Oldsmobile’s 1964 line-up was a bit confusing. I’ve covered their models from that year before, and always have to go through a refresher to figure out what’s what. So, with that thought, here we go again. Today’s find is a Jetstar I model, and it’s a bit rough around the edges, but it’s still worthy of a look. Hanging out in Los Angeles, California, this Olds full-size performance coupe is available here on craigslist for $6,500.
Here’s the ’64 rundown according to Olds: Ninety-Eight is on top, followed by the Starfire, which continues on to the Super and Dynamic 88, respectively. Next up is our subject car, the Jetstar I, and then, the Jetstar 88 brings up the markers. Oldsmobile published a brochure in ’64 entitled: “Oldsmobile Sports Cars” and included were the Starfire, Jetstar I, and the F-85. What? No 442, you ask? This brochure was printed in late ’63, before the 442 option was released, so the F-85 description doesn’t include what would become Oldsmobile’s preeminent performer. Back to the Jetstar I, it was a full-sized, moderately priced performance car. Only available as a two-door hardtop, Olds managed to move 16K copies in ’64. It came back for a return engagement in ’65 and then was gone to the ages.
Our subject car is referred to as being “green,” but it has plenty of brown that has managed to bleed through the original lacquer finish. The paint is said to be original, and the body is relatively straight and sound. There are some scrapes and contusions, but the extensive images don’t reveal any rot. The rear bumper may have done some bumpin’ and the chrome plating is thin, but all in all, the exterior presentation isn’t terrible. It appears that the entirety of the stainless trim is still attached, and it’s remarkable to find all four original wheel covers still in place.
The bucket seat/center console arrangement, one of the hallmarks of the Jetstar I, appears to have undergone an at-home reupholstery job. As a matter of fact, it’s similar to one that I performed on a ’65 Malibu when I was at the experienced age of seventeen. Yes, it’s a mess, and it will need a redo. A standard included Jetstar I feature is the console-mounted tachometer, and this is an A/C equipped car. The seller tells us, “A/C blows, but needs recharge.” OK, I hear that, but I imagine that it’s gonna need more than just a recharge.
Under the heavily patinaed hood is a 345 gross HP “Starfire” 394 CI V8 engine attached to a “Hydramatic-Drive” automatic transmission. Research indicates that it’s a three-speed unit, which makes me think it’s a Roto Hydrmatic, AKA a “Slim Jim”. The seller claims, “runs good,” and that’s it for motoring descriptions. The mileage is listed as 38K miles, so I would assume that the odometer has been once around.
There’s a certain genuineness to this Olds – it’s original, and it’s worn, but it’s still intact and complete. That interior is a true mess and will need attention, but the exterior could be left as is, I suppose, at least until the next owner gets tired of looking at it. If you’re interested in old, full-size performance cars, this could serve as a jumping off point, though I’d be concerned about its mechanical viability – “runs good” isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement. What’s your thought, worth investigating for $6,500?
Wow, every option, and a California car so it ain’t rotted away! So nice to see! Reasonably priced, too, I wish I could buy it. A friend has one, no A/C, and not complete.
This is the sort of car you can likely take apart using basic hand tools and a 3/8 drive socket set without stripping any nuts or bolts.
Looks to be a good project, it’s well optioned, looks to be rust free and is complete. You can spend your time and money working on it right away rather than sourcing missing or replacing rusty parts and doing rust repair.
Steve R
Some enterprising person should develop a franchise of drive through a/c recharging stations. They would make the richest person list in no time.
The A/C always only needs a “recharge,” sellers just fail to leave out or are ignorant to the fact of everything else that is needed in getting the air conditioning serviced in addition to freon.
Looks like a remarkably honest car. Can’t say I am gone on the DIY upholstery job, but I get the ‘use what you have on hand to get the job done’ mentality. It’d be something I would want to correct eventually but foremost I would be more concerned with the mechanics of the drivetrain and all the wear parts, like brakes, lines, hoses, bushings and steering components. The pics appear like it is a solid foundation to start with, just depends on how deep the next caretaker would like to venture down the rabbit hole.
The 64 Jetstar 1 was quite a car. Same ultra high compression 394 V8 as the starfire and last year for that engine as the new thin wall 425 was used for ‘65. All full size Oldsmobiles used a perimeter frame vs an X frame used on the full size chevies and some Buicks. They feature all coil spring suspension vs leaf springs and the rear was bolted to the frame with a 4 link.
This was a decontented starfire offering premium performance in a full size car at a more economy price. This would be a great project although it might be more fun with a 455, turbo 400 and disc brake upgrade. Rust free saves a lot of money.
Great 👍 front end 😎
I forgot to mention that 1964 was the first year of mandatory driver and passenger lap belts but tandem brakes did not appear till ‘67 models across the board.
Actually, lap belts were not required on a federal level until 1/1/66. Guy in high school had a ‘66 Sport Satellite 383/4 speed. It was built in late ‘65, and had front belts, but only 1/2 the rear belts were installed
Interesting Olds.
Though probably impossible to find, the ’65 in my view is the Jetstar I to have. It had better, new-for-’65 styling, the 425 engine, Turbo-Hydramatic instead of the “Slim Jim” (with a 4-speed manual available) and is much rarer than the ’64. I’ve seen exactly one ’65 in real life and that was 40-plus years ago so the chances of finding one today are slim at best. Easier to just find a Starfire instead.
Vance, just happen to have a 65 jetstar1! It is a project but it is totally complete! I have it for sale on Facebook market place! The 64 is a cool car but that roto- matic blows! Nobody know an̈ything about it! Cant find anyone to work on it. Adapter pĺates are avalble! But expensive!
This is why I come to this site. I never heard of a Jetstar by Oldsmobile. The whole idea of a full size performance car is audacious. I like it. The only way it could be better is if it would come as a convertible and a four speed.
I don’t mind patina as long as it’s on the surface and there are no rust holes. Assuming parts are available, this would make an awesome resto project.
@ Vance & James Martin…
A late friend was an absolute Olds freak! One of his many possessions was a Holiday Red/4-speed ’65 Jetstar 1. I don’t know its status since his passing. Another unique ride, & initially owned by me, was a Sherwood Green 1970 Delta Highway Patrol “Apprehender” (B07 option), former Illinois Tollway cruiser assigned to communications. Had the 390hp L32 which was part of Olds’ 1970 W33 package w/the HD M41/T400.
I got a 70 GTO from southern California. Every nut and fastener came off easily with SAE, not stupid metric wrenches. No PB Blaster needed. Car was bone dry. I got tired of fighting rusted junk from the Northeast. Go to California. Problem solved. 394 is a great engine but eats plenty of premium fuel.
Jim, I agree with you about doing some research on makes and models of these year Oldsmobiles. I’ve seen Jetstars here before but never a Jetstar 1. The AC will probably need a condenser servicing and cleaning, probably better to replace it, along with dryer, lines and expansion valve. Classic Auto Air out of Texas is a great source. This is a very fair price for a running survivor, without rust and rot, and again I’m glad it’s on the wrong coast for me. Good find.
I like the poor man’s seatback covers.
Hi guys,
So I’m the new owner of the Jetstar and it is now residing in the United Kingdom. The car is as rust free as you’ll get with the exception of a 2″ bubble at the bottom of the left hand front wing. The tach works, as does the heater/air con controls. All windows are power, the rears need a little help. The car drives well and there aren’t any leaks. Park lights and turn signals don’t work yet but I’ll be going through all earth contacts. I’ll be tackling the interior shortly. Yes, it’s as bad as it looks. I partly removed the rear cover to see if the seat speaker grill was still there. It was. Along with several pairs of under wear used for stuffing!! Anyhow, it’s a rare car here in the UK and I look forward to showing it off.