The “Starfire” nameplate was formally introduced by Oldsmobile in 1954, and despite substantial recycling through the years, the model name remained associated with the division’s best offerings through the 1960s. The first Starfire was a convertible concept car off the pen of Harley Earl, differentiated from its brethren at Motorama in 1953 by four seats instead of two. One year later, a production car could be found in showrooms. By 1966, the “Starfire” nameplate was in its third iteration. It remained on a full-sized platform, occupying the “personal luxury coupe” niche, until the 1970s. Here on eBay is a very nice example of the last of Oldsmobile’s full-sized Starfires, bid to $9220 with a $21,500 buy-it-now price. This car is located in Hanson, Massachusetts, and we have Curvette to thank for the tip!
Powered by Oldmobile’s 425 cu. in. V8 good for 375 hp, the Starfire didn’t quite match the division’s leader – the Toronado at 385 hp. This particular engine – along with its column-shift, three-speed TH350 automatic – has been replaced, so this is not a numbers-matching car. In addition to the drivetrain, numerous components have been replaced or rebuilt under the seller’s ownership, including the rear axle seals, torque converter, power steering pump, steering box, and so on. That said, the torque converter seal is leaking! Didn’t install a new one when the converter was replaced, dang! On the other hand, a host of new parts are included with the sale: master cylinder, oil pan, and brake components, among others.
De rigueur for a “personal luxury coupe” were power-assisted seats, windows, air conditioning, and, in this case, a power trunk lid. That said, the Starfire’s feature list was downgraded in ’66 – the upholstery was no longer leather, and several previously standard items were moved to the option list. Though this example is not equipped with bucket seats, the vinyl is clean both front and, of course, rear. Kudos to the seller for providing several photos of the instrument panel. The top surface of the dash is slightly warped, and a few blemishes are present, but overall, not much to complain about here.
Aside from cannibalizing its own sales with the Toronado, Olds was also competing with Pontiac’s Grand Prix. While the Starfire adhered to the outdated 1950s tendency to fill every void with trim, the Grand Prix was almost severely devoid of ornamentation, synching with the modern design aesthetic. Both cars utilized the newly popular reverse-curve backlight, but buyers liked it better on the Grand Prix, where the trim was so unobtrusive. For so many reasons, Starfire sales sank out of sight during 1966. The nameplate reappeared in 1975 as a four-cylinder, badge-engineered Monza – a far cry from today’s powerful and stylish coupe. I wouldn’t be sorry to show up with this ’66 at a local show; what do you think?
What I think is what you think but the rear end needs to be “unjacked” to properly display what this car really is. Fast but not a street rod.
I agree ^^^, mags and raised back don’t always enhance a vintage cars appearance, These came with a wire wheel wheel cover that looked more like what the car was designed for, easily fixed. Kind of funny, looking at “images” of these cars, it was difficult to even find one that was original.
In1966 Starfire’s went from top of the line to a mundanish 2 door that no longer had standard equipment highlights but options from a list. Gone was most of the top shelf equipment. Word around the campfire was because of the new Toronado, destined to take its place at the top of the Olds line. If you want a Starfire, the 65 is the one to have in my opinion. In 66 if you added all the luxury equipment to the unit you were in Toronado price territory.
I never met a mid 60’s GM full size model I didn’t like. And this Starfire is no exception. I’m 100 percent in agreement with Bobhess and Howard, this car needs to be “unjacked” in the rear. It would look way better. That rear seat speaker is the same as the one in our ’70 Ninety Eight growimg up. Another great write up Michelle. And Curvette just seems to be on a roll here finding some great cars too. That 425 Big Block Olds and THM 400 will provide a lot of fun effortless cruising for sure.
Michelle, I always enjoy your write-ups as they are quite detailed and well presented. However, I am confused here by your comment that the third generation continued into the 70s. I grew up in the 60s in an Olds family and I am sure that the Starfire in the form that is being discussed here was discontinued after the 1966 model year. The nameplate reapprered in 1975 on the H body compact but never again on a full size vehicle.