Vehicle Description
1963 Oldsmobile Starfire 2 Door Hardtop
"Starfire, pure glamour, with a touch of adventure! America's full
size sports car sensation, Starfire by Oldsmobile! A dashing new
contoured rear window on the coupe and a striking satin aluminum
panel along the side set Starfire apart in style!" From the 1963
brochure. Although the name had been used on a concept car in 1953,
and a trim level for the 98 DeLuxe from 1954-1957, it came into its
own with the first of two generations beginning in 1961.
For consignment, a 1963 Oldsmobile Starfire 2 door hardtop with a
title verified 68,760 actual miles. 21,489 Starfire coupes were
sold in 1963, and today, they represent a relatively rare model of
a now orphan brand. In each of the model's first five year, styling
changes were made and each has unique features that make them
distinct.
Exterior
From a distance, the single stage Ebony Black paint still reflects
light on this car and that's where the standard features end!
Oldsmobile took the star thing seriously, and there are
multi-pointed emblems all over the car, beginning on the front
where an eight pointed star in red caps an egg crate grille between
dual headlights. This emblem repeats on the decklid and the tail
lights, which stylistically are shortened by a rear vent and
feature four pointed accented over the red lenses. There's a star
on the front of that amazing side trim feature which rises from the
wrap-around bumper in front and trails back to the tail, with a
slight decrease in width as it goes. Finally, the wheel covers on
the 14-inch wheels has what can be construed as a three point star
backed by some red accenting. Other notable features include a side
mirror posted on the fender, pointed fenders that lead back to
rocket like fins in back, and that concave rear window.
Imperfections include some rust at the bottom of a panel, a dent in
the rocker trim, crack in the paint, extensive bubbling and
cracking down low, touched up chips, various scratches, and
incursions.
Interior
That center aluminum panel on the exterior is mirrored on the doors
and accompanied by red vinyl in multiple patterns and a red
carpeted kick panel, all in decent shape and of course, adorned
with a small star emblem. The front bucket seats continue to have a
red theme and other than some patina on the driver's seat, they are
in great shape, including the rear bench. A two spoke steering
wheel fronts a dash that mixes metal, red, ribbed panels and square
gauges that may have inspired some of the set design on Lost in
Space with its futuristic style! Down below a 3 gauge pod has been
added next to the wild tachometer that sits like a cyclops at the
head of the center console, just before a metal base plate takes in
the T-shaped shifter. Plush red carpet below and a white headliner
above with stainless bows all look to be in good shape. The
enormous trunk is lined with red felt.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a driver quality 394ci Rocket V8 rated at 345
horsepower. To feed those horses, a 4-barrel carb is employed and
so is a Hydramatic Roto-Matic 3-speed transmission which routes the
power back to 3.42 gears. Power drum brakes are found front and
rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well where typical surface rust is
found, some residual oil on the pan and flywheel cover, some greasy
knuckles, and some flaking rust on the inner rear quarter panels.
The floor boards and other flat metal underneath is clean. We note
some corrosive surface rust on the door bottoms. Dual exhaust flows
through a pair of bright red Cherrybomb mufflers before exiting via
downturned chrome tips. Suspension is comprised of coil springs up
front and a 4 link with coil springs in back.
Drive-Ability
We can count the number of Starfires that have graced our halls on
one hand, so we're thrilled to have this somewhat unusual car which
we start up and roll onto the test loop. We note some valve tap in
the engine, so we feather the car around the short loop for a
function check. Other than the clock and heater blower not working,
all other items that render the car roadworthy, operate as they
should! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
If you're an Olds fan, this one is for you! If you love 60's era
cars and their preoccupation with all things galactic, you're going
to love this Starfire! If you want a classic that could easily be
brought up to the next level while still being enjoyed as is, this
unique ride fills the bill! We're pretty sure everyone could find
something to like about this car. We sure did, could you tell?
636W02487
63-1963
6-Starfire
W-Wilmington, DE Assy Plant
02487-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
3C-3rd Week March
STYLE 63 3657-1963 Starfire 2 Door Hardtop
BODY BW1208-Wilmington Body #
TRIM 995-Red Leather
PAINT AAL-Ebony Black, Regal Mist
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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