When it comes to gearhead thinking, it’s a sign of real maturity when someone comes to terms with the fact that they’ll never have time to complete a project, then decides to get whatever car they’re working on into the hands of an enthusiast who does. That’s what’s going on with this 1961 Oldsmobile F85 station wagon here on Facebook Marketplace, and fortunately, the owner here has already made a few accomplishments during his three years of ownership. While there’s still more to be done, this one seems well on the way to becoming operational again, so head on over to Lincoln, Nebraska, to see if this Olds is a good candidate for you to complete. Don’t forget to bring along $6,500 in cash, as that’s what the seller is hoping for.
T.J., thanks a lot for your tip here! With how the engine proudly displays itself in the bay now, you’d never know that it was in pieces when the seller bought this wagon back in 2022. He’s since reassembled it, plus also patched up the transmission tunnel, as for reasons unknown, it had been cut out by a previous owner. A 700R4 transmission was included when the owner acquired this project, and it’s also now back in place, so hopefully, this 4-speed automatic is ready to function. The engine has been started, but time restraints have prevented the seller from getting this one entirely roadworthy thus far.
The exterior is described as being straight and pretty solid, which seems like a reasonable assessment, at least from what we can see in the photos. Some rust is specifically mentioned in the dog leg areas, but it appears minor, plus it looks like the rockers and a few of the other lower areas have already had some repairs made. I think that’s Aqua Green paint, a factory color on the Oldsmobile chart for ’61, which works really well with this body, especially with the white roof. It doesn’t seem like too much effort will be needed outside before this wagon’s ready for a respray.
The interior is stated as being presentable as-is, and I’m a fan of how the Olds dash design here almost looks more like a rear package tray with the tiny set of instruments sitting on top for the driver. I concur that things inside are OK for the time being, and most of the components appear stock except for the trio of gauges that have been added. Is this 1961 F85 station wagon an Olds you’d be interested in finishing?
Interesting project – my mother had the Pontiac Tempest version of this with, of course, a totally different drivetrain. I don’t have any experience personally with the 215 aluminum engine but I have heard about casting issues with the block and overheating problems which would make me a bit leery of it.
Our family owned a ’63 Buick Special wagon with the 215 V8 from 1967 through 1972. We learned the hard way that the car needed regular coolant flushing with distilled water and to use 100% antifreeze. To neglect this regimen would lead to a heater core plugged with aluminum flakes that had been carried in from engine block and cylinder head deterioration.
As I recall, the casting problem you referred to involved porosity in perhaps the valley chamber, allowing coolant leaching into it. GM avoided a recall by developing the most effective coolant stop leak- ever- for the dealers to install. You can buy these drop-in tablets, they are AC Delco Cooling System Seal Tabs.
Cadillac HT4100’s needed these everytime the cooling system was drained. They were ground ginger root if I remember correctly.
I’ve heard of voodoo economics, this is the first I’ ve heard of voodoo mechanics
Tom- ginger and finely ground walnut shells. GM still sells the tablets, you can even find them on Amazon now. The walnut stops cracked block freeze damage and other coolant leakages because it expands after entering the leak point, does not clog the system, and is not washed out by anti-freeze in the system. I used to have to ask Oldsmobile dealers if they still had any on a back shelf, but now you can buy it on Amazon. It’s never failed me yet on any coolant leak, simply the best product on the market–and the easiest to use.
A friend of mine that has been doing radiators since the early 60’s says; if it leaks? A teaspoon of Ground black pepper.
It works! I had to put some in my 64 GMC 10 years ago; still holds, and a 4 lb radiator cap.
I like this wagon. Just a cool simple, straight forward people mover. Wouldn’t take much work to get her up and running for ice cream runs and car & coffee. When was the last time you seen one on the street. I would take a look but to many cars in the garage now. It unfortunately would just sit like it does now until I got around to it.
Is that a power or crank back windshield ?
Crank – and it works, according to the video.
you don’t see these too often
My first car in 1968 was an F85 but not the wagon. $250.00 out the door at Story Oldsmobile Lansing Mi. The car was fine for a year then the rings wore out. My Dad and I rebuilt it in the driveway engine in car. Broke most of the head bolts because the aluminum didnt want to let the steel bolts come out.
I really like this size F85/Buick Special/Pontiac Tempest cars. And a wagon without a roof rack to me, is a huge plus. And the fact that it has an overdrive transmission installed. (I think this transmission is ekectronicly controlled so a stand alone control unit needed?) Is a huge plus. If only the fleet was smaller and I had a place to park it out of the “searing Nevada sun”.
A 700R4 isn’t electronically controlled but you better make sure the TV cable is properly adjusted.
The same fir a,Ford AOD!
Don’t ask me how I know!
Presented honestly, but no mention if the 215 V8 has a two-barrel or a four-barrel carburetor. It looks like a two-barrel from the pictures, but it’s hard to tell. I’d probably try to find a set of A/C controls to get the A/C working again, and maybe upgrade the intake to a four-barrel intake with an aftermarket intake manifold from Edelbrock for a bit more oomph, and try to source a period correct dual-path turbine drive automatic transmission for good measure. The 700R4 A/T probably wouldn’t fit without cutting a hole in the floor first, which is why it had a hole in the floor, LOL!
It says “SOLD” in the description.
If it’s sold,why not just delete the ad?