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10/03/2026 10:09 am
This twin engine Hurst Oldsmobile 442 funny car was actually a test bed to prove the reliability of the FWD Toronado's chain driven transaxle which was being questioned in the media. Built on a tubular frame with aluminum body parts and plexiglass windows, the two "Hairy Olds" built had modified 425 cid V8s front and rear topped with 6-71 GMC blowers producing a combined 2400 HP. The first car in white with gold accents went to national exhibition drag events from 1966. The second, in gold, was built in 1967 but was wrecked in an exhibition race in Niagara, New York. The first Olds was resurrected starting in 2001 with a full frame off restoration and was finished in the 1967 car's gold/black. It was sold for $1 to the Olds Club. The wrecked 1967 car was sent back to Hurst and was dismantled for parts. The Toronado transaxle proved its reliability. The car was difficult to handle in a straight line due to the enormous torque steer. and with the rear engine pushing, the front tires would lose traction and the engine could easily over rev. On the strip it was a spectacular smoker that caused visibilty problems and oil would spray out of the valve cover breathers because of the superchargers' pressure. All the smoke and fury did make it a crowd favorite. Model by H61:
10/03/2026 11:58 am
"The first car in white with gold accents went to national exhibition drag events from 1966. The second, in gold, was built in 1967 but was wrecked. The first Olds was resurrected starting in 2001 with a full frame off restoration and was finished in the 1967 car's gold/black."
I never knew that. Thanks Rich.
Years ago, I asked about this car's cooling system - there are no radiators. Marty told me that water circulated through the frame, WILD!
You gotta love how the team re-badged this Ford transport truck as an "Oldsmobile!" What a great idea for a 1/18 project to compliment the HW61 car, right? 🤔 🤔 🤔
1/18 resin Ford C-700 are available. - just saying 😉 😉 😉
10/03/2026 1:15 pm
An interesting history...thanks Rich!
Topic starter
10/03/2026 1:53 pm
"The first car in white with gold accents went to national exhibition drag events from 1966. The second, in gold, was built in 1967 but was wrecked. The first Olds was resurrected starting in 2001 with a full frame off restoration and was finished in the 1967 car's gold/black."
I never knew that. Thanks Rich.
Years ago, I asked about this car's cooling system - there are no radiators. Marty told me that water circulated through the frame, WILD!
You gotta love how the team re-badged this Ford transport truck as an "Oldsmobile!" What a great idea for a 1/18 project to compliment the HW61 car, right? 🤔 🤔 🤔
1/18 resin Ford C-700 are available. - just saying 😉 😉 😉 I saw one built at a show but it was either 1/24 or 1/25.
10/03/2026 2:25 pm
"I saw one built at a show but it was either 1/24 or 1/25."
You saw one of these at a model show? Cool! 😎 😎 😎 It was probably 1/25.
10/03/2026 10:37 pm
@chris I really was expecting to see this… glad it was the Olds, I’m tired of people posting silly photos!
Christopher Moroni reacted