Highly Optioned: 1970 Hurst/Olds W-30

After a three-year absence, the Hurst/Olds landed in Oldsmobile showrooms for the 1979 model year. It was a welcome return, with 2,499 buyers taking one home before year’s end. Our feature car is a tidy survivor, but the original owner’s decision to load its interior with factory options gives it the comfort to match its performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting a classic that appears to need nothing but a new home.

Oldsmobile based the ’79 Hurst/Olds W-30 on its Cutlass Calais Coupe, with buyers able to choose between color combinations of Hurst Gold and Ebony Black or Hurst Gold and White to cloak the exterior. The latter is the rarer, chosen by 1,165 people. This is one of those cars, and the indications are that it is an unrestored survivor. It presents extremely well for its age because, despite the fact the paint doesn’t hold a mirror shine, it has a consistent glow across the entire exterior that suggests it has been sheltered from the worst that Mother Nature could throw at it. The Gold hasn’t developed the patchiness that sometimes plagues this shade, and there are no significant flaws or defects. The panels are straight, and I can’t see any sign of developing rust that might cause the buyer headaches. The trim and glass are impressive for a vehicle with forty-five years under its belt, and the alloy wheels with their Gold highlights are free from stains and physical damage.

Powering the W-30 is the company’s 350ci V8, producing 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, with no manual option available. However, when combined with the power-assisted steering and front disc brakes, it should provide an effortless driving experience. Performance may not be impressive by modern standards, but the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 17 seconds was considered noteworthy during the height of The Malaise Era. The seller doesn’t provide specific information on this car’s mechanical health, but their use of the word “great” when describing its overall condition suggests the news should be positive.

The defining feature of the ’79 Hurst/Olds interior is undoubtedly the Hurst dual-gate shifter. This is intact, although it is the first owner’s choice of factory options that makes this classic that little bit special. They selected air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a remote driver’s mirror, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo radio to supplement the standard tilt wheel and woodgrain trim. The upholstered surfaces are impressive, with no evidence of major wear on the cloth or vinyl. The carpet is clean and free from significant marks, while there are no signs that the dash, pad, or plastic is succumbing to age or UV exposure.

The seller listed this 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds W-30 here on Craigslist in beautiful Granger, Iowa. Their price of $18,000 OBO is in line with market expectations, especially considering it is an unmolested vehicle with no apparent needs. Values have remained stable during the past year, with no sign of fluctuation in either direction. This classic has only been on the market for around a day, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. It will be fascinating to learn whether we have readers who might consider contacting the seller to negotiate an in-person inspection.