Vehicle Description
You probably haven't seen many 1963 Oldsmobile Starfire hardtops,
but that's OK, they're pretty rare. But if you're a fan of V8
power, incredible '60s styling, and a spacious bucket seat
interior, in a car that isn't an Impala, we've just found the
answer. An incredible survivor that's still highly original, this
Olds will change the way you think about the rocket division.
First off, this is a full-sized car, but like the Pontiac
Bonneville and the Buick Electra, the Starfire is a big car with
the moves of a muscle car. It also has that look that defines the
era, with sleek lines and a hardtop profile, all wrapped in a
handsome light blue paint job. The repaint was done in the 1990s,
but they clearly had a great foundation to work with, especially
since reproduction body panels are non-existent for these cars.
Those long quarters with their small stainless-trimmed fins, the
peaked front fenders, and the uniquely-shaped C-pillar treatment
make the Olds stand out in a crowd, and while it's not perfect, it
will definitely become the center of attention wherever it goes.
All the wonderful Olds-specific trim is there, too, much of it in
beautifully preserved original condition, including the contrasting
side molding that was a 1963 Oldsmobile trademark.
The interior appears to be mostly original, and while some parts
need some love, other parts are still excellent, so we'd be
selective about replacements. Both front buckets have splits on the
lower cushions that are probably inevitable given the design, and
replacing them would be relatively easy and affordable. The rest is
quite good, from original carpets that aren't faded, a dash pad
that hasn't been baked by the sun, and handsome door panels that
show great details and an upscale look. The dual level dashboard
echoes the exterior styling with a bright strip up top holding the
wide speedo and the secondary controls underneath. The center
console houses the T-handle shifter that definitely looks like it
belongs in a rocket, along with a cool tachometer that's still
fully functional. Other options include rare power windows and A/C
(needs to be serviced), plus a fully functional Wonderbar AM radio.
The massive trunk is neatly finished with matching blue carpets and
includes a full-sized spare tire and jack assembly.
For power, the Olds brings a big 394 cubic inch V8 to the party.
High-compression was the name of the game for horsepower (it's
written right there on the air cleaner lid), and while this one
will run happily on pump gas, it's not your father's Oldsmobile,
either. The Rocket Red engine shows a lot of originality with
chrome valve covers and matching air cleaner, and it runs superbly
thanks to a lifetime with a retired Oldsmobile mechanic. The
transmission is a quick-shifting 3-speed automatic driving the
original rear end, and the undercarriage carries only a light
dusting of undercoating to seal it up and control noise but leaves
nothing to the imagination. The dual exhaust system has a nice V8
burble that's appropriate to an Oldsmobile and both power steering
and brakes are included. Special color-matched hubcaps add to the
Oldsmobile's flair and it's been fitted with a set of 225/75/14
whitewall radials that ride nicely and look great.
An unusual piece of luxury muscle from a great period in GM
history. With long-term single family ownership since the 1960s,
this is one Oldsmobile that you can't afford to miss. Call
today!