Who doesn’t love free stuff?
When you possibly can’t promote know-how, efficiency, or luxurious, it’s time for the worth play. And in 1979, Oldsmobile’s Starfire was turning into fairly crusty—and a little bit arduous to promote. Considered one of Common Motors’ 4 “H-Physique” subcompact vehicles, the Starfire differed little from the Chevrolet Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Pontiac Sunbird with which it shared its fundamental structure. The quartet of subcompacts had been launched for the 1976, however had roots that went way back to the 1970 Chevrolet Vega.
1979 Oldsmobile Starfire
Ford Mustang
And all 4 H-Physique vehicles had been beginning to look their age by 1979, particularly because the Pinto-based Ford Mustang II had given strategy to an incredibly modern-looking new Mustang for 1979.
The advert seen right here boasts of quite a few key options which could pique the curiosity of sporty-car intenders, and since they’re all included at no value, some consumers possible noticed the worth.
Ageing Product
Fact is, although, the Starfire, and all of the H-Physique vehicles, had been nothing particular to drive, and fairly cramped, too. Observe that the accessible 5.0-liter V8 and 4-speed handbook transmission had been one thing of a draw, however one of the best that the extra-cost engine might muster was 130 horsepower—simply 15 horses greater than the accessible 3.8-liter V6.
Gross sales
Solely about 20,000 Starfires had been offered for 1979, and simply 8200 for 1980.
J-Vehicles
Oldsmobile didn’t provide a subcompact automobile for 1981, however roared again into the section in 1982 with the all-new, and totally trendy, Firenza, certainly one of GM’s new “J-Vehicles.”
Olds pushed 32,000 Firenzas although dealership doorways in 1981, and it did so with out overlaying the automobile with multicolored physique stripes. Additionally seen beneath, an advert for the same Pontiac Sunbird, that includes a really comparable worth pitch.
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1979 Oldsmobile Starfire Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures
