After an absence of three years, the iconic Hurst/Olds returned to Oldsmobile’s product lineup in 1979. Unlike its predecessors, the company produced this new model entirely in-house, although they utilized Hurst components to justify the model name. The seller has remained the custodian of this Hurst/Olds since 2006, but lack of recent use means they feel it needs to go to a new home and someone who will appreciate all it offers. It isn’t perfect, but it could represent a satisfying restoration project. The Olds is listed here on eBay in Zachary, Louisiana. Bidding sits at $8975 in a No Reserve auction. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this classic.

Buyers could order their 1979 Hurst/Olds finished in White or Ebony Black with contrasting Gold on the hood, roof, and the back of the trunk lid. The original owner selected Ebony Black, which would have looked striking when it was new. Time has caught up with it, and a cosmetic restoration is its most pressing need. However, the buyer faces rust repairs on the trunk lid, with the problems clearly visible in this shot. The seller indicates it is the only rust issue and encourages an in-person inspection for interested parties harboring doubts about the state of the floors. The panels look pretty straight, and the original owner’s decision to specify a T-Top adds to the car’s appeal. Unlike many T-Tops from this era, the seals remain intact, with no evidence of water leaks or other problems. The glass looks good, and the trim is acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle. The distinctive factory alloy wheels round out this classic’s exterior.

This Oldsmobile’s interior has no glaring faults, and its condition is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. However, it possesses that indefinable something that makes it look slightly tired. The situation may improve with a deep clean, but I’m unsure. I think it could be that while there are no major problems, the tiny issues, like the marks on the console and wheel, combine to make it look slightly rough around the edges. The only aftermarket addition is a CD player, with the car retaining its factory comfort and convenience features. They include air conditioning, power windows, a remote driver’s mirror, a tilt wheel, and the distinctive dual-gate Hurst shifter that gives this classic its model designation.

It takes a single glance at the figures to understand how performance classics like the 1979 Hurst/Olds hurt during The Malaise Era. This car’s engine bay houses the L34 version of the 350ci V8, producing 170hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. With 3,443lbs to shift, the journey down the ¼-mile should take 17 seconds before the 350 runs out of breath at 119mph. Considering a 350-equipped 1970 Cutlass used 310hp to propel the car over the same distance in 15.5 seconds, it’s easy to see why performance enthusiasts became despondent as the decade progressed. The seller says the car runs and drives but has a few needs. They suggest rebuilds for the brake booster and carburetor but say the engine and transmission feel strong. The fluids and oils are clear, suggesting there are no problems likely to cause a new owner heartache or sleepless nights.

Considering its overall condition and apparent needs, the modest bidding on this 1979 Hurst/Olds W-30 doesn’t surprise me. It requires a cosmetic refresh, and the visible rust would motivate me to accept the seller’s invitation for an in-person inspection. These aren’t mega-bucks classics, although buyers eagerly snapped up the low production total of 2,499 built by Oldsmobile in 1979. This car demonstrates why it pays to consider more than one source when determining the value of any classic. NADA and Hagerty offer a yawning chasm between their figures, with the former rating a #3 at $3,000, while the latter quotes $13,000 for the same car. The condition of this car doesn’t justify the higher figure, although the bidding could potentially top $10,000. Would you consider this car at that figure, or don’t you see the figure as justified?