Oldsmobile released its first Hurst/Olds in 1968. It decided to throw the badge a party in 1983, releasing a 15th Anniversary Edition that proved a sales success. Our featured Hurst/Olds is one of those cars, presenting nicely as a genuine survivor. It has 70,000 miles on the clock, and the first owner’s decision to order it with a factory sunroof helps it to stand apart from its siblings. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Olds listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Union City, Tennessee. The seller set their price for this tidy survivor at $22,500.
When Oldsmobile released the 15th Anniversary Hurst/Olds in 1983, the company had no idea how warmly buyers would embrace it. The 1975 model year had been the badge’s most successful, with 2,535 buyers taking home a Hurst/Olds. However, buyer demand was so intense that Oldsmobile eventually capped 1983 production at a record-breaking 3,001 vehicles. Every Hurst/Olds from that model year featured Black paint with Silver on the lower extremities. Contrasting Red striping and matching Hurst/Olds decals looked classy, with 15″ chromed Super Stock wheels adding a touch of bling. The seller is candid about this Olds, admitting it is a survivor with cosmetic imperfections. These include scratches and minor checking, but with a healthy shine, it remains presentable for those preferring survivor-grade classics. There is no evidence of rust or panel imperfections, and the exterior plastic hasn’t succumbed to age or UV exposure. What helps this Hurst/Olds stand out is the factory sunroof. The seller states that while the T-Top is relatively common, it is believed that only around 150 buyers selected the sunroof. I’ve been unable to confirm that figure, but it sounds plausible.
The interior feature that defined the 1983 Hurst/Olds also made it a target for light-fingered individuals. Hurst’s Lightning Rod shifter is distinctive and purposeful, but some owners found themselves the victim of thieves who removed the shifter for sale on the black market. This Olds hasn’t suffered that fate, and the only visible addition is a modern CD player. Trimmed in Red cloth and vinyl, the interior presents quite well. The seats are in good condition, and the carpet isn’t excessively worn. I think the headliner might be beginning to sag, but that’s pretty common. The leather on the tilt wheel is probably the weakest point, exhibiting deterioration that may not respond to even the best conditioner. Creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and cruise control. The seller states that the A/C requires attention, but mentions no other functional issues.
Every 1983 Hurst/Olds featured the 307ci “HO” V8, a four-speed automatic transmission, upgraded suspension, power steering, and power brakes. The V8 was a handy weapon in a 1983 context, delivering a factory-quoted 180hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures might sound relatively feeble today, but buyers during the 1980s had far lower expectations than in more modern times, when fuel injection and electronic engine management systems improved engine performance. The seller confirms that this Olds runs and drives well. They include an embedded video in their listing that shows the motor springing to life following a quick twist of the key. It immediately settles into a smooth idle, with no smoke or odd noises.
If past reader feedback is an accurate guide, I am not alone in liking the styling of cars produced in the 1980s. Admittedly, some possess the aerodynamic efficiency of a barn…traveling sideways, but designers knew when to step away from the drawing board. Modern cars typically feature so many lines and creases that they become distracting, but classics like this 1983 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds look crisp and clean. This car’s overall presentation is impressive, and with the first owner having ticked the box for the optional sunroof, it is relatively rare. The seller’s price appears realistic, and it will be fascinating to discover how quickly this Olds finds a new home.
Not sure what these are going for, but this looks like a great deal.
That motor didnt produce 180hp. It was a turd.
You might be right about the engine power, Scott Hilla Scott Hilla. However, I am relying on the factory figures quoted in that year’s Sales Brochure, and here is a link that demonstrates the company’s claim.
https://www.outrightolds.com/PDFBrochure/1983-Hurst-Olds-Brochure.pdf
I had an 87 442 with the 307, and an 86 Monte Carlo SS with the 305. The 442 was stolen after one week, never to be seen again. I had the Monte for years. When I replaced the timing chain, a friend at the auto parts store sold me a chain for an older small block chevy. After the replacement, it seemed to have TWICE the power. Another friend told me he’d read somewhere that the factory timing chain cam sprocket was deliberately retarded, and the one I replaced it with was certainly not. I did have to adjust the distributor way back, it was pinging under normal driving. What a difference it made. GM shot themselves in the foot with those pitifully underpowered boat anchors. And those engines went in bigger cars and trucks. SMH.
This is a very fair price for one of these in this condition. Very rad.
I understand there is a way to adapt the Lightning Rods to a beefier 4-speed AT with an LS swap. To me, this car is far too nice to do that with, but man it would be cool to swap in one that is just a bit less nice.
Price is on point for the market .
As Inhave said before – the 307 sucks in these
Nice car – great write up
fairly priced for sure. needs some TLC but take care of its needs and you would have a good investment. most of these have been beat down hard and this is a factory moon roof car. wish the finances allowed a purchase i would have be right on it.
I had one of these in 1997, I paid $4k for it back then. It was a sharp looking car, but couldn’t beat my dog with a full bladder. It was pitifully slow, even though it had a 4 bbl. The price seems really good for the car.
305 Chevy, 301 Pontiac, 307 Oldsmobile. They were not a stellar race group. However this little H/O is original and wins the beauty contest. Easy conversation to 403 or a 350. Great ride and handling. All you gotta do is save the original drivetrain. Money is pretty fair
Good looking Hurst Olds!!
Due to the non- performance of these cars. $8000 would boarder way too much. At 22K you can get a modern 4 cylinder that would kick its ass and get 30mpg. Plus be 2x as comfortable.
Comparing a 43 year old car to something from today is just silly, and by the way, your modern 4 cylinder / 30 mpg turd is going to look like every other s***box on the road. Of course they weren’t high performance engines, but in “83 that’s what was available.