Vehicle Description
1964 Oldsmobile Starfire
The 1964 Oldsmobile Starfire model came out at a time when Peyton
Place was a hit on TV and when Coca-Cola first launched a
low-calorie soda called Tab. Bucket seats and center consoles would
attract wives of suburbanites despite the car's thirst for gas.
After all, fuel was cheap, and the Feds hadn't invaded the
automaker's garages yet with restrictive laws. Heavier than the '61
model because of luxury add-ons, the '64 models reached a not so
light two tons of weight. But it's lines were clean and assertive,
and the suburnite housewives were attracted by features like
Guide-Matic headlights that automatically dimmed when oncoming cars
approached. Unlike the fifties' cars, the fins were almost gone. By
1965, these features were completely absent.
Enter this 1964 quintessential suburbia working office man cruiser,
the Oldsmobile Starfire from 1964 complete with its
Protect-O-Plate, window sticker and build sheet. With its sleek
thin front and back, and the squared off roofline and staunch
windows, along with plenty of horizontal ribbed trimmings, it
bleeds conservatism. This car begs for a felt Stetson with a tweed
band and some side feathers, and a thin necktie. Beautiful
patterned stitched vinyl in lighter complimentary blue, gives this
2-door hardtop plenty of class, whether it's the commute and from
work, or out for a Sunday drive...remember those?''
Exterior
Straight steel all bathed in a color change of dark blue metallic
paint which is the deep end of the pool paint covers this classic.
Overall, the paint is well applied with only minor inclusions and
some bubbling due to contamination. An oversized trim spear runs
from bow to stern riding atop the graceful fenders. Here small fins
grow up from the front fenders, diminish through the doors and
reappear again on the rear quarters, where on the rear of the car
shiny bezels quadrant off the taillights by a cross shaped chrome
emblem. Rocker trim thins out and then surrounds the wheel wells in
front and back and is graced below by a wide vertically ribbed
rocker panel. Chrome for the bumpers is all excellent as is the
front grille, which for this year has a 3-dimensional quality with
a large red star, (Starfire?), in the center which is flanked by
dual headlights on either side. More chrome trim highlights the
ample glass and roofline as well as highlighting the fuel filler
door. We note the glass is all very clean with the exception of a
5-inch crack in the windshield on the passenger's side. 14-inch
chrome wire wheel covers with Oldsmobile Rocket badged center
spinners are wrapped with thin whitewall 215/75-R15's on all 4
corners.
Interior
The jet age is in full swing, the race to the moon has begun in
earnest, and the styling of this car reflects that. Even the name
Starfire inspires speed and thrust and forward progress. Near
perfect faux leather pattern blue vinyl is interplaying with chrome
trimming and aluminum inlays wrapping around various panels. A
rocket in a sunburst badge is top and center on the doors, and dark
blue carpeting covers the lowers. Inside, freshly redone nice wide
blue vinyl low back buckets show near perfectly with their tuck and
roll inserts and smooth bolsters and wide chromed edging. A rear
bench is in back in the same pattern and also looking unused.
Molded plastic in black is on the sides of a center console which
begins just under the dash. Here a chromed shift lever resides
along with the factory tachometer and power window switches. This
sits on a ribbed aluminum plate on top of the molded black. In
front of the original steering wheel is a symmetrical dash with a
central red Olds star badge, and more dark blue for the dash top
and lighter blue for the metal painted dash front. A few brushed
aluminum panels are also here housing the pulls and knobs. Just
below in a chrome panel is a trio of aftermarket gauges to show
more vital signs of the mill upfront. Original dark blue carpeting
with integrated mats are very clean covering the floors and a light
blue headliner is above showing nice and tight.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is an engine aficionado's dreamland where the Olds
engineers have placed a rebuilt sometime in the past 394ci Rocket
V8. The space race even continued into the engine names, what a
time to be alive! This red painted mill is topped with a 4bbl
carburetor, ribbed aluminum valve coverings, and a chrome with red
pie plate air cleaner assembly. A 3-speed Hydramatic automatic
transmission is on the back, and the rear axle is 3.42 gear ratio
with limited slip.
Undercarriage
Clean with an ample application of rustproofing texture coating is
seen throughout along with some surface rust on the frame and areas
the rustproofing has chipped off. Independent coil spring
suspension and a 4 link with coil springs provides the ride, and
the power drum braking brings you back to earth safely. Also, a
stock style dual exhaust system is seen snaking its way rearward
from the Rocket under the hood.
Drive-Ability
3, 2...1 Liftoff and we were off to the test track. All was
performing just nicely with snappy acceleration and good solid
handling. All seemed to be working during our drive and even though
it wasn't necessary we took a second and third lap with me in the
rear seat for me to relive some of my childhood "are we there yet"
memories.
Suburbia bliss for father, THE car to have in 1964 showing success,
and a touch of class. This car will need very little to be made
perfect or drive it away and fully enjoy it as is. A smooth big car
sprung ride, can almost put you to sleep, but then you press the
gas and wake up immediately.
VIN DECODE
864L055457
8-V8
6-Starfire
4-1964
L-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
0555457-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
4C-3rd Week April Build
STYLE 64 3657-1964 Starfire 2 Door Coupe
BODY BL3112-Linden Body #
TRIM 333-Blue Vinyl
PAINT FFA-Wedgewood Mist, Obsidian Black
A31-Power Windows
U75-Power Antenna
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.