It is common for manufacturers to release special editions of models to commemorate a landmark, and such was the case with the 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst/Olds. That year marked the 15th since the badge first appeared, and after a three-year absence, it returned to an unprecedented response. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, and although it isn’t perfect, it is a tidy driver the new owner could lift to a higher level in a home workshop. The Olds is listed here on eBay in Conyers, Georgia. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $11,000, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim on this classic.

Buyers could order their new 1983 Hurst/Olds in any color combination they liked, as long as it was Black over Silver. For the following model year, it reversed the shades, but it still provided a distinctive appearance. The seller describes this car as a tidy driver, and it has no apparent cosmetic needs. The paint shines well for its age, although there is evidence it has received at least a partial touch-up or repaint. Primer overspray is visible in the engine bay shots on the radiator support and hood release cable, suggesting the work may not have been completed to a high standard. That is disappointing because the car makes a positive first impression. The panels are straight, and the listing indicates it is rust-free. The distinctive decals and stripes are crisp, and the glass looks excellent. The 15″ wheels exhibit mild deterioration, but if an in-person inspection confirms the car is structurally sound, the successful bidder could eliminate the overspray in a home workshop.

The area of this Olds requiring the most obvious TLC is its interior. It is presentable and serviceable, but it has shortcomings requiring attention before it presents at its best. The upholstered surfaces are free from rips, but there are plenty of dirty marks and possible stains. The cloth on the door trims is particularly bad and may have reached the point where even the deepest clean won’t make a significant difference. The wheel is cracked, and part of the leather wrap is missing. There is a collection of plastic that is discolored, damaged, or missing, but I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. Crucially, the distinctive Hurst Lightning Rod shifter is intact, which is a bonus considering they were often the target of thieves. There aren’t many optional extras like power assistance for the windows or seats, but the new owner receives air conditioning, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.

The Olds emerged during the height of The Malaise Era, making its power and performance all you might expect from a vehicle of this type. The Hurst/Olds received an upgraded version of the 307ci V8, which lifted available power from 140hp to 180hp. That power is fed to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The additional power makes itself felt when the driver buries the right foot. While a regular 307-equipped Cutlass Calais took 19.4 seconds to cover the ¼-mile, the Hurst/Olds slashed that figure to 16.5 seconds. The seller indicates this classic has 92,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention supporting evidence. They say it runs and drives well but would benefit from a service and tune-up due to it sitting for an extended period. With that work complete, it will be ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

When Oldsmobile released the ’83 Hurst/Olds, they envisaged a production total of 2,500 cars. However, such was buyer demand that the figure rapidly climbed to 3,001. It may not have possessed the sheer power and performance of its predecessors, but in an era when outright performance seemed a distant memory, the Hurst/Olds at least managed to recapture the essence of its character. Today, pristine examples consistently top $30,000 in the classic market, although this car’s shortcomings mean it will undoubtedly fall short of that mark. It is a solid and unmolested vehicle, meaning $18,000 could be within reach. Do you think it will get there, or will the seller need to settle for less?