By the late 1970s, true factory muscle cars were becoming rare, which makes this 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst W-30 a particularly interesting find. Listed on craigslist with an asking price of $14,700, this car represents one of the final chapters of Oldsmobile’s high-performance era—and one of the last times the W-30 nameplate appeared on a production vehicle. Thanks for the tip, Rocco B.!
According to the seller, this Cutlass is one of just 1,165 Hurst W-30s produced for 1979. Power comes from the factory 5.7L Rocket 350 V8, described as matching numbers, backed by a TH350 automatic transmission and the signature Hurst shifter. While emissions regulations and tightening horsepower numbers defined the era, the W-30 package still carried serious enthusiast appeal, combining performance branding with distinctive factory equipment.
Mileage is listed at 87,000 original miles, and the seller notes that the car runs and drives great, an important detail for anyone looking for a usable classic rather than a static project. This Cutlass was reportedly sold new in Tucson, which helps explain its rust-free condition—a major advantage for G-body cars that often suffered corrosion in harsher climates. The seller describes the car as clean and straight, suggesting a solid foundation that hasn’t been compromised by structural issues.
Cosmetically, the car has received new paint and a new exhaust, refreshing its presentation while keeping the overall character intact. Inside, a new headliner and visors are included but still need to be installed, leaving a small finishing task for the next owner. An interesting and charming detail is that the factory clock still works, something rarely seen on cars of this age and often overlooked until it’s gone.
The Hurst W-30 package has become increasingly collectible, not only because of its limited production numbers but because it represents a bridge between classic muscle and the emerging performance-luxury identity of late-’70s Oldsmobiles. These cars were often well optioned from the factory, and while outright performance had softened compared to earlier decades, the driving experience still carries the unmistakable feel of a V8-powered American coupe.
At its current asking price, this Cutlass Hurst W-30 sits in an interesting space—appealing to collectors who value rarity and originality, as well as drivers who want a distinctive, road-ready classic from a misunderstood era. With production numbers this low, it’s unlikely cars like this will ever become easier to find.
Nice cruisers. And probably one of the quicker ones in 79′. Elizabeth I saw somewhere total production numbers were closer to 2500, the remainder being black and gold painted cars. I like the white personally. Slip the Hurst to the side if you want to select a gear and wind the motor up a bit.
Correct about the total production numbers Stan. 1,165 were white and gold and 1,334 were black and gold for a total of 2,499. Olds had to keep the number under 2,500 or otherwise they would have had to spend a lot of money to certify EPA emissions and mileage on that batch of cars because they had the Olds 350 engine in it. There was a loophole in the regulations that allowed a manufacturer to use an engine they already had in production and certified in another line of vehicles (the 350 in the full size 88 and 98) in a different body car as long as the total number did not exceed 2,500. The only gas V8 for the rest of the Cutalss cars in 79 was either the 260 Olds or the 305 Chevy.
I’m going to assume from the engine pic, the new owner is going to find out how much fun, doing a heater core in one of these is.
I thought something was off….then I figured it out. This should have the 5 slot aluminum wheels painted gold, not gold rally wheels. The front bumper needs adjustment, maybe it’s pushed in a little? Looks like those bumper fillers are getting squeezed.
The block should be blue metallic, so that intake is the correct color. Must have sprayed the car, wheels, trunk floor, valve covers and oil filler tube the same week! An AM radio – strange to see in an H/O, more like an exception than the rule. Maybe they just lowered the power windows and listened to the dual outlet exhaust for the tunes…
I saw engine paint color too! Front seat color?
already sold. doing a heater core on 1 of these is cake. try doing 1 on a 63 riviera. 350R code motor in this should give it some go for what they are. as stated, the wheels would not be correct. car looks like it needs a round of springs. price is bit high considering it need some repairs but do the repairs and add some TLC and it makes a good investment. they are not making any new 1s
I found this car listed for sale today with a broker now representing the owner for the sale – it’s on classiccars for $17,695.
These are sharp, and have as good of an engine you could get in any G-body car. I think it is priced fairly also. Would definitely have a look if I was in the market for one of these.
Odd that it has grey seat covers with a tan interior. Not original.