To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$70,000 - $80,000
- Factory air conditioning
- 57,380 miles, believed to be original
- Long-term enthusiast ownership
- Original 394-cu. in. V-8
- Two-time AACA Senior National award winner
In mid-1961, with the Jet Age in full swing, Oldsmobile introduced
the Starfire, a high-style, high-performance luxury car that
recaptured Oldsmobile's rich performance heritage. Sharing a name
with the pre-eminent American jet fighter of the day, the Starfire
aimed squarely at the personal luxury sports car market dominated
by the Ford Thunderbird. The Starfire was built on a 123-in.
wheelbase shared with the Eighty-Eight line and offered a host of
distinctive features with outlandish modern styling drawn directly
from fighter plane runways around the world.
The convertible Starfire was among the most desirable Oldsmobiles
for 1961, and the example offered here makes it plain to see why.
This Starfire has been fully restored to as-new condition and
offers a taste of what an Olds dealer floor must have looked like
in 1961. It retains its original 394-cu. in. V-8 which provides
some 330 hp, nearly enough to ensure a proper takeoff. Fitted with
the highly desirable factory air conditioning (a $378 option!),
power steering, power brakes, power windows, rare power vent
windows, matching wheel covers, trunk opener, clock, and the iconic
"Wonderbar" radio with dual antennas, this Starfire was fully
loaded from new and is as comfortable as it is beautiful. The
interior was likewise fully restored, including correct-type full
leather interior as per original. Superbly finished inside and out,
it performs as new in all respects and is sure to be a centerpiece
of any Oldsmobile collection.
The limited-production Starfire convertible was the highest priced
Oldsmobile for 1961. The example offered here is a superb
opportunity to experience a bit of early 1960s style and luxury.
With numerous awards, including the prestigious AACA Senior First
National, you'd be hard pressed to find a better example anywhere.
It is an ideal choice to serve as wingman at any number of shows or
tours.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
