During a time when any 0-60 MPH time under 10 seconds could be called “sporty,” excitement could be measured in other ways. Witness this 1984 Hurst / Olds in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The red stripes, hood bulge, and trunk wing, combined with the race-inspired Hurst “Lightning Rods” shifter for the automatic transmission could *almost* make you forget that beating you took from a Honda CRX Si. While performance was still talked about, Oldsmobile’s sales literature urged buyers to “Get hold of some lightning!” When it comes to curb appeal and “gravity,” the ability to attract objects of the opposite sex, the rumbling V8 Oldsmobile wins every time. This particular specimen seeks a new owner here on craigslist. Not running and missing its chrome super stock wheels, the limited edition coupe in never-wrecked condition can be yours for $4,000. Thanks to reader Rocco B. for submitting this tip.
Ah yes, the mandated buzzkill, a 85 MPH speedometer, with the 55 MPH national speed limit highlighted. One might ask how a car that does not run can produce 2600 RPM, coolant temperature, and oil pressure, but perhaps the instruments are frozen in time, remembering better days gone by. Only the charging system slumbers in earnest.
A close-up of the Lightning Rods shifter would suck in gadget freaks from all over. Power windows and seats add to the comfort. The tired cloth interior shows every one of the claimed 82,437 miles. Faded plastic and what might be a crack on the dashboard suggest long-term outdoor storage before the Olds came to rest under a farm shed.
Looking much like every GM product from the ’80s, the Hurst / Olds features a 307 cid (5.0L) V8 making 180 HP and 245 lb-ft of torque. Air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and cruise control keep you comfortable and minimize the physical labors of driving. The four-speed overdrive automatic transmission let Oldsmobile fit lively 3.73 gears without completely killing fuel economy. The new owner could easily wake up the 307 with bolt-ons and gears or go wild with a serious build like this one at hotrod.com making over 400 HP. Simply save the stock components and go back to the boring but oh-so-perfect factory look at any time.
The seller graciously includes a shot of this rust-attacked windshield frame. The T-tops, which probably have a fancier official name like Sun-Charmer Hatch-o-Portals, often leaked, and the floor boards should be inspected for water damage. Shortly before nearly every car on the planet featured front-wheel-drive, these fancy mid-sized cruisers did their best to hold onto the classic muscle car vibe. Wash and decontaminate this Hurst / Olds and I’d drive it every day. Would you?
There are probably better projects out there for $4k.
Ha! ‘Lightning Rods’- the Fisher-Price version of a Lenco.
Makes no financial sense. There are plenty of nice ones available for 10-ish. I think it would be a few grand at least just to get it running safely again, much less addressing the cosmetic issues.
“Sun-Charmer Hatch-o-Portals,” good one Todd. Although it sounds more like a 50’s automotive name.
Hurst-Hatch T-Tops were the correct nomenclature.
Why do I carry this useless trivia in my head?
I used to work on these and the T-tops were called that because they teed off the owners because they ALL leaked. and as far as the lightening rod shifters owners could not figure them put. I never heard of performance upgrades for a 307 un less you drop in a LS
Great write-up Todd, especially the Honda CRX line…
Too bad it’s a t-top car. Hate them. Period. At least they have 8.5 rear in them unlike the Monte SS which had the weak 7.5 rear.
Another lazy seller.
307 or 305?
Oldsmobile 307
One more time: Wash the car. Make it look nice for the potential buyer. Would you throw mud at your house if you are trying to sell it and break the windows? I don’t know how much it takes to remind Sellers of their task: Do it right or don’t do it.
I have some experience with used T Tops and have learned that the very first thing to do is replace all the seals on the top. I think Steele Rubber and other suppliers have these; it’s not a big deal. A body shop near me does this since I am too old.
Most definitely NOT for me! And I believe the 307 was long gone by this time but replaced with the equally lame 305!
I think you are confusing this Oldsmobile 307 with the Chevrolet 307.
Absolutely not, the 307 Chevy was a great motor, the 307 Olds of the 80s was a horror
Tony I absolutely am confusing the two I always forget Olds had kind of their own thing going! My mistake
I absolutely hated the worn velour seats…when I entered a vehicle as a service writer. THey just felt greasy and they held onto the ‘aromatic essence’ of the owners. Whether they were young or old. I still cringe.
Horrible 307, horror show, had it in my 83 Riviera, yea to all you young people, you bought a Buick, got an Oldsmobile motor, that’s why I haven’t bought a new GM car since 1983, GM screwed me for the last time
Having had a NICE 84 H/O, non-tops version, and sold it for $8,500 a couple years back, I can say the price on this one is ridiculous. I am amazed how many of these are coming out of the woodworks, though.