If you lived through The Malaise Era, I don’t need to tell you it was a pretty miserable automotive time. However, a few vehicles from that time shine like beacons, and the 1983 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds was one of them. It may not have possessed the outright performance potential of earlier versions, but it offered owners a comfortable motoring experience behind the wheel of a car guaranteed to turn heads. This Hurst/Olds 15th Anniversary presents well following a restoration around a decade ago. It isn’t perfect, but that could make it the ideal candidate for someone seeking a relaxed ownership experience. The Olds is listed here on eBay in Henrico, Virginia. Frantic bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $20,000.
Oldsmobile released the first Hurst/Olds in 1968 and felt they should celebrate the occasion with a 15th Anniversary edition. Buyers could order their new toy in any paint combination, as long as they wanted Code 19 Black and Code 16 Bright Silver. A previous owner treated this car to a cosmetic refresh around a decade ago, and it continues to present well. The paint shines richly, and the decals look crisp. The seller stresses that the paint isn’t perfect but carries small chips and marks, proving it isn’t a trailer queen. Black paint is ideal for exposing panel imperfections, but this car looks excellent. Not only are there no dings or dents, but it remains completely rust-free. Adding to its appeal, the original owner ordered it with a glass T-Top. This is faultless, with no glass flaws or leaking seals. The distinctive chrome wheels are free from stains and corrosion, and while the car isn’t showroom fresh, it makes a positive impression that guarantees it will still draw crowds.
When we turn our attention to this classic’s interior, the positive vibes keep rolling in. The seller states the interior underwent a retrim in Sand Gray cloth and vinyl, but it is unclear when that happened. There is no evidence of wear or marks, suggesting a life filled with care and respect. Aftermarket additions include a wheel wrap and a CD player. Otherwise, this interior is spotless and as its creators intended. The defining feature of this interior is the Hurst “Lightning Rod” shifter that could confuse the uninitiated. Operating one is not as complicated as you might expect. Many drivers selected “drive” and let the car do all the work. For those wishing to take some of the load, the Lightning Rod offered an enjoyable experience. They were also a popular target for thieves, and a few did disappear in the middle of the night. For those craving their comfort features, this Olds delivers. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.
If the exterior of a 1983 Hurst/Olds offered no buyer choices, the same was true of the drivetrain. Buyers received a 307ci V8, a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This classic may have emerged during The Malaise Era, but Oldsmobile squeezed 180hp out of its V8. The curb weight of 3,534lbs isn’t as high as you might expect from a vehicle with so many luxury appointments. That makes its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.5 seconds no surprise. Many modern family sedans can beat that figure, but they use modern electronics to squeeze more power from their engines. In 1983, the numbers produced by this classic were considered very respectable. The seller states this car’s entire drivetrain is rebuilt, and it has 93,000 miles on its odometer. That information makes it no surprise that it runs and drives perfectly, meaning it is a turnkey classic ready for the open road.
Owning a pristine classic car can never be underrated, and plenty of enthusiasts fortunate enough to be in that position will vouch for that. However, imperfect vehicles have their place in the classic world. Their owners can hit the road for a spot of fun without the fear that a single stone-chip or scratch will spoil their pride and joy. That is what this 1983 Hurst/Olds offers. This car hails from the second-last year of production, with 3,001 buyers slapping down their cash to park one in their driveway. Considering total new vehicle sales for that year, that figure is a drop in the ocean. If you missed out the first time, are you tempted to rectify that by joining the bidding war on this beauty? If you do, I won’t blame you.
I’m more interested in the copper-colored ’70 Cutlass S next to it.
Too gaudy for me, but they have a following. My favorite year Hurst Olds is 1975. I hear you laughing. Very comfortable with those swivel buckets.
This is an opportunity for someone who is looking for something
out of the ordinary – i.e. current availability – but doesn’t want to
deal with the problems of a small national (Buick) where this
turbo story didn’t work out the way his customers imagined.
The red stripes seem a bit too thick but the overall impression is
relatively coherent for an American car. The only thing that doesn’t
match the sporty exterior is the grandparent-like interior. I place
my plushy seats in a living room along with wainscoting and
real parquet floor. GM again missed a bit the nail to create a hit.
Stone slow. But looked cool. If you were a kid, into cars back then? You’ll want it.
180 HP. What did we use to say about cars like this.
All show …..no go !
I bought one in 91 , it was the Gutless Cutlass until I put a low mile 70 455 in it . The TH200 didn’t like the extra power and I had a TH350 so that was next . I broke the carrier in the rear and after a used one was installed it found a new home . Nice looking cars but performance wise , sad . I’ve had many Olds 442’s , a 69 H/O and 69 and 70 W31’s . These were a sad excuse for a performance car , as were most all others of that time .
Charlie i always wondered how the hydra-matic 200 did so well in the hi-po Buick G. National model.
The GN TH200’s were equipped with different valve bodies , servos and governors . Some say heavier duty clutch paks but I think that is false . The TH200 in the car I had was used hard and never serviced for 105k miles before I bought it . I was friends with the original owner and had known the car from new , I bought it when he was ready to trade it on a new Chevy truck . He bought a SS454 Silverado and it was a pig too . My shop put a Paxton supercharger kit on it and woke it up for him . Enough he totaled it less than a year later . I got it too .
Cool thx Charlie