Lightning Rod Shifters: 1984 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds

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If you are going to close the books on a special edition classic, it’s probably not a bad thing if you go out on a high. That’s what Oldsmobile chose to do with the Hurst/Olds. The 1984 model year marked the last for this limited edition, and it also represented the most successful for the company in terms of Hurst/Olds sales. Today, the Hurst/Olds remains one of the more popular classics produced in the 1980s, but the prices tend to stay relatively affordable. This 1984 model is a clean and tidy survivor that is ready to find a new home. Barn Finder Mitchell G spotted this one for us, so thank you for that Mitchell. It is located in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, and has been listed for sale here on craigslist. Simply hand the owner $10,500, and you can drive off into the sunset in this beauty.

The photos that the owner supplies aren’t the greatest, but they do tend to paint an encouraging picture. The vehicle appears to be straight, with no signs of any apparent dings or dents. The seller is the vehicle’s second owner, and I get the impression that both owners may have treated the car with respect. It isn’t clear whether the paint is original, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is. In the first photo, it does show a characteristic that was part of the DNA of the’84 Hurst/Olds. The Hurst/Olds rolled off the production line in Lansing, Michigan. The bodies themselves were built and painted at Fisher Body and were then moved down the road to the Olds plant for assembly. All of the mechanical components, electricals, and the interior, were fitted. It was then that the front sheet-metal was attached to the car. These components were painted at the Oldsmobile plant, so it isn’t uncommon to find a slight difference in the shade between the paint applied by Fisher, and the paint applied by Oldsmobile. This was particularly apparent in the ’84 Hurst/Olds, given the Silver Metallic color. Therefore, this sort of mismatch doesn’t necessarily indicate prior accident damage. That could be just the way a particular car was built initially. Carefully examining the supplied photos suggests that the paint may have deteriorated on the hood. Beyond that, there are no signs of any paint or rust problems. The trim and striping appear to be in good condition, while there are no obvious issues with the glass or the distinctive chrome wheels.

The interior of the Hurst/Olds isn’t perfect, but it still looks pretty impressive for a 1980s survivor. There are a couple of minor marks on the seats, but I think that these would respond to some careful cleaning. The console lid is developing a network of small cracks, and should probably be replaced if the presentation of the interior is to remain at its best. The rest of the upholstery and the carpet presents well. The dash is free from cracks and problems, and this is also the case with the remaining plastic pieces. The console still houses the oh-so-cool Hurst Lightning Rod shifter, and this appears to be in good condition. Making life pleasant on the road means that the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, power windows, cruise, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player. I am glad to see that this last feature is intact because stereo swaps are extremely common in these cars.

The engine photo is probably the most disappointing of all of the shots supplied by the owner. It’s distant and blurry and doesn’t provide a clear view of the engine. However, we can see enough to see that the engine bay looks pretty tidy. Occupying this space is the High-Performance version of Oldsmobile’s 307ci V8. This engine pumps out 180hp, which finds itself sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. This combination is enough to allow the Hurst/Olds to romp through the ¼ mile in 16.6 seconds. The owner doesn’t make any outlandish low-mileage claims about the car but does say that it has just ticked over 100,000 miles. He also states that the vehicle runs and drives very well. Included with the Olds will be copies of the Original Title and Build Sheet. It also appears that the owner does have the original Window Sticker.

Oldsmobile produced 3,500 examples of the 1984 Hurst/Olds, and this is #825 of that build total. It is also a car that has been documented by the Hurst/Olds Club of America. It has all of the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated with respect. It doesn’t appear as though it has been thrashed within an inch of its life. It does seem to have a few minor issues, but addressing these should not be complicated or expensive. Given its overall condition, I think that the asking price appears to be quite competitive. What do you think?

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Comments

  1. Turbo

    Sweet!

    Like 1
  2. Werner

    Nice . Looks heavily a fat Plymouth Sapporo originally designed by Mitsubishi Galant Coupé

    Like 0
  3. Phlathead Phil

    Whell, it’s dephinatly a keeper. I hate it when someone sticks another $500.00 onto the price instead of subtracting the same. $9,500.00 is more attractive in “Blue-Sky” terms than what is being asked here. I’ve owned a lot of cars, but never one with a Hurst shifter. The closest was my ‘79 Buick Regal with a turbo. Man, that car could pump out the ponies! As phor this version, I hope a mature driver gets this cool mover, cuz I’d hate to know if was ever banged up.

    Like 4
  4. Winfield S Wilson

    A neighbor of mine has one, first time I have seen one in person. Really neat car, I wish he’d sell it to me!

    Like 3
  5. ccrvtt

    Thanks phor the laphphs Phil. And thanks for another insightful, excellent write-up Mr. Clarke.

    Like 1
  6. Roger

    I have an 82 clean also

    Like 1
  7. TimM

    Unique car from an era when horses were being strangled by government regulations and insurance companies!! It’s good to see the car well kept and cared for!!

    Like 1
  8. K. R. V.

    These are nice drivers, they handle well, stop well, or as well as any sub 200 hp car can be. However just about any new economy car built today could an would leave these in there dust, without breaking a sweat! However transplant that weezing 5.0, or whatever it is, with a nice LS, then make tracks!

    Like 1
    • Rosco

      Difference being your new economy car looks like everything other new economy car on the road today. No comparison to this sweet ride! And definitely no need for a silly LS swap in this one. Find a clapped out beater for that!

      Like 2
      • K. R. V

        We are not posting about a 68-70, 442, especially in Hurst trim. But a smog stifled unleaded catalytic GM multi-manufactured engine/boat anchor, decal special, with a gimmicky “Lighting Rod” shifter! Of which a cousin of mine is an original owner, who felt no need to feel any nostalgia when he replaced his HO 307, that had already been replaced by the dealer under warranty after the Lightning Rod failed and sent the engine into orbit. But he still has that car! That runs great with a built 383 LS.

        Like 0
  9. Mike

    Whoever get this one needs to do a timing chain replace “ASAP” as these are known to eat up the top nylon gear and jump time causing lots of problems , nice car though and fun to drive , I had an 84 .

    Like 0

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