We’re no strangers to low-mile claims at Barn Finds, and some must be taken at face value. Such is the case with this 1963 Oldsmobile Starfire. The seller believes that the odometer reading of 57,000 miles is genuine, based on the overall condition. Scrutinizing the listing images supports this, but there’s nothing like documentary evidence to remove lingering doubts. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Starfire listed here on eBay in Englewood, Colorado. The seller set their BIN at $39,900 with the option to make an offer.
Released in 1961, the First Generation Starfire was initially Convertible-only territory. Oldsmobile introduced a Hardtop in 1962, and sales boomed as a result. This Hardtop was built in 1963 and ordered by its first owner in Regal Red. The appearance is first-rate, adding weight to the mileage claim. The paint reflects its surroundings like a mirror, and the panels are laser-straight. If this classic is a genuine low-mile survivor, it has obviously led a sheltered existence and been somebody’s pride and joy. I can’t spot any rust, nor any issues with the glass or chrome. The company’s decision to adorn the exterior with brushed aluminum trim enhances the luxury feel, and the car’s trim appears virtually faultless. One appealing feature is the spinner hubcaps, giving this Starfire a sense of purpose.
The horsepower race was in full swing in the 1960s, and Oldsmobile delivered with the 1963 Starfire. Its 394ci V8 sends an impressive 345hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. In keeping with the car’s luxury leanings, power-assisted steering and brakes were standard in 1963. The seller states they have no documentary evidence supporting their mileage claim and bases it on the vehicle’s overall presentation. Their use of the word “excellent” in the listing suggests that this Starfire is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical shortcomings.
Air conditioning, power windows, a console, a factory tachometer, leather upholstery, and a Wonderbar radio. Those features combine to provide a comfortable motoring experience. The seller confirms that the A/C is a retrofit system, but the remaining features are original. As with the exterior, there is nothing inside this Starfire deserving criticism. The leather looks supple and inviting, the carpet is spotless, and the painted surfaces are excellent. There is bright trim on the dashboard and door cards that mimics the exterior, and it is free from dings and marks. The interior is almost dazzlingly bright, but it still feels classy and luxurious.
The introduction of the Starfire Hardtop in 1962 was a stellar move by Oldsmobile. A sales tally of 7,149 Convertibles represented a significant increase over the previous year’s 1,500 cars, but 34,839 buyers selected the Hardtop. The company came crashing to Earth in 1963, with that figure dropping to 21,489. While researching this story, I found a prior listing for this car from October 2024. The car sold on that occasion for $26,750, which is considerably less than the current BIN. Do you believe that the increase is justified, or do you have a lower price in mind?
“I found a prior listing for this car from October 2024. The car sold on that occasion for $26,750, which is considerably less than the current BIN. Do you believe that the increase is justified, or do you have a lower price in mind?”
Unless the seller can show just cause why it’s now worth some $13,000 more; then yeah. A lower price is in order.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Elky. It was precisely what I was hoping to see. Opinions will differ on questions like price, so it will be fascinating to see how it pans out as the number of comments grows. I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles.
Good looking Starfire, but probably priced a bit on the high side. That’s what happens when a flipper gets a hold of it. They pay market value and then they add their requisite 10k to the price all while usually doing minimum if any maintenance to the vehicle.
This is one beautiful Olds. I agree with Adam, the color keyed wheel covers add a nice touch to these. Also that stainless trim on the sides too. This Olds is certainly top shelf and the mileage claim seems legit based on the photos. Once again, Cirvette found a gorgeous ( although eye watering priced) Olds. And Adam, great write up, thank you for featuring it.
Nice Olds, with nice amount of power. Forgot how sweet looking these coupes were.
The car is absolutely beautiful in every way! Clean, you could eat off the motor and the interior looks perfect. Almost too nice to drive, especially here where I am. Western PA roads are pretty beat up with a mixture of calcium, brine and black mud from the coal haulers. God bless the coal haulers though, it’s great that they are working 💪 yes very nice car and I’m sure it will sell to someone who loves these
I think this is the first ’63 Starfire I’ve seen. It looks cleaner & sleeker & faster than say, a ’62. Maybe it’s the tailights & the swept up rear end. The fact it’s leather adds to the appeal, too. That a/c system is a new one on me, too. Never saw one without the compressor under the hood. Just too bad the outlets & control panel aren’t a little more stylish.
A beauty nonetheless.
The factory a/c system has a much cleaner appearance and has a compressor, too.
Yes, in front of the radiator. That’s the location I hadn’t seen before.
Thats damn funny !! The addition of aftermarket A.C. makes me think this is a re habbed car . NOT an original one
This ac set up is interesting as it’s all electronic. No belt off the crank so no parasitic loss on the engine.
But the interior set-up is tacky at best.
I didn’t realize the roofline is like a Gran Prix. As far as price every seller will say “make a reasonable offer.”
Good looking Olds Starfire!!
That 394 engine was a brute and was the last version of the famous 1949 303 V8. Back in the day you had to be careful on the street when an old ’49 Olds 88 coupe rolled up along side you at a stop light. Once in awhile a 371 or 394 was lurking under that hood. :-) Terry J
Beautiful car. 1962-64 has always been my favourite years for Olds.
nice olds but the price is a bit on the high side
I agree. I’d be willing to pay between $25k and $30k.
Great looking car that will get looks at the shows.
To the last flipper left standing, please turn out the lights.
Adding 13K to the car after two years, in a plummeting market.
Tier II cars (and this is a very nice one), were never meant to be “investments”.
As sanity returns, people who want them can start to afford them again.
Can anyone explain what the badge above the front wheel wells and on the brushed aluminum is? I don’t recall such an emblem or has someone just glued an old style Oldsmobile crest on each front fender?
My Dad special ordered a new 1963 Dynamic 88 4-door with the low compression 394 and factory air. I remember the the total sticker price was $3999. Great car until we were t-boned by two drunks in a 1956 Olds. Thank goodness it was a pillared sedan with the Olds’ perimeter frame..
I was a cars-crazy 9 year-old kid when these came out.
Those ‘cartoons’ at the leading-edge of the brushed aluminum side panel about which you inquired:
they are definitely original to this model. They depict a stylized ‘Olds Rocket’ blasting off.
It is a bit pricey, but when is the last time you saw one this nice!
It is getting hard to find a cool ride these days even at this price point!
I agree. I’d be willing to pay between $15k and $20k for a car this nice.
Kevin James:
No, I don’t mean those Starfire logos on the leading edge of the brushed aluminum. I’m asking about the tiny badge farther back just above the front wheeleell trim and stuck on the Starfire brushed aluminum trim just above…
@ 1963Tempest Those are Oldsmobile crest badges. Most likely put on by the owner at one time. Definitely not factory installed pieces.
For what it’s worth, I prefer the looks of the 1962 model. That said, this is a gorgeous Olds.
Arfeeto:
I was always intrigued by the double convoluted curves of the 1962 Olds’ front fender as it merged into the grille of the 1962 full-size Oldsmobiles. The 1963 Starfire’s narrower brushed aluminum trim seems to me to be a bit more refined and less garish than the wider 1961-62 versions. Nonetheless, all the Starfires were stunning, especially their interiors.
Hear, hear! My aesthetic judgment could well be guided by my experience–and by nostalgia. Sixty years ago, I was in high school and and working part-time at a gas station, pumping gas. My boss owned a ’62 Starfire, a black. convertible that was absolutely stunning, with power and performance perhaps more impressive than its appearance. Incredibly, my boss would often let me–a 16-year-old kid–use his car to fetch replacement parts for customer vehicles. To a car-crazed kid of my age, the experience was Nirvana itself.
BTW, one of my many cars early on, and one that I still fondly recall, was a Tempest, though a 1963 model.
Again, although just a kid at the time, I remember the distinctive sound Oldsmobiles made.
No other make sounded quite like them.
Gutteral, almost like a growl.
It was beautiful, just like the cars.
Beautiful car!!! I wonder how it compares the the ‘63 Wildcat I wish I still had.