1979 Oldsmobile 442 Hurst Olds from North America - Comments

Everything, its 25 years old!

I rebuilt the engine and transmission.

Currently redoing the suspension.

Interior need re-upholstering.

Minor floor rust.

Very low GM build quality.

I bought this a my daily driver in high school.

A 1979 Hurst Olds is one of only 2499 built.

Has the 350 cubic inch olds engine with the turbo 350 3 speed automatic transmission.

I rebuilt the engine and bumped horsepower up to 300.

I rebuilt the transmission and put a b&m shift kit and 2800 stall converter.

Next I will be replacing the springs and sway bars with Hotchkis performance products and Edelbrock shocks.

I will also replace all the bushings with new polyurethane bushings.

Right now it has a limited slip rear end with 2.73 gears. This will be changed to 3.42 gears to better suite the added power and transmission upgrade.

Once all that is complete, the seats will be redone and the body will be repainted.

My brother and I are doing this ourselves which is keeping costs down.

Correct me if I am wrong (I am not in any way an expert on the history of these cars), but I thought 442 stood for four barrel, four on the floor, dual exhaust. Obviously, the four barrel was eventually superseded by fuel injection (rightfully so), but I am surprised to hear yours has a three speed. I really like the old Olds', but again, I am hardly an expert on their history. If anybody wants to give me a history lesson on these vehicles, I am all ears.

I agree with your comments about the designation of what the 442 stood for, you are correct. However, this car was part of the marketing General Motors was doing at the time. I purchased a 1979 Hurst Olds brand new in 1979. In 1979 it was the only non-police car and mid-size car with a 350 cubic inch engine. All others had a 305 (chevy), 307 (olds), 262 (olds?) or a small block chevy at 267. I also purchase a 1979 Monte Carlo for my wife with the 267 and the standard axle ration for gas mileage of 2.29. Believe it or not the 2.73 gear ration was actually considered a performance axle ratio for that day because of the recent gas crisis. The Hurst/Olds was rated at 170 horsepower. It was a fun car. The build number of 2499 is correct, because of some limitation of not going over 2500, I heard the reason a long time ago, but cannot remember what it was. Best of luck with your Hurst/Olds.

I am interested in purchasing a '79 H/O. Looking into it, there was a specific reason they only produced 2499, as previously stated. In order to manufacture a vehicle with a particular engine/transmission combination, it must be certified. Oldsmobile had already certified the 350 engine with the TH350 (I believe that is the right transmission) for the 88 model. This allowed Oldsmobile to use that combination in any vehicle they chose, provided that the production was less than 2500. Otherwise, they would need to certify that engine/transmission combination for that specific model. Oldsmobile didn't have the time or money to do this, so produced the 2499. Does anyone recommend this car?

I used to own a 1979 Hurst/Olds while I was in college in Duluth Minnesota. I bought the car not knowing what she was and spent the majority of the first year I owned her doing nothing, but working on it. I had to replace nearly every gasket on the car at one time or another because she smoked and leaked like all get out. Jonesy was a black and gold H/O that had been treated very poorly by her previous owners and I took great pride in bringing this rare car back to somewhat good condition on my own. I owned her for a little over 6 years and spent more money and time getting her road worthy then I can reamember. But once I did there is nothing in my memory that was more saticifing then firing up that now (4 yearsw after I bought her) strong running and mildly built 350rocket and getting that primal roar for the exhaust. I only have one picture of that car that now hangs on my computer desk. You see she was destroyed by a group of pubesant punks one lonely night in the, supposedly, secure underground parking garage of the building I was living in. Since you can't steal a car without a set of plug wires and a distributor cap, they just took a fire axe to her. I found her carcass on a Saturday night when I thought I'd fire her up and take some friends for a cruise. The punks that ruined her were never caught, long story, and she was taken to a scrap yard on a flatbed. Every time I see a H/O I teer up, that car was my best friend. May sound strange to some people, but there are those that know what I mean. I don't know why I decided to post this, just thought I'd share my love for the '79 Hurst/Olds. I'll never forget the Black and Gold little bad ass cutlass that taught many a young boy in a mustang what a muscle car REALLY is...

Mark Singer Minneapolis Minnesota.

I love my 79 h/o! She is black and gold. I feel the greatest when I start that car knowing that most people don't get that opportunity. It's not a 69' Camaro, but it's the car for me.

I'm only 21. but I have had 4 cars all different in many ways, but THE 79 H/O IS MY FAV. I say this with confidence because my first car was a 90 GMC Sonoma (fast) 4.3. Then I got an Accord that I thought was fast (it's not) Next, I got an 84 Caddy, the deville (perfect) my granddmother bought brand new. She even brought me home from the hospital in that car, and gave it to me on my 18th birthday. Three months later it was stolen out of my driveway. I got stiffed by insurance for only 3000 for a mint car.

I went on a search to find something worth driving. After failed attempts on my computer, I called a friend cause I saw a Firebird sittin out for sale. At this point I'm looking at anything, but it was a drag ready car I did not need. Jokingly I asked "you got anything else?" He laughed and said, "I do as a matter a fact." He walked me to his house and uncovered a black and gold h/o which I had only dreamed about! Thinking it was a less desirable year, but I told the man I'd be back. I went back and fired it up, and was and still am hooked. Plus I think it was a steal for a little more than 3000 (the interior is not perfect, but it runs and drives great!) So if you get if chance to buy one, you won't be disappointed!

You are correct about the 442 designation, but this car is not a 442, it's a Hurst Olds. The newer 442's had the 200r4 4 speed auto.

I however do own a 1979 olds 442. They are correct for the designation, but were available with any option. Mine has a 260 v8, 2 barrel with single exhaust. The build sheet shows the W29 package, but I believe was just a suspension upgrade from the factory brougham platform it was built on.

I have a 1979 olds cutlass supreme w/t-tops fully loaded with every option down to the am/fm cb radio, but it came with a 305 chevy in her what a jip I replaced it with a 350 chevy, but never had a problem with her id leave my wife before I got rid of her gotta be the best car I've ever owned and I've owned a lot just thought id chime in.

1979 T-Top Hurst/Olds Black and Gold

FOR SALE, HATE TO SAY IT

1979 Hurst/Olds Black and Gold Baby!

T-tops, Very Rare

Black interior

350 h.o. motor with approx 8k miles, rebuilt original

Runs and drives great, garaged

Travis

Northern California

530-979-1425.

Car has been restored, but needs some love to get it cleaned up, (i.e. paint and interior). I have put an Edelbrock Carb on and Too Cool Fans to make it a little better of a driver for me. I have all of the original pieces.

I am active duty military and am force to sell cause I am getting out of the military and need to money to go to school. Please if you know anyone that would love one of the best cars ever made Contact ME!!!

Thanks for your interest in my ad,

Travis

530-979-1425.

1979 Hurst Old with moon roof, white and gold for sale, mint condition, never saw rain or snow. Best offer, whatalittlebird@yahoo.com.

Put a subject line of 1979 hurst olds, or it may get deleted.

Nice site, I just got a 79 H/O black and gold back after 23 years! It's the one car, out of many over the years that I wish I stuck in a shed. The one I was able to get wasn't a T-top car like my first but close, when I drive it's like stepping back in time. I feel when these cars come into their own they will be highly sought after so hang on to yours.