In the 1960s, Oldsmobile often partnered with Hurst Performance to put some of its products in the 442 lines of muscle cars. This led to the production of several special editions that would be known as the Hurst/Olds. These would be built sporadically for nine model years between 1968-84. The ’79 edition used the downsized body of the Cutlass Calais coupe and had special paint along with the Hurst Dual-Gate shifter. This example has been in storage for years and emerged from an estate with possibly 25,000 miles on the clock. It runs but needs some cosmetic TLC. Located in Riverside, California, this rare car is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $7,700.

Annual production of these special editions never exceeded 3,500 copies and as few as 515 were built in 1968. The ’79 version saw 2,499 copies roll off the assembly line and the series was the first H/O to be built entirely by Oldsmobile. It had the W-30 performance option which brought with it an L34 350 cubic inch V8 with the Hurst shifter as standard. While it was the first H/O not to offer a 455 engine, it was the only GM G-Body car to feature a 350 in 1979 (305/307 units were common). The suspension was upgraded from that of the routine Cutlass. Exterior color choices were limited to gold on either white or black, with the former being the most popular, as on the seller’s car. The aluminum wheels were also painted gold, along with the grille.

We’re told this Hurst/Olds was in storage for more than 25 years and was purchased from that owner’s estate, so perhaps this was Grandpa’s muscle car. After installing a new battery and putting in some gas (the tank had fortunately been emptied), it started right up, and the seller has made a short jaunt or two in it. It apparently runs fine but some things will need changing after all this time, like rubber pieces and consumables. The tires may be original, so they would be as hard as rocks by now. BTW, the engine photo provided looks like stock issue, not the one in the car.

The physical condition of the Olds is not perfect, but likely vintage. Some fading and scratches are there but you could probably clean it up without having to apply new paint (unless perfection is your goal). The interior is pretty fair and there are no rips, but the headliner and carpeting for sure will need to be replaced. It has a clear title and was registered as “non-operating” so Californians shouldn’t be looking at any excess DMV fees. The ‘79s were the last H/Os built before the ’83-84s with the funky lightning rod shifters.