Hurst Performance partnered with several automakers over the years, but its most notable may have been with Oldsmobile. Between 1968 and 1984, they partnered for 10 special editions, culminating in the 1983-84 models as the most popular. Those two years were known for their “Lightning Rod” shifters to celebrate 15+ years of working together. This 1984 edition is said to be a one-owner car, yet that’s all that the seller will share. Located in Forestville, Wisconsin, this low-mileage (28,000) muscle car is available here on craigslist for $32,000. Thanks for the tip, Tony Primo.
The first time a Hurst/Olds was offered was in 1968, and they were always based on a Cutlass or Cutlass Supreme. Prior to the 1983-84 versions, the 1979 model year was their last outing together. Muscle cars weren’t what they used to be, so the 1980s versions weren’t as potent as those of the 1960s. The most unique feature of the last two years was those Lightning Rod shifter paddles for the automatic transmission – and they took some getting used to. The 1983s were black in color while the 1984s were silver. 3,001 copies of the former were produced while 3,500 of the latter saw the light of day. These were the most-produced automobiles during their relationship.
A modified version of the Oldsmobile 307 cubic inch V8 was used in 1983-84 on the Hurst/Olds, which was a gussied-up Cutlass Supreme. The cars sounded great with dual exhaust and were decent performers for their era. The car was much more expensive than a standard Supreme, with an $8,500 upcharge for the distinctive Hurst/Olds package. We’re told this is a one-owner vehicle with less than 30k miles, so it’s spent a lot of its life in a garage.
I had one of these back in 1997. I bought it for $4500 and sold 6 months later. It ran fine, but it was slow as erosion. $32k is a hallucination.
I’ve never understood these shifters, but I’ve never tried them either.
Not one, not two, but three shifters! Well, you’d never know until you try it. I remember when these came out I thought it was a little overkill, but what do I know?