For the 1972 Indianapolis 500, no automaker in Detroit wanted to supply a pace car. The debacle that was the 1971 Dodge Challenger pace car was the reason why. However, ace automotive aftermarket stalwart Hurst Performance saw this as an opportunity to reunite with Oldsmobile and produce a distinctive vehicle for both Indy and the masses. The result was this 1972 Hurst/Olds, which is currently listed for sale on AutoHunter. Based on the W45 code on the data plate, it’s absolutely authentic.
The 1972 Hurst/Olds moved from the 4-4-2 to the Cutlass Supreme hardtop and convertible. All were Cameo White with Hurst Gold highlights and striping, W25 hood, off-white half vinyl top, notched rear bumper, color-matched racing mirrors with thermometer, and more. As all Hurst/Oldses were designated as pace car replicas, an owner had the option of adding the decals, which this car proudly displays, along with Indy-inspired flag holders with respective parade flags.
All Hurst/Olds models came with 14-inch Super Stock III wheels. This set is wrapped in 245/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised white-letter tires.
The black vinyl interior is typical Cutlass Supreme fare, which is a fine place to start. Buckets and console with W26 Hurst Dual-Gate shifter are the most prominent features on this Hurst/Olds. Other features include air conditioning, power steering, Custom-Sport steering wheel, AM Radio with 8-track tape player, and more. You’ll find a Hurst/Olds Indy 500 Pace Car plaque on the right side of the dashboard.
Instrumentation includes Oldsmobile’s Rally Pack, which featured gauges for the oil pressure, coolant temperature, and combination clock/7,000-rpm tachometer. The odometer currently reads 4,369 but the title also reads mileage-exempt.
The U-code 455 was rated at 250 net horsepower. Sitting atop the four-barrel is an OAI ram air system with vacuum-operated trap door. Like all Hurst/Oldses, it’s backed by a TH400 automatic. Rear gears are 3.42 Anti-Spin with W27 aluminum cover.
One of 499 Hurst/Olds hardtops built in 1972, this car strikes a nice cross among personal luxury, performance, and exclusivity. To make this 1972 Hurst/Olds Indy Pace Car exclusively yours, you must bid on this AutoHunter auction by Monday, February 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (MST).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
