Vehicle Description
This 1962 Oldsmobile Cutlass F-85 coupe represents a distinct era
in all the best ways. An interesting design, unibody construction,
and a V8 that would become the toast of Europe. So to have this all
presented so authentically (right down to likely the original
motor) is quite a nice treat at quite a nice price.
The factory-correct Provincial White is a great way to showcase
this coupe. It gives the well-creased sheetmetal the same appeal as
a finely starched white button-down shirt. And just as formal is
all the complete brightwork package. They really loved to make
these elements as long and as possible. That's why the bumpers have
an extended wraparound; the hood ornament runs the full length of
the front; and the sweeping side trim starts at the Cutlass badge
on the front fender and runs uninterrupted to the jet-inspired F-85
in the rear. Even the factory wheel covers are in place, and we
love the details like how the red steel wheel matches the red on
the hubcap logo. It's a true time capsule coupe in all the best
ways.
The hints of red outside lead to an all red two-tone interior. The
colors of the vinyl set a nice attitude for a factory-correct and
'60s-cool kind of space. And speaking of space, this might have
been Oldsmobile's compact car, but there really is plenty of room.
You get individual comfort of bucket seats, and the rear even has
real legroom (not something you'd find on today's compacts!)
Spanning the entire width of the car, the dashboard houses a long
speedometer and bright knobs and buttons for things like the
headlights, windshield wipers, heat/defrost and original AM radio
that's still on display. A slender gearshift lever hangs from the
steering column, and the original steering wheel shows yet more
influences of jet age styling. It's a total package that impresses
with its level of uniqueness, and it's nicely presented for a new
generation to see.
Under the hood there's more hints of red as the correct air topper
sits upon the 215 cubic-inch V8. This motor has the correct 1962
date code, and shows so much originality, that we would not be
surprised if this car was born with this exact powerplant. Topped
with a four-barrel carburetor, it produces a fine amount of power
and torque. In fact, this lightweight aluminum block was a bit
ahead of its time at GM, but it found a larger purpose in England
where it was developed to power everything Morgans to Range Rovers.
Another short-run interesting features is the Roto Hydramatic
automatic transmission. The ride is absolutely up to Oldsmobile
standards. Power steering and a supple suspension feel nice when
cruising. Plus, because this is a rare unibody design (the next
year would swatch to body-on-frame) the construction is tighter. So
you can expect a more solid feeling than the usual 1960s
classic.
This is a truly interesting Olds coupe that was correctly restored
to be a time capsule. It's impressive that this much distinction
can also be so affordable. That's why you know you need to hurry
for this deal. Call now!