1962 Oldsmobile Starfire

Handsome 1962 Olds Starfire convertible in great colors. Older repaint, otherwise mostly original. Nice chrome and trim, beautiful interior. Runs and drives well. Oldsmobile s best early 60s luxury muscle!

The Starfire was always Oldsmobile s halo model, and when this 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire convertible hit the streets, it was the most expensive model in the Oldsmobile catalog more than even the 98. Perhaps that s why they only moved 7149 ragtops in 1962. Regardless, there s no question that the Starfire was a home-run in the styling department, bringing lots of younger customers into Oldsmobile showrooms which was entirely the point. This one, being dressed in black, looks spectacular with the unique Starfire side trim, which emphasizes the car s length and gives it a sleek profile. We believe the car was repainted in the 1990s and it s holding up rather well, with a deep gloss and good penal alignment, suggesting it was a quality respray. There are a few signs of use and age, of course, but nothing that detracts from the impact this big ragtop makes when it arrives on the scene. The aforementioned side trim is in excellent condition with no pitting or dings, and the rest of the chrome is a combination of good original stuff and replated pieces that look right. It sits right, looks fast just sitting still, and shows off the kind of swagger GM carried when they were at the top of their game.

The beautiful two-tone red interior is the ideal complement to the glossy black bodywork, the right combination of sporty and sophisticated. The Starfire was the first car to offer a floor-shifted automatic transmission, and with buckets, a console, and a tachometer as standard equipment, it was clearly aimed at a younger buyer. All the seating surfaces are in excellent condition and we ve debated whether it s original or an exceptional reproduction either way, it s beautiful. There are no splits or tears in the seats and they re still supportive and comfortable that makes this car great for long cruises in the sun. The options list includes a power driver s seat, power windows, and a power antenna on the rear deck, and they all work like they should. Factory gauges only cover the basics, but that ribbon-style speedometer is just too cool, and yes, the tachometer works properly. Overhead there s a white power convertible top that was probably installed when the car was repainted, and it stows under a matching boot for a clean look. As you d expect, the trunk is massive and has been fully upholstered in matching red carpets and includes a full-sized spare tire with its own cover.

The Starfire used Oldsmobile s most powerful engine: a 394 cubic inch V8 making 345 horsepower and advertised as having Ultra High Compression. Don t worry, it s docile and easy to drive and is happy on premium pump gas, so no worries about mixing up some special brew to make it run right. A few chrome accents were added for the benefit of those new, younger Oldsmobile buyers, and you ll note that things like power steering and power brakes are part of the package (a car this size would probably be impossible without them). It starts easily, idles nicely, and has enough torque to make the big Starfire feel quick around town and effortless on the highway. The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission shifts cleanly and 3.42 gears in back are a nice compromise between acceleration and relaxed cruising on the freeway. The body has never been off the frame and it s original underneath, but you can see that it s in good order with one well-done patch in the passenger s front floor well. Otherwise it s original sheetmetal with nothing to hide. Dual exhaust was standard equipment and the system on this car sounds appropriately muscular without being loud, and it sits on 14-inch wheels with factory hubcaps and 215/75/14 whitewall radials all around.

Extras include a spare radio (functionality unknown).

The Starfire was unquestionably a landmark car for Oldsmobile and today they remain some of the most prized vehicles from Oldsmobile s early performance years. A nice combination of original and restored components, this Starfire convertible is ready to drive and enjoy. It s not a perfect car, but it s an ideal car for the enthusiast who likes putting his hardware on the road, which is where the Starfire shines brightest. Call today!

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