To be able to own a classic car is, for some people, nothing but a dream. To have had the opportunity to own the same car twice is a privilege. That is the story behind the 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds W30 that is hiding under this cover. The current owner purchased the car new, sold it, and then bought it back at a later date. He has now decided to part with it once again, which could be your opportunity to own what is a well-preserved classic. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, you will find the Olds listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner is asking $9,500 for the car, and I really have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring the Olds through to us.
This car is 1-of-1,165 examples of the 1979 Hurst/Olds that was finished in Cameo White. Ebony Black was the only other choice, and that graced the flanks of 1,334 cars. Some of the White on the rear of the car has been the subject of a repaint at some point in the past, but the majority of it is said to be original. Rust is not a problem with the car, but there are a few minor marks and dings that might need to be addressed at some point. There has also been some deterioration to the Gold on the roof and hood, so this will probably need some attention at some point, as well. It’s a good thing that the body itself is in good condition because some items are now quite hard to locate. The wheels as fitted to the Hurst/Olds actually saw duty on the ’78 Cutlass but were exclusively available on the Hurst/Olds in 1979. The addition of some gold paint to those wheels gave them a different appearance to their 1978 counterparts. The wheels, like so much of the rest of the car’s exterior trim and chrome, looks to be in better than average condition.
Given the era from which the Olds hails, any abuse or neglect will be obvious once you dive inside the car. In this case, there really isn’t anything to report. It is all original, and the trim and upholstery appear to be in great condition. Not only is it remarkably well preserved, but it is also original. The original dual-gate Hurst shifter appears to be in good condition, while the factory air conditioning has been freshly gassed with R12 refrigerant. Also included are power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and the original radio/8-track player that works exactly as it should.
Lifting the lid reveals that the engine bay is crammed full of its numbers-matching Rocket 350ci V8. Also original are the TH-350 automatic transmission, limited-slip rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. By today’s standards, a V8 pumping out 170hp must seem pretty asthmatic, but in 1979, it was considered to be a pretty respectable figure. There is no need to worry about the mechanical health of the Olds, because the motor, transmission, and the limited-slip rear end have only managed to accumulate 2,000 miles since they all underwent a full rebuild. That should mean that the next owner is faced with many years of trouble-free motoring.
The seller of this Hurst/Olds purchased the car new in 1979. He parted with the car in around 1987, and after a long search, managed to find it and buy it back in 2017. Circumstances mean that he once again has to part with it, which is going to be someone else’s good fortune. Will that lucky person be you?
Did Oldsmobile even refer to the engine as “Rocket” in 1979?
Steve R
Steve:
Yes they did
“ENGINE
With this variant, for the first time, there was no 455 offered in a Hurst/Olds. The Delta 88’s standard L34, R-code Rocket 350 was the only choice, and it wasn’t available in the Cutlass Calais: no other A-body GM car came with a 350. The Oldsmobile’s version features a harmonic balancer, and many parts do not interchange with other GM 5.7s.”
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/1979-hurst-olds-w30/
Its a nice classic to preserve from the era of mid size cars from the late GM Oldsmobile family 😏👍
I had the basic burgundy color with matching color full vinyl top full seat v6 in past that was a 78.
These cars handle and ride well.
I put 140k on mine and sold to a buddy who put 40 more then rebuilt the engine and drove another couple years.
Does keeping your tires in bags prevent the rubber from breaking down ?
I have seen this before and if the car is stored in a nice dry place, it seems like overkill?
Here in AZ the snowbirds cover their tires with any manor of material when they go home for the summer. I think it is to keep UV rays and other things from deteriorating the rubber. It’s a thing here.
I can see that but this car is in a nice dry garage
Why in the world would Olds not offer a 403 in here? Was there a shortage of em, like Pontaic 400’s in late 70s? If so, terrible, considering how expensive these got in ’79, compared to a ’69.
The 403 only had 15 more horsepower .
but the 403 had 320 ft lbs of torque vs 275 for the 350 motor.