The Jetstar 88 was an entry-level offering in the Oldsmobile 88 series between 1964 and 1966. Offered in a variety of body styles, it was not to be confused with the Jetstar 1 which was a performance-oriented coupe. It was the only full-size Olds sold with the smaller 330 cubic inch V8 borrowed from the F-85/Cutlass. This first-year Jetstar 88 looks to be in nice condition but needs brakes and tires if you want to drive it much. Located in northern Wisconsin, this Olds is available here on craigslist for $7,500. Thanks for keeping us busy with these tips, T.J.!
General Motors assigned the Jetstar 88 to the B-body platform, so 2-door hardtops like this one used the same roof as the 1964 Chevrolets. On the other hand, the Starfire and JetStar 1 had a concave rear window and sharply increased roof line from the A-bodies. Buyers of the ’64 Jetstar 88 could get their engines with either 2 or 4-barrel carburetors with horsepower outputs of either 225 or 260. The seller does not provide an under-hood photo, so we don’t know which setup applies here.
This Oldsmobile has been well-used at 104,000 miles but also appears to be well-cared for. It was treated to a repaint some years ago and that appears to have held up and we assume it’s the original color. No mention is made of rust while the seller does say that the floors and trunk are solid. What we can see of the interior looks good, but there are some aftermarket covers over the seats that may or may not be hiding anything worrisome.
Considering that it needs tires and brakes, we’re guessing this Oldsmobile hasn’t seen a lot of action in recent years. And we assume that no further mechanical work is needed since nothing else is mentioned. Olds built 14,663 copies of the Jetstar 88 as a 2-door hardtop in 1964, which is only 10% less than what the faster Jetstar 1 saw at 16,084 units. For those who are into mid-1960s Oldsmobiles, this one might be a nice catch.
Looks like the deal of the day!
Another “If I was closer “…
I would be all over it if it was a Jetstar 1
When I was a teenager in the 80s mom had a Dynamic 88 4 door she got from the original owner she drove it for years befor started to blow blue smoke and she sold it
Why the Cutlass, F85 lead in when this car has nothing to do with entirely different models? Will the next article say, Chevelle!!!! and go on to discuss a Chevrolet Biscayne?
Actually the Jetstar 88 used the Cutlass engine, transmission( 2 speed Jetaway), Cutlass brakes, and Cutlass rear axle. The frame was also lightened a bit. I worked on these, they were a disaster. Brakes were too small for the car, and the engine had trouble motivating the larger package. Dumped after 3 model years.
When these were just past new(late 60’s), parts were already a nightmare to get, especially anything involved with the rear axle.
At that time I was active in buying excess (no longer returnable) parts from Olds dealers and reselling at swapmeets and Hemmings.
My biggest sellers were 30-50’s diecast and trim, but a close second was Jetstar 88 mechanicals.
My dad had a 64 Jetstar 88 4 door when I was at driving age.. it was a marvelous car and absolutely bulletproof- much has been said about the smaller brakes but (ironically) nearly everyone that drove that car thought the brakes were not just adequate but overly sensitive even at a fast long stop. The 330/2V high compression was way more than adequate… would easily out run my friends 69 Newport 383/2V and keep pace with cousins’ 68 Galaxie 390/2V…Even though a trailer pulling car in Nebraska no frame structure or frame rust issues..Traded off a about 160K. I believe the (value leader)Jetstar 88 was the predecessor to the Delmont 88 in 1967
Yeah caught that too, maybe the 330? This looks like a nice car and priced to sell. Could always upgrade the drivetrain and be only one in town. Don’t see these any longer, not that I remember seeing that many. My father liked Olds and we had a few Dynamic 88’s even a 64 drop top. Maybe that’s why I appreciate their straight square lines of the era.
The jetstar88 has the cutlass drive train and the smaller 4.5 rim size. So comparing it to the cutlass is ok. I have a convertible. Love the car, she floats down the road.
My first car (that I actully paid for on credit)was a 64 Super 88 I bought for 600 from one of my moms co-workers..this was in 73….I can’t count how many times I ran it out of gas. When I started driving it, I noticed a hot and cold idiot light. When the engine reached temperature, the cold light went out with a horrible “doink”…I thought I had hit something..smooth and powerful car.
Gorgeous peak GM formal hardtop giveaway. People don’t even appreciate the greatness these cars represent.
Though I’m aware the Jetstar88 was the bottom-of-the-barrel fullsize Olds I’m thinking it’s the better choice if one wants a ’64 B-body Olds. Sharing brakes with its A-body cousin should mean there should be a massive selection of disc brake upgrade kits available. With a 330 between its framerails it should already be prepared to take one of the bigger Rockets, while its posh siblings are bound to stick to the older Rockets due to engine mounts.
Still I think its biggest advantage is that one isn’t tied up to the Roto transmission. If there’s place for the 2spd Jetaway there should be ample space to upgrade to a TH350 or 700. IMO the ’64 Olds is an extremely clean razorsharp design which deserves a lot more attention, and if this specimen is as good as it looks it’s well worth seller’s asking
That’s a steal of a price for a 64 Olds Jetstar, and it’s probably already gone. What a deal for one in this condition. Great find guys.
Still remember seeing the unfinished St. Louis arch from the highway in the back seat of my dads white with maroon interior ’64 Jetstar while heading to Texas.