The F85 began as Oldsmobile’s new compact car in 1961. It was promoted to mid-size status in 1964 and the Cutlass nameplate would quickly become a series of its own. The seller’s 1966 edition is said to run well and has the high-compression version of the 330 cubic inch “Jet-Fire” V8. Perhaps the next best thing to an Olds 4-4-2, this apparent survivor is in Martinsville, Ohio, and is available here on craigslist for $5,500. Kudos to Tony Primo for turning in yet another great tip!
Oldsmobile had never had a compact car until the F-85 came along, nor did it have an intermediate until 1964. That’s the year that Chevy introduced the Chevelle, and the other GM divisions followed suit (like Pontiac with the Tempest and Buick with the Special). The cars got a styling refresh in 1966 which helped them look more like the full-size 88s, and tunnel back rooflines on coupes and hardtops that Dodge would emulate in 1968 on the Chargers.
The biggest engine available in the F-85/Cutlass was the 330 V8, but with some enhancements from the factory, it could produce up to 320 hp. The seller’s description suggests that’s what’s in this car, paired with Oldsmobile’s equivalent of the 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, the “Jet-Way”. At 72,000 miles, this auto seems to have its original powertrain and it has recently been tuned up. The seller is just the third owner of this machine, which should be the definition of a “survivor.”
The blue paint is well-faded and could stand a redo, but the body looks solid with no real indication of any rust or other damage, The upholstery looks brand new and not original materials, and headrests have been added (they weren’t required by law just yet). It might need a new dashpad, though. While the Olds is certainly not a show car, you could drive it to Cars & Coffee with confidence, having not spent a small fortune to do so.
At $5500, she’s not gonna last.
Had a 67 with the same power train. Jetaway was more like a 2 speed turbohydramatic than a power glide. It also had the 2 speed torque converter. Not a bad setup.
Loving the post sedan with no plastic roof or extra trim. Trunk lid says Cutlass. F 85 was the base model.
That converter was called a switch-pitch.
Super Turbine 300 to be exact. It was used across the BOP line. I always wondered, why didn’t they just use the Powerglide? It would have been much easier and cheaper.
Super turbine was a stronger tranny than Powerglide though.
Agree….nice at that price and these early 66/67 bodies don’t look bad.
Nice car. Once again Oldsmobiles are a crazy value. With a manual Id be taking a drive
When I worked in the gas station (’74-’76) a customer had a convertible version of this car, ( may have been a ’67) but with a factory 3 speed on the floor. He used it as work car, don’t know what ever happened to it. This was always a favorite of mine. Looks like a good deal at this price.
Are you around Pittsburgh? If so that was probably mine. It was a Very rare version ’67 conv with a heavy duty 3 speed on the floor (Ford truck trany) stock. Wish I still had it, frame rusted on the inside so bad you couldn’t jack it up. Sold it for parts.
Very nice! The F-85 always lived in the shadow of the more expensive Cutlass, especially the 442.
This is great value, compared to its Chevrolet and Pontiac cousins.
It could be a driver as-is, or easily taken to the next level.
It’s certainly no slouch with that 330 engine.
Ohio! Where’s the rust? Also somethin is not right with the dash/gauge cluster far left driver side.
Had a 67 with the same power train. Jetaway was more like a 2 speed turbohydramatic than a power glide. It also had the 2 speed torque converter. Not a bad setup.
Loving the post sedan with no plastic roof or extra trim. Trunk lid says Cutlass. F 85 was the base model.
Lightyears ahead of a power glide.
If these are better than a Powerglide why do Jillions of Drag Racers use the Glide. Have a Glide in my Vintage BBC Hondo Flat Bottom. Have a Cutlass Convertible like this with a 455 motor. This Cutlass for sale is pretty nice, clean!
AM I completely crazy, or does the center console look like it’s in backwards?
Not completely. It sure looks backwards to me too, but I don’t know enough about this model to know if that’s even an original piece to the car, let alone installed correctly. I’m considering hitching up the car trailer to go see though. The car as a whole gives me and my budget a good vibe.
I had the 4 door version of this car 40 (!) years ago.Other than a wrinkled front bumper the body was great. The interior was like new.
After 10 years of driving
VW beetles this car with it’s power steering and brakes, and especially ice-cold AC seemed like a high performance luxury car.
I thought the same thing… it looks like a 70-72 console, but backwards. The seats upholstery, the “console” on a column shift car, the 68 or later Super Stock ll wheels, it has been loved on by the current or previous owner. If it isn’t rotted to death, it seems to be a bargain, regardless of the improvements.
A car like this was the “loaner” the dealer gave us while my Grandmother’s car was in for service. It was quick.
Had a ’65 2 door F85 Cutlass, yes they came that way. Hardtop, 330, 4spd., tach on the console. My first running car. Paid $500, (long long time ago). I still miss that car.
Well Erich and others, Yeah that console surely looks backwards, Interior is definitely not stock material, should be vinyl. The steering wheel is toast, lots of cracks, dash pad also gone! Aftermarket radio, and appears to have period CB radio mounted underdash, Bonus! Between needing paint, probable odds and ends under the hood and complete engine detailing, and for sure some suspension stuff, could become a Money Pit rather quickly. Just saying you`ll be past 15K in a heartbeat if you want a number 3 condition cruiser, BBW!!
Hi, don’t remember this engine. how many years was it around? still in this car? must be OK! console does look backwards! I don’t get it!?… I keep looking at it! I laugh when people complain/comment on condition. 60’s cars are OLD! this runs. lot different for people that have neglected there cars and just want to cash-in! the engine compartment is in great shape which means it’s been cared for. I agree it’s not gonna be at that price very long! I believe it’ll go 10-12k. I may bid.
330 was around from at least 64. Only engine in 1st 442. 320 hp. No auto.available. 4 speed only. 330 became 350 later. Still a great car. Best handling of the GM muscle cars.
Oldsmobile’s are great cars and currently a good value, if you can find one that won’t need parts replaced. The parts are, difficult to find.
Sorry but after focusing in close on the available photos for this one, all I see is rust damage developing at every edge & window. The dashboard alone will be $2000+ to restore.