The Oldsmobile Starfire began as a full-size derivative of the 88 and was a top-of-the-line model during its first generation of production, which began in 1961 and ran through 1966. After a break, the moniker returned in 1975 as an entry-level subcompact in the Olds lineup, sharing its H-Body platform with the Chevrolet Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Pontiac Sunbird. While the base cars proved popular for those seeking economical transportation, GM also had a few tricks up its sleeve for those who wanted something sportier, faster, or both. This 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire on Facebook Marketplace features the Firenza package plus V8 power, making it one of the most desirable configurations from the second-generation run. Located in Hogansville, Georgia, this one’s also affordable and comes with a parts car as well. $3,500 OBO buys them both, and we’d like to thank reader PRA4SNW for sending in the tip here!
Opting for the Firenza package gave buyers some noteworthy appearance extras, including special paint and trim, a rear spoiler, front air dam, fender flares, and premium wheels. The seller doesn’t go into much detail about the body, but it appears to be in decent shape overall, with a bit of rust around the rear window area and sail panels. Fortunately, most other exterior sections seem straight and in decent condition.
Another great feature the Firenza provided was a special suspension, and this one also has a V8 engine under the hood. The seller provides a video of the 305 running, and everything under the hood appears to be in good working order, so it’s possible that no major mechanical work will be needed for a while. The only preferred component missing is a manual transmission, as this one has an automatic.
The interior isn’t perfect, but it might be satisfactory if you’re only after a fun driver. It’s good to find that this one has a tilt column, although the factory steering wheel has been swapped for an aftermarket unit. A trio of gauges has also been added in a somewhat odd location, but this one is considered a compact, so you’ve got to use the available space.
The only information about the donor car is that it’s a 1979 Starfire SX model, and while it has nowhere near the cool vibe of the Firenza, it may be able to shed some sheet metal and a few other useful parts to spruce up the main vehicle. I like the thought of a V8 in such a small package, and this sounds like a reasonable asking price for the pair, in my opinion. What do you think?
I remember a good number of these Starfires, along with their Buick, Pontiac, and Chevrolet cousins driving around in the 70’s. I actually took my behind the wheel road test in my Grandpas Monza wagon. If you notice, they sit pretty low, and I remember them handling very well. A 305 in one of these definitely must’ve moved them along pretty easily. I actually don’t remember the Firenza trim like this one here though, but the more regular Starfires like the white one quite a bit more. Great find that brought me down memory lane PRA4SNW, and thank you for the write up Mike.