After an absence of three years, Oldsmobile revived the Hurst/Olds for the 1983 model year. This decision coincided with the 15th Anniversary of that derivative, so the 3,001 cars from that model year wore appropriate badges and decals. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, and its level of preservation is impressive. It would suit a fastidious buyer seeking a classic from the 1980s. After twenty years in their custody, the owner feels it needs a new home. The Hurst/Olds is listed for sale here on Craigslist in Clearwater, Florida. Handing the owner $29,500 will see you driving off into the sunset behind the wheel of this beauty. I must thank Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this stunning survivor for us.

Oldsmobile offered the 15th Anniversary Hurst/Olds in a single paint combination of Code 19 Black and Code 16 Bright Silver. The company added red stripes to separate the two shades, along with red pinstripes and appropriate decals. Our feature car wears these features, and all appear in excellent condition. The paint holds a depth of color and shine you could almost walk into, while the stripes and decals look crisp and clean. The panels are laser straight, and the gaps remain tight and consistent. The original owner ordered this beauty with a T-Top, and the lack of evidence of moisture entry suggests the seals are in good order. The distinctive chrome wheels are free from pitting and corrosion, and there’s no doubt this Hurst will turn heads wherever it goes.

I’m disappointed that the seller supplies no engine photos because sometimes an engine bay can tell you a lot about the life a classic has lived. A dirty, greasy motor may signify abuse or lack of maintenance, while long-term fluid leaks or other problems can be spotted. The seller reports no such issues, and the low odometer reading suggests there’s plenty of life left in this beauty. Lifting the hood should reveal a 307ci V8 producing 180hp. The power finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes forming a standard part of this package. The ¼-mile ET of 16.5 seconds may not sound startling, but it is worth remembering that this was about as good as it got from a V8 at the height of The Malaise Era. Salvation was around the corner, but buyers needed to wait a few years for the situation to improve. The seller claims the car has a genuine 17,500 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. They have owned the Olds for over twenty years, so the evidence may be hidden in the significant collection of documentation included in the sale. The Hurst recently received a carburetor rebuild, and it runs and drives perfectly.

The seller describes this classic’s interior condition as new, and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The Burgundy upholstered surfaces are free from wear, while there is no sign of the crumbling plastic common in vehicles of this vintage. The awesome Lightning Rod Hurst shifter pokes from the console, and there are no aftermarket additions. Many people elected to drive these vehicles as regular automatics, but for those with a focus on a sporting experience, using the Lightning Rod as its creator intended can be pretty satisfying. There is no shortage of luxury features to make every journey a pleasant experience. This Hurst/Olds comes fully loaded with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio and cassette player.

For years, cars from the late-1970s and the 1980s remained ignored by the classic community. The lack of performance resulting from tight emission regulations had an impact, and it took time for manufacturers to regain the lost ground via fuel injection and engine management technology. However, the worm has turned, and buyers have developed an affection for cars from that era. Many are younger enthusiasts captivated by the styling, and the growth in interest has pushed values higher. Considering its overall condition and originality, the asking price for this 1983 Hurst/Olds is in the ballpark, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home pretty quickly. Could that home be yours?