year and would hold this title for most years into the 1980s. A restyled front end with waterfall-type split grilles and new rectangular headlights

6460-606: The Chevrolet Corvair in 1960 on the GM Z platform . The following year a second series of somewhat longer cars was planned for Buick , Oldsmobile, and Pontiac ; what would be termed "senior compacts" on the "Y" platform . They would share the same body shell and lightweight engine. Oldsmobile designer Irv Rybicki began work on the Olds model in 1957. It finally went on sale in 1960 as a 1961 model. The Oldsmobile F-85 shared

6630-536: The Chrysler Six that was entered in the 1925 24 Hours of Le Mans , 1928 24 Hours of Le Mans , 1929 24 Hours of Le Mans , and the Chrysler Imperial Eight roadster in the 1931 24 Hours of Le Mans . The 1955 C-300 and the 1956 300B were raced with very little modification at NASCAR races to include Watkins Glen International where it won races multiple times. The automaker reintroduced

6800-625: The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was introduced and sold in North America and was labeled the fastest production car of its time. The Chrysler C-300 was also introduced at the same time the BMW 503 was introduced and sold in North America. The Bentley Continental with a similar approach to driving experience was introduced in 1952. The 1956 300B was fairly similar externally, distinguished by a new tailfin treatment, but with larger engines, and

6970-459: The OHV 331 cu in (5.4 L) FirePower " Hemi " V8, due to the hemispheric shape of the cylinder head , fitted with dual four barrel carburetors , two overhead valves per cylinder with solid valve lifters, a race-profiled camshaft installed inside the engine cylinder block , stiffer front and rear suspension, and a low restriction performance exhaust system. This engine was exclusive to

Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds - Misplaced Pages Continue

7140-648: The Oldsmobile Rocket 88 Club Coupe . Base model remained the F-85, with mid-level Cutlass S, and upscale Cutlass Supreme , as well as the 4-4-2, which became a distinct model instead of an option package. A limited-production model was the Hurst/Olds , a special 4-4-2 marketed by Oldsmobile and Hurst Performance . The H/O combined the 4-4-2 suspension package with a 455 cu in (7.5 L) Rocket V8, not ordinarily offered in Cutlasses because of

7310-468: The Oldsmobile Series 60 and Oldsmobile Series 70 which shared the GM A platform and GM B platform with Chevrolet and Pontiac models. The Series 60 was discontinued in 1948, while the Series 70 was cancelled in 1950. The division then offered multiple models using the Oldsmobile Series 80 and Oldsmobile Series 90 platforms during the 1950s. When the division decided to revisit offering

7480-532: The Park Lane . The 1959 model year saw the Hemi engines replaced by Chrysler's new Golden Lion wedge-head V8 at 413 cu in (6.8 L) displacement (which Chrysler called "lion-hearted"), and remained exclusive to the 300 and Imperials. Power output remained about the same at 380 hp (280 kW) while the engine weight dropped by 103 lb (47 kg) and production costs were reduced. This model

7650-472: The "Colonnade" body style. This year the Hurst/Olds was also the Indianapolis 500 pace car, which was available as a graphics package option to the Hurst/Olds owner. 1800 1974 Hurst/Olds' were produced in 1974, 380 of them were the W-30 version which designated the 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 and produced 230 net horsepower. The other 1420 had a 350 cubic-inch Rocket V8 with 180 horsepower (130 kW), which

7820-548: The '300A'. The 'C-' designation was applied to all Chrysler models and the coupe was built on the C-68 New Yorker Series. For marketing purposes the car was called the "300" in order to further reinforce the 300 hp (220 kW) engine installed. The C-300 was a racecar aimed at the NASCAR circuits that was sold for private ownership to qualify for homologation purposes, with Chrysler's most powerful engine,

7990-441: The '68 and '69 H/Os were pinstriped by one person. Interior modifications included a different wood veneer on the mini-console, painted gold stripes on the headrests, and a Hurst/Olds emblem on the glove-box door. The non-drive train modifications were again done at Demmer Engineering. Approximately 913 cars were built including 2 convertibles for Hurst promotional use, one for East coast events and one for West coast events(a third

8160-461: The 115-inch (2,900 mm) wheelbase had created problems with uncomfortable "freeway hop" owing to its resonance frequency. Overall length shrunk about 2.6 inches (66 mm), but curb weight rose approximately 75 pounds (34 kg) to 3,465 lb (1,572 kg) for the hardtop coupe. Two-door F-85 and Cutlass models adopted a semi- fastback roofline, which was a revival of a streamlining on all GM products from 1942 until 1950 as demonstrated on

8330-950: The 1964 300K , but the "cross-ram" engine became an extra-cost option available on the 300K only. A 413 cu in (6.8 L) Wedge with a single Carter AFB 3614S 4-barrel carburetor, a regular intake manifold, and 360 hp (270 kW) was the new standard engine, shared with the Imperial. Leather upholstery was no longer standard, a US$ 94 option ($ 923 in 2023 dollars ), while the list of available exterior colors expanded extensively with contrasting interior color choices in vinyl . The colors available were Formal Black, Wedgewood Blue, Nassau Blue metallic, Monarch Blue metallic, Pine Mist metallic, Sequoia Green metallic, Silver Turquoise metallic, Royal Turquoise metallic, Madison Grey, Rosewood metallic, Royal Ruby metallic, Roman Red, Embassy Gold, Persian White, Dune Beige, Sable Tan metallic, and Silver Mist metallic A mid-year special trim package

8500-460: The 1966 300M as a clay mockup in October 1963. The exterior was similar to the 300L, except the 300M had spinner-type knock off wheel covers with a "300M" medallion in the center, as well as another "300M" medallion on the trunk lid. The front running lights were moved to the center grille bar and the front turn signals were widened. The 300M also had paint stripes along the lower body line instead of

8670-462: The 250 horsepower (190 kW) L75 U code engine. Also available was the L77 V code 455 with 270 horsepower (200 kW) available only without air conditioning. Although Pontiac's SD 455 cubic-inch engine lasted one more year with 290 horsepower (220 kW), Oldsmobile's high performance 455 engine would only last one more year culminating with the L76 optioned 455 W-30 Hurst/Olds in 1974. The '73 model

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8840-504: The 260 and 350 Rocket V8s were carried over. The big-block 455 Rocket V8 was discontinued and replaced by a new small-block 403 cubic inch Rocket V8. Transmissions included a three-speed manual (standard and only available with the V6 engine), five-speed manual (coupes with 260 V8 only) or three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic – optional on V6 models, included with the 260 V8 in sedans and 350 and 403 V8s on all models, and standard on station wagons. A sedan

9010-470: The 300 Sport Series coupe. Later in 1964, the Plymouth Barracuda was introduced on the Chrysler A platform which was sold at Chrysler-Plymouth dealerships next to the Chrysler 300K. A visual distinction can be made between the years by the rear tail lights; the 300J has round units while the 300K has trapezoid shaped units. The TorqueFlite pushbutton controls that were installed to the left of

9180-430: The 300 designations again for performance-luxury sedans in 1999, using the 300M nameplate from 1999 to 2004, and expanding the 300 series with a reintroduction of a new Hemi-engineered V8 installed in the 300C, the top model of a new Chrysler 300 line, a new rear-wheel drive car launched in 2004 for the 2005 model year. This first of the letter series cars did not bear a letter, but can retroactively be considered

9350-469: The 300 was based. The Hemi engine was upgraded to 392 cu in (6.4 L) with 375 hp (280 kW), or as a limited edition 390 hp (290 kW) version (18 built). The 392 CID engine was exclusive to the 300, New Yorker and Imperials, while the dual four barrel carburetors was standard on the 300C and continued with an improved air induction system that gave each carburetor its own air cleaner to improve efficiency. A convertible model

9520-654: The 300, the New Yorker and the all-new Imperial Newport . By 1956, this would be the first American production car to top 355 hp (265 kW), and the letter series was for many years the most powerful car produced in the United States. The engine and transmission were shared with the French automaker Facel Vega in the Facel Vega Excellence and the Cunningham C-4R which was entered at

9690-525: The 300E as the base powerplant. With a slight power boost and a 300 lb (140 kg) lighter body, due to the 300H being shared with the Chrysler Newport / Dodge Custom 880 122-inch wheelbase which reduced overall weight, the 300H was faster than the 300G, but the loss of exclusivity coupled with high prices made this the slowest-selling letter series year yet, with only 435 coupes and 135 convertibles sold. The 300 Sport Series hardtop sedan used

9860-483: The 354 CID engine was exclusive to the 300, New Yorker and Imperials. The TorqueFlite transmission controls were to the left of the steering wheel and a total of 1,102 were sold. Performance was better than the previous year's by its top speed at almost 140 mph (225 km/h) at the Daytona Flying Mile. A 6.17 ratio rear differential was also added to the options. Front leg room was 44.6 inches. New

10030-456: The 375 hp (280 kW) 440 cu in (7.2 L) 4-barrel TNT V8 engine. The suggested retail price was US$ 5,939 ($ 46,596 in 2023 dollars ). Of the 501 units sold, one convertible is documented having been used as a Hurst promotional car and another is believed to have been dealer equipped with a 426 cu in (7.0 L) Hemi, also, a convertible. All original letter series cars are considered collectible as of 2023 , but

10200-710: The 4-4-2. In essence the Rallye 350 was an appearance package (coded W45 ) tied to mandatory options, and could be ordered on the Cutlass S Holiday or Sports Coupe as well as on the F-85 Sports Coupe. All Rallye 350s were painted in Sebring Yellow with matching urethane-coated bumpers front and rear. The package also included special black and orange decals, blacked out grille and yellow-painted 7" wide Super Stock II rally wheels without trim rings, wearing G70×14" bias-belted Wide Oval blackwall tires. The engine

10370-505: The AstraDome Instrument cluster for all Chrysler branded vehicles and the dashboard color now matched the leather upholstery and carpet. The exterior color list was updated to Formal Black, Festival Red, Oyster White, and Caramel while the standard interior color continued as tan leather. Under the hood of the 300H the cross ram engine became an option, and there was a return to the inline dual 4-barrel carburetor setup of

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10540-599: The Chevy-built 250 cubic-inch inline six and Olds-built Rocket V8s of 260 , 350 or 455 cubic inches. A three-speed manual transmission was standard with the six-cylinder engine but Turbo Hydra-matic was optional with this engine and the 260, and required with the 350 and 455 V8s. A new option this year was the T-50 Borg-Warner five-speed manual transmission, which was available only with the 260 V8. New grilles highlighted all 1977 Cutlass models with Cutlass S sedans and coupes reverting to an upright grille/front end while

10710-521: The F-85 Club Coupe, which became the lowest-priced Oldsmobile model, and the sporty F-85 Cutlass . The Cutlass came equipped with the 185 hp "power pack" drivetrain, and featured De Luxe-type exterior trim with a more upscale interior with standard bucket seats , upholstered in two-tone vertically pleated vinyl, and an optional center console. 80,347 F-85s were built in total for the 1961 model year. Car Life magazine tested an F-85 with

10880-496: The Hurst/Olds and 442) changed body styles to the "Colonnade" body style, which was used until 1977. The Hurst Olds was based on the semi-fastback Cutlass S coupe and featured an interior with swiveling Strato bucket seats separated by a console with Hurst Dual-Gate shifter for the Turbo Hydra-matic 400 transmission. The sole engine offering was a 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8, with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts, with

11050-482: The New Yorker Custom coupe. Swiveling front seats were fitted as standard equipment but were modified to mechanical operation only initiated by the driver and not synchronized to the door when opened. The AstraDome instrument cluster was introduced on all Chrysler products only and featured " Panelescent Lighting " and a tachometer was installed in the center console below the radio due to the complexity of

11220-443: The New Yorker, luxury amenities were included. Standard items were leather upholstery, power assist steering, power assist brakes, power window lifts, dual remote adjustable side view mirrors, power adjustable driver seat, "Air-Temp" air-conditioning, power deploying radio antenna, tinted glass, rear window defroster, windshield washer, Limited-slip differential , Hi-Fi Phonograph, and "Auto-Pilot" cruise control. The exterior color list

11390-476: The U.S. from 1955 to 1965 and were a sub-model from the Chrysler New Yorker . After the initial year, which was named C-300 for its standard 300 hp (220 kW) 331 cu in (5.4 L) FirePower V8 , the 1956 cars were designated 300B. Successive model years were given the next letter of the alphabet as a suffix (skipping "i"), reaching the 300L by 1965, after which the model sequence

11560-668: The Vista Cruiser wagons. The 1970 F-85 and Cutlass was available in seven body styles, three of which were coupes: a pillared fastback Sports Coupe (in F-85, Cutlass S or 4-4-2 trims), an hardtop fastback Holiday Coupe (Cutlass S and 4-4-2 only), and finally a more formal notchback Holiday Coupe, only offered in Cutlass Supreme trim. This practice was similar to that followed at the time by Ford and Mercury for their intermediates, which were offered in both notchback and fastback coupes starting in 1968. Also available were

11730-453: The W-31 option, conservatively rated at 325 hp (242 kW). The two-speed Jetaway automatic was still available with the Chevy-built 250 cu in (4.1 L) "Action-Line" six or the two-barrel 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8. The Turnpike Cruiser two-barrel 400 cu in (6.6 L) Rocket V8 was dropped and the four-barrel 400 engine from the 4-4-2 was available only in

11900-509: The aftermath of the 1973–74 energy crisis. These were the Chevrolet-built 250 cubic inches (4.1 L) inline six (previously offered from 1966 to 1971) and a new 260 V8 based on the Olds 350 Rocket V8, which continued as an option. Also continuing was the 455 Rocket V8, rated at 190 horsepower (140 kW). All engines had catalytic converters and required unleaded gasoline in the United States; Canadian buyers could opt to delete

12070-427: The all-vinyl Strato bucket seats. The most popular interior color combination on '75 Hurst/Olds was white seats and door panels, and black carpet, dashboard, steering wheel and console. Additional colors such as red and beige dashboard, carpet and seat cushions was also available. The Hurst Performance 'Dual Gate' Shifter carried on for 1975. An optional digital LED numerical readout tachometer was available and mounted on

12240-480: The beach at Daytona. The "AstraDome" instrument cluster which was sometimes called the "gumball" or "jukebox" due to its appearance continued to be installed on all Chrysler products for 1961. The exterior color list was updated to Formal Black, Mardi Gras Red, Alaskan White, and Cinnamon metallic while the standard interior color continued as tan leather. To aide in brake cooling, the hubcaps and pressed steel wheels were introduced with slots to allow airflow across

12410-440: The body along with front and rear bumpers coated with matching yellow urethane. The next Hurst/Olds would be introduced as a 1972 model. The Hurst branding was used for 1970 only on the Chrysler 300 Hurst Edition The 1972 Hurst/Olds was actually developed by Hurst Performance , and not Oldsmobile. Due to a tragic accident involving the 1971 Indy Pace car , a Dodge Challenger, the major auto manufacturers were reluctant to provide

12580-443: The bodysides—and a pressure/vacuum gauge mounted in the console (where it was almost hidden). Although much faster than a standard F-85, the Jetfire was criticized for having the same soft suspension as its less-powerful brothers, for its lack of a tachometer and other instruments, and for the poor shift quality of both the automatic transmission and the optional four-speed. Car and Driver tested an automatic Jetfire and obtained

12750-489: The cancelled Chrysler Windsor , while the convertible remained with the letter series along with a two-door hardtop 300H. Externally there was little difference between the 300H and the 300 Sport Series except for a "300H" badge on the traditional location on the rear fenders, and many of the 300H's standard features could be ordered as options on the Sport Series. The Mercury competitor was the all-new Mercury S-55 with

12920-521: The center console by Hurst Performance. Another car, now called simply the Hurst/Olds , appeared in 1979, based on the Cutlass Calais coupe. It used the L34 , Oldsmobile's 5.7 L (350 in³) V8 engine . A Hurst Dual Gate shifter was standard. After a three-year hiatus, the H/O returned for 1979 on GM's newly downsized Cutlass body. The first H/O to be built entirely by Oldsmobile Division, it

13090-458: The chrome molding found on the non-letter series 300s, "300M" medallions on the sides, script "Three Hundred" badges and unique tail lights and bezels. Three-spoke headlight ornaments were planned, but dropped due to legal issues in some states. The interior was identical to the non-letter series 300 except for the "300M" medallions. The 300M was planned to be powered by the 426 Wedge engine rated at 365 hp (272 kW). This first 300M proposal

13260-431: The compact Omega. The Cutlass line was redesigned for 1973 using GM's new "Colonnade" A-body platform. The model lineup consisted of the base Cutlass, Cutlass "S", Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass Salon, Vista Cruiser station wagon, and the 4-4-2 appearance package on the Cutlass "S" colonnade coupe. While rooflines were shared with other GM divisions, the Cutlass bodies had two Oldsmobile-specific convex creases—one starting behind

13430-676: The company offered from 1928 to 1938 called the F-Series . Oldsmobile management decided to continue to take advantage of the "rocket" marketing strategy started with the Rocket V8 engine . The United States Air Force did previously produce a research fighter jet called the McDonnell XF-85 Goblin but it wasn't placed into production. During World War II, many GM factories temporarily suspended automobile production and manufactured fighter aircraft, bombers and aircraft engines for

13600-471: The converter. The three-speed manual transmission returned as standard equipment in conjunction with the six-cylinder engine on all Cutlass models except Salons and station wagons. However, only 0.2% of Cutlasses were built with a manual transmission as most buyers wanted the 350 V8 and Turbo Hydramatic as in previous years. The 1975 grilles were somewhat more angular and separated into eight pieces on each side. The front turn signals were now incorporated into

13770-491: The cross-ram "short ram" and "long ram" engines remained the same with the dual four barrel carburetors, although the exotic French manual transmission was dropped, and replaced by an exclusive Chrysler-sourced heavy-duty manual transmission (referred to as 'option code 281'). A 300G would post the highest speed of 143 mph (230.1 km/h) in the Daytona Flying Mile , and in 1961 speed trials were moved off

13940-404: The decision was made to upgrade the F-85, Jetfire and Cutlass to the all-new GM A platform , the GM Y platform was repurposed for the Chevrolet Corvette in 1976. Disappointing sales of the compact F-85, along with the introduction of Ford Motor Company 's intermediate Fairlane in 1962, prompted GM to enlarge the senior compacts for the 1964 model year. The new intermediate F-85 now rode

14110-489: The driver and front passenger. The new Salon package was offered first as a 4-door Colonnade sedan, which was joined in 1974 by a 2-door hardtop coupe. It was an upscale "European" style luxury/sports package, similar in concept to the Pontiac Grand Am, and was the first Oldsmobile with the international-flags emblem. The Salon included items such as upgraded suspension, radial tires , reclining bucket seats and

14280-399: The drum brakes. Suggested retail prices continued to climb at US$ 5,441 ($ 55,476 in 2023 dollars ) for the coupe and US$ 5,841 ($ 59,555 in 2023 dollars ) for the convertible. From 1962s models, the fins were gone from all Chrysler products, as was the letter series' unique place in the Chrysler lineup; there was now the new Chrysler 300 Sport Series which came as a two-door hardtop, replacing

14450-489: The dual ram air scoops under the front bumper that was used in '68 and other ram air '69s, the H/O received a functional "mailbox" fiberglass hood scoop with H/O 455 on each side. A spoiler was mounted on the trunk and the car sat on unique 15x7 chrome SSII rims with Goodyear F60x15 Polyglas tires. The exterior was finished off with a pair of English racing mirrors, H/O emblems on the front fenders and deck lid, blacked out 442 grilles, and black hand-applied pinstripes. All of

14620-418: The early years are much more desirable. The C-300 and 300B, especially red/maroon examples , are increasingly becoming some of the most valuable models of all 1950s performance cars due to their exquisite styling, high performance, and rarity. The 300C through 300G convertibles are the most desirable price-wise due to their scarcity and low survival rates; the coming of the regular 300 series cars in 1962 makes

14790-452: The front brakes cool a cooling duct was installed with the air intake located just below the headlights that fed air directly to the front brakes. The exterior color list was expanded to offer Jet Black, Parade Green metallic, Copper Brown metallic, Gauguin Red and Cloud White while the interior was tan leather standard and optional interior choices were available from the New Yorker list of which

14960-413: The front bumper was canted up at each end, scoop-like. At the rear, the taillights were moved from the fins to the tail below them, and the fins were made sharper-pointed. Power windows were standard. The standard equipment rear bucket seats continued with a full-length console from the dashboard along the tunnel containing the driveshaft, and were also offered on the New Yorker Custom coupe. Mechanically,

15130-417: The front grille adopted the corporate look used by all Chrysler-branded products, ending a tradition where the 300 had unique styling not shared with other Chrysler branded vehicles. A controversial "Continental"-style trunk lid appeared, shared with the Imperial and was gone for 1961. Sales increased to 969 coupes and 248 convertibles with a suggested retail price of US$ 5,411 ($ 55,729 in 2023 dollars ) for

15300-417: The front wheel and running rearward into the door and curving upward at its trailing end, and the other curving down just ahead of the rear wheel and continued by the crease line of the quarter panel behind the rear wheel. The Cutlass "S" and 4-4-2 offered optional "Strato" bucket seats with high seatbacks and built-in head restraints ; these seats could be swiveled 90 degrees to permit easier entry and exit for

15470-478: The full-sized 88 , and semi-fastback rooflines with extended sail panels and tunneled rear windows on Sport (pillared) and Holiday (hardtop) coupes. The Buick V6 was replaced on base models by an Oldsmobile-badged "Action-Line 6" version of Chevrolet's 250 cu in (4.1 L) "Turbo-Thrift" straight-6 engine, while the 330 cu in (5.4 L) Jetfire Rocket V8 continued with power ratings of 250 and 320 horsepower (190 and 240 kW). New that year

15640-646: The glove box door and all 1972 Hurst/Olds' were identified with a W-45 Code on the cowl tag. The new Hurst Olds shared with all 1973 GM A body cars, the most extensive redesign in their 10-year history The chassis was as new as the bodies - Wheelbase dimensions were a sporty 112 inches for coupes and 116 inches for sedans and station wagons on an all-new sturdier perimeter frame with increased front and rear suspension travel, larger 8½ inch rear axle, wider 6-inch wheel rim width, refined rear control arm bushings and new shock absorber location, new body mounts and improved front suspension geometry - The left wheel

15810-659: The grille, was taken from the Imperial of the same year, but the rest of the car did not look like an Imperial. The midsection was from a New Yorker hardtop , with a Windsor rear quarter. Exner also included base-model Chrysler bumpers and removed many exterior elements such as back-up lights, hood ornament, side trim, and exterior mirrors. An electric clock and two-speed windshield wipers were standard. There were few options available including selection of three exterior colors of Black, Tango Red or Platinum White and only one color of tan leather interior. Power windows and power front seat adjustment were available but air conditioning

15980-602: The grille. At the rear, new two-piece taillights were divided vertically. The S and Supreme both had a chrome strip atop the hood, while the Supreme also had the Oldsmobile logo mounted atop the grille. A fuel economy gauge was optional. The Cutlass line overtook the full-size Delta 88 as the best-selling Oldsmobile line in 1975, with the Cutlass Supreme coupe accounting for the majority of those sales, surpassing

16150-560: The grille. This H/O was built by Oldsmobile at the Lansing plant. Known as the W-30, it was produced for the following year in the 1980 Olds 442. The only major differences between the 1979 and the 1980 were the headlights, and the 1979 also had the dual gate Hurst shifter. After the Cutlass line was split between the front-wheel drive A-body Cutlass Ciera and the rear-wheel drive G-body Cutlass Supreme in 1982, GM again offered

16320-505: The hardtop and US$ 5,749 ($ 60,089 in 2023 dollars ) for the convertible. The 1960 model offered a 375 hp (280 kW) "Cross-Ram" version of the 413 cu in (6.8 L) Wedge Head V8 introduced in 1959. To boost power at lower and mid rpms, a special intake manifold was derived. Instead of the normal V8 central intake manifold with carburetor (s) on top, the cross-ram consisted of two pairs of 30 in (760 mm) long tuned pipes that criss-crossed so that each set fed

16490-416: The hardtop coupe and US$ 5,841 ($ 60,158 in 2023 dollars ) for the convertible. The 1961 model saw another restyle. The grille, formerly wider at the bottom than the top, was inverted; the quad headlights, formerly side-by-side, were canted inward at the bottom, in a manner reminiscent of 1958-1960 Lincolns and 1959 Buicks . Small parking lamps below the headlights were likewise slanted and V-shaped, and

16660-479: The hood scoop into the carburetor. This was backed up by a specially calibrated code OH Turbo 400 transmission and 3.42 gears for non-A/C cars or 3.08 gears for cars with A/C. Optional 3.91 gears were available only for non-A/C cars. The Hurst/Olds was temporarily dropped after the 1969 model year because GM dropped the 400 cubic-inch engine limit for the 1970 model year, which permitted the divisions to install larger engines in their intermediate musclecars. For 1970,

16830-663: The larger 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 from the big Oldsmobiles and previously used in the 1968–69 Hurst/Olds, Olds discontinued the 400 engine entirely and also offered the 455 as an option in the Cutlass S models and the Vista Cruiser wagons. There was an SX option that became available in 1970 and was available only on the Cutlass Supreme hardtop and convertible. The SX cars all had the 455 engine and TH-400 automatic transmission. The same assortment of three- and four-speed manual transmissions were carried over from previous years with Hurst shifters used on floor-mounted three-speeds and all four-speeds. The two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission

17000-509: The lineup in 1975. The Hurst/Olds used the Cutlass Supreme notchback hardtop and convertible bodies. A 1972 Hurst/Olds paced the Indianapolis 500 , and Olds built about 630 replicas, some 25% of them convertibles. The entry-level F-85 series was reduced to solely a four-door sedan, then discontinued mid-year due to low sales. This ended the use of the F-85 nameplate, although it would later resurface in 1975 on an entry-level version of

17170-417: The locking steering columns were federally mandated. Engine offerings were unchanged from 1968, but a new three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 350 transmission was added to the option list and available with all versions of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) Rocket V8, including the standard two-barrel 350 cu in (5.7 L) version, four-barrel "Ultra High Compression" 310 hp (230 kW) option and

17340-399: The marketing focus changed due to the 300 Sport Series, and this reduced the baseline price of the 300K by over a thousand dollars, and sales responded with the largest total ever; 3,022 coupes and 625 convertibles, with the coupe available at US$ 4,228 ($ 41,536 in 2023 dollars ) and the convertible at US$ 4,694 ($ 46,114 in 2023 dollars ). A center console was standard and distinguished it from

17510-489: The more aerodynamic slanted front end was only offered with the 4-4-2 option. "Oldsmobile" nameplates in a new sans-serif typeface replaced the former script ones. Inside was a slightly revised instrument panel with the clock relocated to the right side of the dash above the glovebox. This also marked the introduction of Oldsmobile's new mechanical digital clock. The Chevrolet inline six was replaced by Buick's 231 V6 (standard on all models except Salon and Vista Cruiser), while

17680-412: The name simultaneously. The compact Cutlass Calais , midsize Cutlass Ciera , Cutlass Cruiser station wagon , and flagship midsize Cutlass Supreme were among the models available during this time. In the 1990s, Oldsmobile began moving away from its traditional model lines, with other legacy vehicle nameplates like the 98 and 88 being discontinued in 1996 and 1999, respectively. The Cutlass name

17850-480: The new "Y-body" platform with the Buick Special and Pontiac Tempest , using a 112-inch (2845 mm) wheelbase and still-novel unibody construction. It was Oldsmobile's smallest, budget priced model—some two feet (60 cm) shorter and $ 451 ($ 4,645 in 2023 dollars ) less than the next-smallest Olds, the full-sized Dynamic 88 . The F-85 had double wishbone front suspension and a four-link live axle in

18020-482: The new intermediate muscle car market created by the Pontiac GTO that same year. Sales increased to 167,002 for 1964, not counting Vista Cruisers. For 1965 a modest facelift increased overall length to 204.3 inches (5,190 mm) while the front end received a "dumbbell-style" grille similar to full-sized Olds models. A bigger 400 cu in (6.6 L) engine was included with the 4-4-2 option, based on

18190-562: The newly introduced 425 cu in (6.9 L) engine from the full-sized Oldsmobiles while the Buick 225 V6 and Olds 330 Jetfire Rocket V8 were carried over from the previous year, with increased power ratings for the V8 options. Sales increased again to 187,097. The year 1965 was the first for Oldsmobile's "Rocket" logo that would last, with minor variations, until the 1990s. The 1966 models were slightly restyled again, with body lines similar to

18360-414: The no-cost option 4-speed manual with Hurst shift linkage. Every feature on the 300L could be ordered as an option on the regular 300; thus, the only difference was the 300L-exclusive ornamentation. This consisted of round "300L" medallions at the center of the die-cast grille star and in the middle of the textured aluminum applique between the taillights, a red-paint-filled full-length beltline molding, and

18530-407: The odometer and a speedometer that went to 150 mph (241.4 km/h), while the right side contained an ammeter, fuel gauge, oil pressure indicator, and water temperature gauges. A clock with a sweeping second hand is installed between the two directly centered to the steering column. Power adjustable swivel seats were standard but were synchronized to the opening of the door while accommodating

18700-490: The only engine option. With the introduction of the Chrysler B platform Dodge Coronet and the Plymouth Satellite , the performance coupe tradition was handed off from the 300 and the subsequent letter series model naming convention was discontinued. Engine output was 360 hp (268 kW; 365 PS), as in the previous year. The buyer could choose between the standard 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic and

18870-498: The only way to mitigate this was to use a 50/50 mixture of methanol and distilled water . The F-85 was restyled for the 1963 model year, to a crisper, more squared off design than the one of the 1961–62 models. While the wheelbase was unchanged at 112 inches, the new sheetmetal added 4 inches (100 mm) to the F-85's rear overhang, increasing overall length to 192.2 inches (4,880 mm). The Jetfire and its turbocharged V8 returned, for what would be its final year. Three-row seating

19040-419: The opposite side of the engine. The carburetors and air cleaners hung off the sides of the engine over the fender wells. These long tubes were tuned so that resonances in the column of air helped force air into the cylinders at those engine speeds. A special 400 hp (300 kW) "short ram" version optimized for higher engine speeds was produced for competition. The overall tube length remained at 30", but

19210-445: The pace car for the 1972 Indy race. Hurst Performance stepped up and volunteered to sponsor the 1972 Pace car. Oldsmobile provided the Cutlass Supreme coupe and convertible. It was the only time an Indy Pace car was sponsored by a manufacturer other than an automobile manufacturer, and first time to include a major supplier's name in the title. The 1972 edition of the Hurst/Olds had some of the lowest production numbers of any produced with

19380-512: The practice of the top-spec engine being standard on the letter series. The redesigned, otherwise low-key interior featured an oddly squared steering wheel, shared with all Chrysler products for that year. The 300J was faster than the standard 300H of the year before, with a 142 mph (229 km/h) top speed, 8.0 seconds 0-60 mph, and a standing quarter mile time of 15.8 seconds with a terminal velocity of 89 mph (143 km/h). Sales were especially poor, with only 400 cars produced, while

19550-464: The previous eggcrate grille and only appeared for 1959. New for 1959 was the installation of Goodyear Blue Streak bias-ply tires on 14 in wheels which are now classified as Vintage Racing tires. Attention to detail was evident in the standard features included. The instrument cluster continued the tradition of easy-to- read gauges with two large circular gauges with a engine turned , sometimes also called perlée appearance. The left cluster contained

19720-506: The previous model returned, and a new Vista Cruiser , a stretched-wheelbase (120 inches (3,000 mm)) version of the standard station wagon featuring a raised rear roof with tinted skylights and a fold-down, forward-facing third seat, debuted on February 4, 1964. The 4-4-2 model, derived from the BO-9 police package, was also introduced in March 1964 (costing $ 285.14 in 1964), as an answer to

19890-412: The primitive onboard computer which controlled the injection system, however, vehicles installed with the fuel injection option were recalled and retrofitted with dual four barrel carburetors . Cars that were originally installed with the fuel injection had a special "300D" badge attached to the rear fender with additional "fuel injection" script included. Due to the 300D continuing to be a sub-model of

20060-581: The racetrack. The listed retail price was $ 4,242 ($ 47,539 in 2023 dollars ). The 1957 model year 300C was corporately shared with an all new appearance for Chrysler products called the " Forward Look " and featuring a "yawning" wide trapezoid-shaped front grille which was unique to the 300C, "Vista-Dome" windshield, dual headlights, and gradually rising tailfins starting from the doors similar to Chrysler-branded products. The wheel diameter changed from 15 in (381 mm) to 14 in (356 mm) while continuing to use drum brakes for all wheels, and to keep

20230-556: The rear, suspended with coil springs all around; the drum brakes had a diameter of 9.5 inches (240 mm). Unlike its platform mates, the first-generation F-85 was only ever offered with a V8 engine. Standard engine was the new Rockette 215 cu in (3.5 L) all-aluminum V8 , Oldsmobile's version of the Buick aluminum V8 , which later became the Rover V8 . With a two-barrel carburetor and an 8.75:1 compression ratio , it

20400-415: The regular 442 came standard with a 365-horsepower 455 Rocket V8, or an optional 370 horsepower (280 kW) W-30 version of same engine. For 1970, Olds planned to bring back the Hurst/Olds, but as a lower-priced companion to the 442 with a smaller 350 cubic-inch V8 and special graphics. That planned '70 H/O ended up being introduced as the mid-year Rallye 350, which featured a bright yellow paint scheme for

20570-474: The remainder of the unique Hurst components were added. This included black accent paint with hand-applied white pinstripes, real walnut dash trim, H/O emblems, and Dual Gate shifter and mini-console. The Hurst/Olds returned for the 1969 model year. The biggest change was the switch from the silver and black paint scheme of '68 to a new Firefrost gold on white paint scheme. This would be the primary paint scheme for many Hurst/Olds models of later years. Instead of

20740-469: The retail price was listed at US$ 5,184 ($ 51,592 in 2023 dollars ). The exterior color list was updated to Formal Black, Claret Red, Oyster White, Alabaster, and Madison Grey metallic while the standard (and only) interior was Claret Red leather. The 300 convertible was now demoted to the Sport Series, and was the official pace car for the 1963 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, and the car could be provided with exterior markings on commercially sold cars, where it

20910-516: The same approach to luxury and performance in a coupe or convertible and the Buick Wildcat . Inside, the 300 Sport Series hardtop coupe was installed with standard bench seats front and rear, similar to the Newport, while the 300H had standard bucket seats front and rear with the full length center console, and were also offered on the New Yorker Custom coupe. This was also the last year for

21080-416: The same exterior sheetmetal as the 1970, but with a new hood, grille, and headlight assemblies, as well as new bumpers and taillights. Four new exterior body colors were offered, Viking Blue, Lime Green, Bittersweet, and Saturn Gold. The famous "Rocket" V8 continued in several different sizes and power options, with both the large 455 and 'small-block' 350 available with either 2- or 4-barrel carburetors. This

21250-607: The single-letter suffix of its forebears and appeared five years after the last Letter Series Chrysler, the 300L. Many automobile historians do not include the Hurst 300 as a Letter Series model. The concept of the car, however, does fit with the Letter Series cars, as it was a high-performance variant of the luxury 300, built with the input of aftermarket parts manufacturer Hurst Performance . Only 485 units are believed to have been built. The Hurst 300s were all 2-door and shared

21420-462: The standard engine and automatic transmission, and recorded a 0–60 (0–96 km/h) time of 14.5 seconds, with a top speed just over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). They praised its construction, but found its steering too slow and its suspension too soft for enthusiastic driving. For 1962 styling changes were minor, and included a new grille, different chrome ornamentation on the bodysides and new interior trim. The existing F-85 models returned, and

21590-436: The steering wheel returned to the center position. To the right of the steering wheel but left of the radio were pushbutton controls for the ventilation and air conditioning while retaining the use of a lever for temperature control. The bodywork was also redone for 1960, using Chrysler's new lightweight unibody construction and given sharper-edged styling with outward-tilting fins that were visually separated from sides, while

21760-483: The steering wheel were removed and instead a console mounted transmission selector was introduced, while a manual transmission was also available. The 1965 300L was the eleventh and final model in the traditional letter series. Like every other 1965 Chrysler, it featured a completely restyled body with the crisp lines, slab sides and a tall greenhouse passenger compartment that were introduced by Elwood Engel , successor of Virgil Exner as Chrysler's head of styling. It

21930-399: The styling of the 300C and subsequent generations remained minimal. A total of 1,918 coupes and 484 convertibles were built. All Chrysler products introduced the all-new torsion bar front suspension , called Torsion-Aire, which replaced the previous coil spring front suspension and the new Airtemp air-conditioner, a $ 495 option, was offered ($ 5,370 in 2023 dollars ). The 1958 model year

22100-600: The subsequent letter series seem less special and less desirable to collectors. At an auction at the Robson Estate in Gainesville, Georgia on November 13, 2010, the sole 1960 300F convertible equipped with the factory 400 hp (298 kW) engine and the Pont-a-Mousson 4-speed sold for $ 437,250. There was one concept vehicle called the Chrysler 300, created in 1991. It featured a sports car body and

22270-529: The swivel feature for the front bucket seats while the previous full-length center console was now limited to the front with the rear compartment reverting to a bench seat. To address quality and reliability concerns, Chrysler in 1963 introduced a five-year/50,000-mile warranty, a business practice that was unheard of by its competitors in the 1960s The only available engine was the 413 cu in (6.8 L) ram-induction V8 , with an increase of 10 hp (7.5 kW) from 1962; this temporarily re-established

22440-420: The tan leather interior remained. NASCAR team owner Carl Kiekhaefer 's raced the 300B, among other cars, and won 22 out of 41 races, including 16 races consecutively; One of his racers was famous racer Buck Baker , who drove 300B's. Kiekhaefer would purchase cars from Chrysler and modify a few appearance features but essentially raced the cars as they were, with leather interior and other standard features, on

22610-469: The three dimensional instrument cluster. The exterior color list was shortened to Formal Black, Toreador Red metallic, Alaskan White, and Terra Cotta metallic while the standard interior color remained as tan leather. The dash had been designed with Chrysler's push-button controls for the TorqueFlite automatic in mind, with the "AstraDome" instrument cluster covering the part of the steering column

22780-479: The top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants. These included the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, the upscale Cutlass Supreme in 1966, the high-performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, and the Vista Cruiser station wagon . By the 1980s, Oldsmobile was using the Cutlass as a sub- marque , with numerous vehicle lines bearing

22950-497: The transmission decide when to shift. Or it could be placed in a manual mode, much like today's computer-controlled automatics. A 1970-only offering was the Oldsmobile Rallye 350 , a value-priced high-performance model using the 350 engine. It was intended for younger buyers that wanted the performance and looks of a supercar , but might have trouble with the rising insurance premiums associated with 455-engined cars like

23120-510: The tuned portion of the stacks was only 15 in (380 mm), favoring high RPMs. Only 15 "short ram" cars were produced; these were also fitted with the exotic but often troublesome French manufactured Pont-a-Mousson 4-speed manual transmissions developed for the Chrysler-powered Facel Vega . Approximately 4 of these "Special Gran Turismo" are known to exist, including one convertible and one with air conditioning; it

23290-569: The war effort, and emphasizing their contribution was reflected in the division's decision to name their products after fighter aircraft. Starting in 1929, GM did own Allison Engine Company which manufactured aircraft engines for the United States Military until 1992 when the Allison Division was sold. General Motors began developing its first compact cars in 1956, beginning with initial planning on what would become

23460-556: Was a linear look and the panoramic windshield that had been used since 1957 was abandoned. The car had grown two inches in wheelbase and three inches in overall length. Both 2-door hardtop (with crease lines in the roof sheetmetal for the then-popular "convertible look") and 2-door convertible body styles were available. The cross-ram 390 hp engine had been discontinued, leaving the 413 cu in (6.8 L) engine with regular inlet manifold, single 4-barrel carburetion, unsilenced air cleaner, special camshaft and dual exhaust as

23630-469: Was a series of automobiles produced by General Motors ' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's entry-level model; it began as a unibody compact car , but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate . The Cutlass was named after Vought F7U Cutlass , as well as the type of sword , which was common during the Age of Sail . Introduced as

23800-572: Was added to the Supreme Brougham line, while the Salon lost its sedan version. 632,742 Cutlasses were built in 1977, the highest production for the model. The 1978 Cutlass was downsized to the new version of GM's A-body with a shorter, 108-inch (2,743 mm) wheelbase. This Cutlass was lighter than earlier versions at around 3,300 pounds (1,500 kg), and it could be ordered with any of several engines built by GM's different divisions;

23970-772: Was adjusted to have slightly more positive camber than the right which resulted in a more uniform and stable steering feel on high-crown road surfaces while maintaining excellent freeway cruise stability. Clearances for spring travel were improved for a smoother ride over all types of surfaces; the coil springs at each wheel were computer-selected to match the individual car's weight. Power brakes with front disc brake calipers were now standard on all '73 Cutlasses. Additional new features were an acoustical double-panel roof, tighter-fitting glass, flush style outside door handles, molded full foam front and rear seat construction, flow-through power ventilation system, inside hood release, refined Delcotron generator and sealed side-terminal battery,

24140-432: Was also the first H/O that did not offer a 455 engine. It was, however, the only GM G-body to offer a 350 V8 in 1979. It was also the first W-30 to come with the Olds 350 and not the Olds 455. White and black again were the color choices, but with a wider choice of interior trims than ever before. Gold paint covered the hood, most of the top, and the very rear of the trunk. The aluminum wheels were also painted gold, along with

24310-571: Was also the only engine available for California cars. The 1974 Hurst/Olds was intended to be a pace car but because the Indy 500 track required convertibles for the parade lap cars, the Delta 88 was chosen. These cars were used as track cars to parade celebrities and guests on the track. There were a total of 92 Hurst/Olds Parade cars. The Hurst/Olds in 1975 was the first General Motors car to have "Hurst/Hatch" removable T-Top style roof installed. The car

24480-505: Was available for the first time and was listed at US$ 5,359 ($ 58,136 in 2023 dollars ) while the two-door hardtop was listed at US$ 4,929 ($ 53,471 in 2023 dollars ). In comparison, a 1957 Imperial Crown Convertible was listed at US$ 5,598 ($ 57,655 in 2023 dollars ). GM's Pontiac Division introduced the Pontiac Bonneville as a convertible only, offering fuel injection and a similar price tag but offered lower luxury content and

24650-446: Was built after one of the original two was destroyed). The 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 (W46) was rated at 380 horsepower (280 kW) and 500 lb/ft of torque. This is the same engine as A/C equipped 68 Hurst Olds' and provided better drivability. The same engine was used for both A/C and non-A/C cars. The engine received a unique intake manifold, chrome steel valve covers, and a special vacuum operated air cleaner lid to allow cold air from

24820-646: Was cancelled in November 1964 "to reduce scheduling and plant complexity". But in 1965 the 300M was revived, this time powered by the 425 hp (317 kW), 426 Hemi engine and a planned production run of 4298, of which 500 were to have the Hemi engine, a $ 1250 option. The Hemi cars would also feature a dual-faced "7-Liter Hemi" medallion. This proposal was also cancelled as the letter series 300s had lost their prestige and exclusivity as they were simply non-letter series 300s with letter badges. The 300M name would not be used again until 1999. The 1970 Hurst 300 lacks

24990-534: Was discontinued entirely with the three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic now the sole offering for shiftless driving. Cutlass S coupes with the optional Strato bucket seats and Turbo Hydra-matic could be equipped with the Hurst Dual-Gate shifter (also known as the "His and Her-Shifter") in conjunction with the extra-cost center console. The Hurst Dual-Gate made it possible to either put the transmission in Drive, and let

25160-415: Was discontinued while the "300" remained. At its introduction it was advertised as "America's Most Powerful Car". The 300 "letter series" cars were among the vehicles built by Chrysler after World War II that focused on performance, and thus can be considered the beginning of the muscle car , though full-sized and more expensive. Chrysler had a long history of producing race car products going back to

25330-449: Was discontinued. The 1969 F-85/Cutlass models received only minor trim changes from their '68 counterparts such as a now-Olds trademark split grille with vertical bars and vertical taillights. Per federal safety regulations, headrests were now standard equipment and the ignition switch moved from the instrument panel to the steering column to lock the steering wheel when not in use, in common with all other 1969-model GM cars, one year before

25500-451: Was dropped on station wagons. On automatic transmission models only, the compression ratio of the "Cutlass" engine was raised to 10.75:1, pushing output to 185 hp (188 PS; 138 kW) at 4800 rpm and 235 lb⋅ft (319 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm. A Delcotron alternator became standard on all models, as well as on the rest of the Oldsmobile car line. Overall sales climbed again to 121,639, of which 53,492 were Cutlasses. When

25670-517: Was dropped, with the Cutlass S nameplate now applied to the entry-level coupe and sedan this year – both of which featured an aerodynamic slanted front nose in contrast to the upright front ends of other Cutlass models including the Cutlass Supreme coupe, sedan and wagon, Vista Cruiser wagon, Cutlass Salon coupe and sedan, and the new Cutlass Supreme Brougham coupe. The 4-4-2 option was still offered on Cutlass S coupes as an appearance/handling package. Engine offerings were carried over from 1975 including

25840-469: Was installed, along with 3.73 gears and Hurst's radical Lightning Rods shifter. Dual exhausts with rumbling mufflers meant there was no mistaking the H/O for a garden variety Cutlass. A new style "Hurst/Olds" emblem was introduced, and red and silver stripes separated the black and silver paint. Demand for the car was very strong. Originally, 2500 units were scheduled to be produced, but Olds had to up that number to 3001 because of high demand. That may have been

26010-431: Was introduced that would become an Olds Cutlass trademark in coming years, lasting into the late 1980s. Coupe bodies were reshaped for a smoother, less contoured look than the 1973–75 design, a design change shared with Buick's A-body coupes. Cutlass sedans and wagons kept their bulges through the end of model year 1977. Taillights were revised and the license plate/fuel filler was moved above the bumper. The base Cutlass line

26180-474: Was likewise retired in 1999 in favor of the all-new Oldsmobile Alero , ending nearly 40 years of continuous Cutlass production. Oldsmobile first used the Cutlass name on an experimental sports coupe designed in 1954. It rode a 110 in (2,800 mm) wheelbase, and featured a dramatic boat-tailed fastback roofline and stock V8 . Its platform was similar to the compact F-85 introduced seven years later. For model years 1939 and 1940, Oldsmobile introduced

26350-461: Was marketed as the 300 Pacesetter, an approach previously used on the 1956 DeSoto Fireflite Pacesetter . Power steering was standard and an addition was made to the TorqueFlite control panel where a "Park" lever was added alongside the control buttons so that when the transmission was placed in neutral the park lever was moved to the bottom to engage the function. The convertible returned for

26520-446: Was mated to a code OW three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission with console-mounted Hurst Dual-Gate shifter that permitted automatic or manually ratcheted shifting. 515 production examples of the 1968 model were built in 2 body styles. There were 51 Sport coupes and 464 Holiday coupes manufactured. The Hurst/Olds was the only GM intermediate-sized car to offer an engine larger than 400 cu in (6.6 L) thanks to

26690-571: Was not available in 1955. Measured at 127.58 mph (205.32 km/h) in the Flying Mile, and doing well in NASCAR , the C-300 aroused interest that was not reflected in its modest sales figure of 1,725, and the listed retail price of US$ 4,100 ($ 46,633 in 2023 dollars ). When the C-300 competed in NASCAR, it was painted to advertise that it was the "world's fastest stock car". In February 1954

26860-448: Was rated 155 brake horsepower (116 kW; 157 PS) at 4,800 rpm and 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m) at 3,200 rpm. Specifications for the base engine remained the same throughout the 1961–1963 production run. The first-year F-85 was offered in two body styles, a four-door sedan or a four-door station wagon with either two or three seats, and in a choice of two trim levels, base or De Luxe. Transmission options were initially

27030-518: Was skipped over and the first iteration became the "300J". Shared with the 300 Sport Series , Newport and New Yorker series, this body design featured wide C-pillars, minimized bright trim and was the last one styled during Virgil Exner's term as Chrysler's styling chief. Medallions featuring CHRYSLER THREE HUNDRED lettering surrounding a large J were mounted on the C-pillars and the rear deck. The standard leather-upholstered interior did away with

27200-528: Was the Cutlass Supreme four-door hardtop sedan also dubbed the Holiday Sedan by Oldsmobile, the first such body style for Olds' intermediate line. Changes for 1967 included the availability of optional disc brakes and the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic to supplement the two-speed Jetaway. A new option was the Turnpike Cruiser package on Cutlass Supreme coupes and convertibles, which used

27370-576: Was the Highway Hi-Fi phonograph player. This was the last year that coil springs were used for the front suspension. With the optional 10:1 compression ratio, brake horsepower became 355 hp (265 kW) from the same 354 cu in (5.8 L) engine, and the 300B became the first American car to produce 1 horsepower per cubic inch, besting Chevrolet with their fuel-injected 283 cu in (4.6 L) by one year. Colors were updated to Regimental Red, Cloud White and Black while

27540-485: Was the L74 air-inducted high-compression 350 cu.in. Rocket V8 engine, fitted with a Quadrajet carburetor and producing 310 hp (230 kW). Required options were the associated "Force-Air" fiberglass vented hood, dual exhaust with 4-4-2-style megaphone outlets, 3.23:1 axle ratio, heavy-duty "Rallye-Sport Suspension" with front and rear stabilizers , sports mirrors and sports steering wheel. The 1971 model shared much of

27710-476: Was the 300K Silver Edition. It was offered only as a 2-door hardtop in Silver Mist metallic paint, a vinyl half-roof that gave a targa top appearance and bucket front seats with a reclining passenger seat. The bucket seats in all cars were redesigned with the result being a thicker, more substantial look. Previous generations starting in 1955 earned the 300 the reputation of being "the banker's hotrod", but

27880-537: Was the L75 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 rated at 250 net horsepower (U in VIN). Optional at extra cost was the W-30 option with the L77 455, a blueprinted engine rated at 300 net horsepower (X in VIN). Both engines were mated to a Turbo Hydra-matic 400 transmission with console-mounted Hurst Dual-Gate shifter. All of the 1972 Hurst/Olds had the black Strato bucket interior with a center console. Special Hurst/Olds Pace Car badging adorned

28050-435: Was the first Hurst Olds to be offered in two color schemes-black/gold or white/gold. A grand total of 1,097 Hurst/Olds were produced for 1973 with about 60% being white/gold and about 40% being black/gold under option code W-45, unless ordered without air conditioning, which was option code W-46. Hurst-only options included a console mounted digital tachometer, air shocks, and alarm system. The Hurst/Olds returned in 1974 with

28220-677: Was the first year that the United States Environmental Protection Agency mandated the addition of catalytic converters mounted in the exhaust system. Due to the added expense, only single exhaust was available. The hood from the 1974 Hurst/Olds, with the center mounted louvers , carried over. 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

28390-450: Was the last year for the 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, as it had not been a popular offering in Olds intermediates. All engines were now fitted with hardened valve seats, preparing for the upcoming mandate for unleaded gasoline that took effect with the introduction of catalytic converters on 1975 models. The 1971 Olds engines also featured lowered compression ratios and designed to run on regular leaded, low-lead or unleaded gasoline with

28560-464: Was the last year of body on frame chassis. Total sales included 522 coupes and 125 convertibles and the front grille and exterior styling retained the previous years appearance instead of adopting the corporate Chrysler appearance shared with Imperial for 1959. A small "300" badge was installed on the left side of the grille perpendicular to the headlights, while the grille was updated to narrow horizontal red bars highlighted by four chrome bars in place of

28730-583: Was to be the last use of the FirePower Hemi in the 300. The engine was still 392 cu in (6.4 L), but tuned to 380 hp (280 kW) as standard, while the 392 CID engine was exclusive to the 300 and Imperials. Thirty-five cars were built with an extremely rare option called the Bendix "Electrojector" fuel injection , with which the 392 cu in (6.4 L) V8 was rated at 390 bhp (291 kW). Due to reliability problems with

28900-484: Was updated to offer Raven Black, Aztec Turquoise, Mesa Tan, Tahitian Coral, Matador Red and Ermine White while the interior was tan leather standard and optional interior choices were available from the New Yorker list of which the 300 was based. A 300D was driven to 156.387 mph (251.7 km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats that year, and another was driven at the Daytona Flying Mile, producing

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