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1 Of 2,499: 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds

When it comes to the late sixties and seventies muscle cars, the Hurst/Olds sure ticked a lot of the right boxes.  The earliest examples were based on the 4-4-2 in 1968, but instead of a 400 under the hood, you got a 455, which was unusual as it went against the grain of the GM corporate mindset at the time that 400 cubic inches was the limit for an intermediate body.  The H/O had an on-again-off-again tenure for Oldsmobile, with the 1979 cars being a bit unique in that they were the only model that didn’t either have an offering the year before or the year after.  If you’ve been thinking about how cool it would be to have one of these in your garage, this 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds here on Craigslist may be worth checking out.  It’s located not far from the Florida line down in Valdosta, Georgia, and comes with an asking price of $11,500.

Jack M. brought this one to our attention and we’d like to say thanks to him for the tip!  When the Hurst/Olds returned for ’79, it was in the midst of GM focusing on downsizing many of their vehicles.  Based on the Cutlass Calais, this one was built entirely by Oldsmobile, with your color choices limited to black or white, but you also got gold on lots of the top areas and on the back of the trunk lid.  We aren’t told a whole lot of background information on this particular car, other than the owner saying it’s hard to find one in such great condition.  The parts of the exterior we do get to see certainly seem to reflect the assessment, but we don’t get to see the passenger side at all plus there’s no word on whether or not the finish is original.  In any event, what is in view seems like enough to merit consideration if you’re wanting to make this one yours.

The days of big blocks and 10.5:1 compression were gone for the H/O by the time the ’79 model came around, and it was the first in the car’s history that a 455 engine wasn’t offered.  But considering the norms for the time period, it’s actually a more than decent package from a performance standpoint.  The Hurst/Olds utilized a 350 cubic inch Oldsmobile L34 motor, which is said to have been rebuilt to factory specs on this car.  I’m guessing the owner means internally, as there are some aftermarket ignition parts and dress-up pieces on the outside, but it all looks to be in good order and very business-like in the engine compartment.  These also came equipped with a Turbo 350 transmission, although no word on if the one in this car has ever had an overhaul.

In addition to no photo of the passenger side, we also don’t get to see a single picture of the interior and not even a mention of it other than the seller saying the seats need to be reupholstered.  There are plenty of things in life where less is more, but minimal photos in a car listing ain’t one of them, so I’d ask for at least a handful of shots from in there before proceeding.  No information is offered about the underside or any photos from down below either, so that’s probably worth inquiring about too.  Is the 1979 model a Hurst/Olds you’d consider buying?  Is $11.5k a reasonable price for this one?

Comments

  1. angliagt angliagt Member

    Interesting wheels on this.Are they composite?

    Like 1
    • DVSCAPRI

      No, they are aluminum – they were only available on the H.O. if I remember correctly.

      Like 6
      • DGMinGA

        The wheels are aluminum and were only available in the HO in gold, but they were available in silver finish as an option on the Cutlass Calais (bucket seats, floor shifter, full gauge package.) I have typically seen them on other two tone units, so maybe the two tone paint package got the aluminum wheels?

        Like 1
  2. Sam61

    Very nice…maybe the natural light but the gold looks too yellow… I’d take it.

    Like 11
    • MC

      Agreed, seems like either the camera or whoever mixed paint for this guy couldn’t get the colors right (engine is off too)

      Like 0
  3. Rw

    Used to be several of these running around Louisville KY back in the day.

    Like 0
  4. Stan

    Gorgeous lines Handsome Oldsmobile

    Like 0
  5. Bill West

    Nice unit! If it was the 455, wouldn’t it have a TH 400 trans? No belt on A/C, that’ll add a quick $1100 to the tab, but oh so worth it!

    Like 0
    • DGMinGA

      No 455 option in 1979. The 350 was choked down to 190 hp by then.

      Like 6
  6. Emel

    If there were still bumblebees around they would be drawn to this.

    So lucky for the present owner & future owner……there aren’t.
    Probably not a good thing for us either.

    Like 0
  7. Bob

    Was that the only motor option on those in 79 was the 350? Just was curious if they offered a little more? Does any one know? And I think 11,000.00 is a fair price. Considering the rarity…

    Like 0
    • DGMinGA

      Yes, the V8 options for Cutlass Supreme or Calais in 79 were 260 Olds in gas or diesel, 350 Olds diesel, or 305 Chevy. The only way to get the Olds 350 gas was the Hurst Olds package. Nothing bigger offered in 1979.

      Like 1
    • Steve

      And the only A body available with a 350, kinda like the 68 and 69 belong the only ones with a 455. H/O exclusive.

      Like 0

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