Few names in the muscle car world carry the same weight as Hurst. Long before short-throw kits and billet handles became commonplace, the Hurst Competition/Plus shifter was the go-to upgrade for drivers who wanted more precise, confident shifts from their factory four-speed. This vintage Hurst Comp Plus 4-speed shifter, now listed on eBay, offers exactly that kind of period-correct hardware. Thanks for the tip, Happy Howard A!
Described as a driver-quality unit, this example includes Muncie linkage and carries body number 2083. It is identified as a “married stick” configuration and is being sold without a tail-housing adapter plate. For enthusiasts restoring or maintaining a classic GM muscle car equipped with a Muncie four-speed, original Hurst components like this remain highly desirable.
The Competition/Plus shifter became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as an upgrade over factory-installed shifters, known for delivering shorter, more positive gear changes. Hurst’s design helped reduce missed shifts and provided a more direct mechanical feel, especially important in high-performance applications. Over time, these shifters became nearly synonymous with American four-speed performance cars.
Because this is a vintage part, it offers authenticity that reproduction pieces sometimes lack. For a period-correct restoration or a survivor car that deserves era-appropriate components, an original Hurst unit can add both functional value and historical accuracy. The inclusion of Muncie linkage further enhances its appeal, particularly for builders working with classic Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, or Buick applications that relied on the Muncie gearbox.
The seller characterizes the shifter as a driver-quality item, suggesting it’s intended for use rather than as a concours display. That makes it a practical choice for someone looking to install and enjoy the tactile feel that made Hurst a household name among muscle car enthusiasts.
Vintage transmission components are often overlooked compared to engines or body panels, but for those who appreciate the details, the shifter is one of the most hands-on parts of the driving experience. There’s something uniquely satisfying about grabbing a Hurst handle and rowing through the gears the way drivers did decades ago.
If you’re restoring a four-speed muscle car or simply want a period-correct upgrade, this Hurst Comp Plus with Muncie linkage could be the right finishing touch. Would you bolt it into a factory restoration, or use it to upgrade your current four-speed build?
At the end of the movie “Sling Blade” after Billie Bob Thornton splits Dwight Yoakam’s head open with a lawn mower blade, he calls the cops to tell them what happened and said “better bring a hurst”.
And them french fried ‘tater’s. Mmm Hmm…
I wouldn’t touch this shifter with a 10 foot pole. It’s incomplete (the mounting bracket is missing), the chrome handle is welded to the body, the seller does list the part numbers of the rods and levers. It’s a recipe for disaster to any potential buyer. The body number doesn’t tell you what it fits, they were often used in a wide range applications, the specific rods, levers, chrome handle and mounting plate are what determine what it actually fits. Unless a seller lists the specific part numbers of all the components or guarantees that it fits a specific application it’s best to keep looking, there is too much downside risk to the buyer.
Steve R
These were easy to disassemble and rebush. Many aftermarket companies make bushings. I remember a friend’s 71 GTO that had a terrible sloppy shifter and the car wasn’t high mileage. I wonder what I could get for my 70s era Hurst v-gate? I never understood why the factories didn’t focus on quality shifters?
eBay always has several Mr. Gasket V-Gates and Hurst Ram Rod shifters listed. The price is largely dependent on how complete it is, the rods are reinforced and specific to those shifters. The body is universal, the mounting plate and rods determine what transmission they fit, the value varies greatly depending on which transmission they fit.
NOS shifter boots will sell for about $400.
Steve R