Sep 11, 2018  •  Uncategorized  •  14 Comments

Rolling Restorer: 1979 Hurst Olds

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Yeah, uh huh, you know what it is. Black and gold. A black and gold 1979 Hurst Olds that is located in Salem, Oregon for $3,700. This example has 77,000 miles on it. This car will give you something to do, and do it big. Having very little rust, it deserves to be restored. Because if it’s not here, than what does it really matter? I guess the car might be more Sam Sparro than Wiz Khalifa. Thanks Miguel for the tip. You can view the listing on Craigslist.

Engine components consist of a 350 V8 connected to a Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 transmission. That moves a 7 ½, 10 bolt axle, which could have a limited slip if the original owner opted to pay $50 more. Depending on where this car was originally sold, it could have the 2.56:1 California only rear end, or the 2.71.1 that was sold standard to the rest of the world. The listing states that this car does run and drive.

On the inside, the Hurst Street/Strip shifter in the center console sits between tan seats that are faded and torn. They are either vinyl or cloth and if it is vinyl, it would not be hard to replace. However, if it happens to be cloth, well, a donor car will have to supply the seats because the cloth of that color has not been made in 20 years. Other cabin components do not look to be in too rough of condition.

Considering these cars were sold new for $7,800, the price has retained quite well over the last 40 years. This car does need some care and needs new tires and tags. It does have new brakes and a battery already. If you are a fan of special edition cars and are looking for a rolling project, this is a great candidate. Cars shows will be fun for months, as each time you return with more upgrades to talk about.

Comments

  1. nycbjrMember
    Sep 9, 2018 at 3:51pm

    Looks like cloth to me. It’s a looker tho!

    Like 0
  2. jdjonesdr
    Sep 11, 2018 at 5:42am

    The urge is strong on this one.

    Like 0
  3. poseurMember
    Sep 11, 2018 at 7:19am

    dang, haven’t seen a solid-bodied example around here for a couple decades…..if only it was less than 2500 miles away

    Like 3
  4. 86 Vette Convertible
    Sep 11, 2018 at 7:34am

    Be nice to see a under body shot here. Frames were known to rust off behind the rear wheels. For the money, what I’m seeing looks to have a lot of potential.

    Like 1
  5. mike D
    Sep 11, 2018 at 7:34am

    my guess would be cloth and vinyl, but hard to tell

    Like 0
  6. Fred W
    Sep 11, 2018 at 8:45am

    Olds sure got it right with that paint scheme! High compression heads, a cam….

    Like 9
  7. Daved
    Sep 11, 2018 at 9:42am

    “Yeah, uh huh” 🤣

    Was I the only one who got it?

    Like 0
  8. 8banger Dave MikaMember
    Sep 11, 2018 at 10:04am

    Oh do I recall the rear frame rot…the rear bumper on my ’79 would shake like it had the St. Vitus Dance!

    Like 1
  9. Maestro1
    Sep 11, 2018 at 10:15am

    Yeah, well, buy it. Fix it. Drive it. Timing chain at 120,000 mandatory. Enjoy.

    Like 1
  10. Max
    Sep 11, 2018 at 10:37am

    2 years ago I bought very original 79 Hurst/Olds git 6900 miles its white/gold color with tan cloth interior Just beautiful Olds from past I paid 22K for it !! ITs Not daily am Not driving much also kind of garage queen. Not for sale just sharing passion for classics !

    Like 2
  11. Jack M.
    Sep 11, 2018 at 11:53am

    You should send us a few pictures Max.

    Like 9
    • nrg8
      Sep 11, 2018 at 7:59pm

      #truth

      Like 1
  12. JimmyinTEXAS
    Sep 11, 2018 at 12:25pm

    Daved,
    I guess you were.

    Like 2
  13. Greg
    Sep 13, 2018 at 12:33pm

    I was looking for one of these a year ago at this price point. Looks like this one is gone already. My state requires anything after ’81 to be emissions tested so that limits swaps into the newer cars. This thing would be great for a 455 swap! I wound up with a solid ’85 442 that I’ve brought back to life after it had been sitting in a barn down in Texas for at least 5 years.

    Like 3

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