1979 Oldsmobile Starfire Firenza V8: The Forgotten H-Body Muscle Machine | Full History & Features

The 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire Firenza V8 is one of the most unusual and overlooked GM performance cars of the late 1970s. Built on the compact H-body platform shared with the Monza, Skyhawk, and Sunbird, the Starfire Firenza offered bold European-inspired styling, sporty trim, and — in its rarest form — a factory-available V8 engine.

With its flared bodywork, distinctive graphics, upgraded suspension, and the available 305 V8, the 1979 Firenza represented one of the final attempts to keep excitement alive during the emissions era. Today, these cars have become incredibly rare, with very few surviving in original condition — making them a hidden gem for Oldsmobile and GM collectors.

In this video, we explore the full history of the 1979 Oldsmobile Starfire Firenza V8 — why it was built, how it compared to the Chevy Monza and Buick Skyhawk, and why this obscure H-body V8 is gaining attention among collectors.

In this video, you’ll learn:

How the Starfire Firenza fit into the GM H-body lineup

Details of the optional 305 V8 and its performance

Unique styling, trim, and interior features

How the Firenza compared to the Monza Spyder and Buick Skyhawk

Why the 1979 V8 Firenza is now a rare collector’s item

If you enjoy obscure GM performance cars, rare Oldsmobiles, or forgotten ’70s muscle-era survivors, this video is for you. Share your Firenza stories in the comments!