1979 Oldsmobile W30 – A Rare Survivor from the Final Year of the Line
The 1979 Oldsmobile W30 marked the final chapter in a performance legacy that began in the muscle car era and carried into the twilight of the 1970s. The W30 badge—initially synonymous with raw power and drag-strip dominance—had evolved by the end of the decade into a more refined, luxury-oriented performance package. Though emissions regulations and insurance pressures had dampened muscle car output across the board, Oldsmobile’s Hurst/Olds and W30 packages remained a statement of heritage, style, and capability.
This particular 1979 Oldsmobile W30, finished in its factory-correct Black and Gold (paint code 19U/19L), stands as a beautifully preserved example of the breed. With just 67,310 actual miles, this car represents a low-mileage survivor, retaining its original numbers-matching Olds 350 V8 paired to a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. The engine bay remains largely stock in appearance, enhanced with factory cast manifolds, a stock-style muffler and tailpipes, and a 10-bolt rear differential supported by both front and rear sway bars for improved handling.
The W30 trim was more than just a badge—it brought subtle performance and visual upgrades that complemented the car’s already upscale appeal. This example wears its original W30-specific trim package proudly, along with 14” OE wheels wrapped in 215/70 tires. According to PC Classic Cars' inspection, the car is incredibly solid underneath, featuring original floor pans, a newer gas tank, and a suspension system that remains in good condition.
Inside, the car features its original Dark Camel Tan interior (code 62E) with bucket seats, a center console, and a factory Hurst dual-gate shifter—an enthusiast's delight. Amenities include power windows, power locks, air conditioning (converted to R134 and fully functional), rear defrost, tilt steering, and a dash clock. Even details like the two-speed wipers, manual mirrors, and passenger-side vanity mirror speak to the car’s well-optioned nature. The interior retains a clean and well-preserved look with seats free from splits or tears, contributing to an overall authentic driving experience.
From a mechanical standpoint, PC Classic Cars reports this W30 drives exceptionally well. The engine performs with confidence, and the TH350 transmission delivers smooth, responsive shifts. Everything from the tachometer, horn, and heater to the radio, dash lights, and turn signals has been verified to be in working condition, enhancing its appeal as a true turnkey cruiser.
This W30 stands as one of the last Oldsmobile performance vehicles of the 1970s to balance bold styling with a smooth ride and surprisingly stout V8 power. While 1979 signaled the end of the original W30 run, this particular car offers a time capsule of that era—an unrepeatable blend of muscle car tradition and late-'70s elegance, wrapped in a gold-on-black package that still turns heads today.
PC Classic Cars in Sherman, Texas, is passionate about preserving automotive history through exceptional vehicles like this 1979 Oldsmobile W30. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and expert insight, their team ensures that each vehicle tells a story worth remembering.
Do you own a 1979 Oldsmobile, Cutlass, or W30 classic? PC Classic Cars is always looking to buy quality vintage vehicles like this one. If you're ready to pass your classic on to the next enthusiast, contact PC Classic Cars—where your car’s legacy continues.