Compared to the Hurst/Olds offerings from earlier times, the 1979 model doesn’t deliver the same level of performance that could be had by many of its predecessors. What’s important to remember here is the state of the auto industry in general during this period, when large engines and poor gas mileage were frowned upon. In that sense, the fact that the ’79 H/O was as potent a performer as it was is a blessing, and the car still retained good looks despite changes under the hood. This 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds here on Craigslist could stand some cosmetic improvements, but the reasonable asking price of $7,200 leads me to believe someone will snap this one up quickly. This cool Olds is located in Citrus Heights, California, if you’re ready to go check it out in person and bring the seller an offer. We want to thank Barn Finds reader numskal for the tip here!
One interesting note regarding the ’79 edition is that it was the sole model that didn’t have a H/O the year before or after, making it somewhat unusual in the lineup and easily identifiable. Buyers could choose from either a black or white finish, with this one sporting the latter plus the attractive gold accents on the hood, top, and rear section of the trunk lid. The body appears decently preserved overall, with the only section of rust mentioned being a small spot on the left rear area of the trunk. With the lack of corrosion elsewhere, it makes me curious if perhaps a dealer drilled a couple of screw holes and attached a metal dealership name tag here, but that’s only speculation. A few minor repairs and a fresh paint job would really help make this Olds look great again outside.
Another change for 1979 was engine availability, as this was the first time in the car’s history that a 455 couldn’t be had under the hood. Instead, buyers got a 350 V8, corporately known as the L34, delivering 170 net horsepower. However, the Hurst/Olds was the only General Motors G-Body to even offer a 350 that year, so for that reason, it should be praised! The owner mentions that this one sat for about nine years, and while it’s said to be running and driving well, there are a couple of coolant seeps pointed out. Some good news is that the automatic transmission has already been rebuilt.
The interior appears in reasonable condition for a driver, with those artificial turf floor mats winning the elephant-in-the-room award. A trip to your favorite auto parts store should score you some tan or brown floor protectors quickly, and hopefully, that aftermarket dash cover is just there for protection and not hiding anything. Another positive inside is that the A/C is stated to be blowing cold, and it’s fun that the factory Hurst dual-gate shifter is still in place. This 1979 Hurst/Olds could use some love and detailing, but for $7,200, this one almost sounds like a bargain. What are your thoughts here?
Solid project car
My first car at age 16 was a 1979 Cutlass Calais with T-tops. I loved that car, and now I have a resto-modded version. I longed for a 79 Hurst back then, and looked at a few before buying my resto-mod base car. I wanted to do more customization, and didn’t want to “mess up” a limited edition that others might deem collectible in its original condition, so I decided against buying a Hurst Olds. This one looks like a very solid start for a restoration, or at least clean up. While the Olds “Rocket” 350 had lost a lot of pep by 79, I understand it is fairly easy to pep it up with a cam and carb upgrade that won’t be visually noticeable, but will make it sound and move better. The interior components are largely the same from 1978 – 1987, and readily available. My original 79 had the same interior as this one. The “camel tan” is light colored and shows stains. The original fabric is discontinued, but replacement covers in a very similar fabric and pattern are available. The interior plastic parts are prone to fading, and the seatbacks were notorious for showing scratches. In my first car, a good trim shop covered the seatbacks with vinyl that matched the piping and side panels of the seats. In my current car, I repainted the plastic panels and they turned out great, but my current car interior is dark carmine red. The lighter camel tan will probably be a little more tricky to get right. The dash definitely should be checked out – they were prone to cracking and warping if left out in the sun. Vinyl covers are available and are generally less expensive and less trouble than finding an undamaged original. The gold tone aluminum wheels were unique to the Hurst Olds of this year, and I don’t think any reproductions are available. Having all 4 of those in good condition is a big plus. I believe they are 15″, so tire choices will be limited. As a member of the Oldsmobile Club of America, I hope this one will get picked up by someone who will care for it.
Hurst Olds badges behind the side windows look too high. Repaint?
Good eye Vin. Those don’t look good or right up there. As for this model, Dr Olds delivered it well for 79′. Great square Nascar style. Rochester 4bbl 350ci, 275lb-ft
2.73 gear std. Opt 3.08. A 4sp. stick availability would’ve been icing on the cake 🎂
Thanks as always Stephens ✍️
Thank you Stan, yeah wouldn’t a manual have been great here!
You are correct – those are definitely riding high. It also appears to be missing the H/O emblem on the passenger side of the trunk lid and the hood ornament. It is also missing the Cutlass Calais script from the driver’s door panel and part of the chrome hinge cover from the driver’s seat. Those are available through a couple of vendors. The striping looks right – often on repaints they just do one shadow stripe rather than the two. It appears to have the most critical parts – the 350 engine, the Hurst shifter and gold tone aluminum wheels – the other stuff can all be replaced.
A trip to Pep Boys or eBay for floor mats, check on the coolant leak and you have a nice presentable cruiser to fix up at your leasure.
The prior generation was much better looking.
Behold the magnificence
Dripping in golden disco era regalia whilst sitting atop a throne of 170 hairy chested horsepower.
Never understood why the Hurst didn’t have a standard tranny… and you couldn’t order one if you wanted to.
Because the primary point of the Hurst edition was to promote the Hurst dual gate automatic shifter in the earlier models, and the Lightning Rods in the 80s models.
Yes, Hurst made “shifters” for manual transmissions, but that was just a rod and handle. Much more money to be made selling specialty auto shifters.
Nice green floor mats!
In 1979 we went to the olds dealer to look at the new Omega, and there in the front row was a new 1979 black and gold H/O with black vinyl interior (way better than tan velour or the burgundy velour which came in 83-84). Bought it on the spot, just under $10k MSRP, paid just over $9k. Drove it 8 yrs, built a 403 for it after getting beat on the interstate once, added 3.73 rear end out of wrecked 84 H/O a few yrs later. Ran a best of 12.75 quarter at 110 mph. Sorry I sold it.
One thing worth mentioning about a (good running) vehicle that has sat for many years and then brought back to life. you can bet the fuel system will need a rebuild, from tank to carb and the breaks will need the same. Also you can it will leak every color of fluid it has so at the least new seals to replace the old dried out ones….And some of those suckers require in-depth tear-down to get to.