Before you say anything, I know you’re right. The Starfire, Skyhawk and Sunbird were cynical attempts by General Motors to offer compacts across most of its lineup without actually putting in any real effort. I also know that empirically they weren’t “good” cars, but I just can’t help myself: I love the way they look. Therefore, I’ll never not take a closer look when I see one available, in this case on Marketplace in Mequon, Wisconsin. Barn Finds unofficial “best handle” award winner Lothar…of the Hill People spotted it with an asking price of $11,500. Unfortunately for the owner, people aren’t buying (just like when it was new); it’s been listed for three weeks.
Don’t let that change your mind if you’re of my bent; after all, this may be among the nicest Starfires left. Only 19,091 were built in 1977, and that’s in a year when Oldsmobile could do little wrong (except perhaps installing Chevy engines where “Rocket” 350s should have been…oops!). Speaking of Chevy engines, someone has installed a “Goodwrench” 350 in this Oldsmobile, and it’s apparently been rebuilt. The seller doesn’t mention specifications, but Goodwrench long blocks were generally based on ’70s Chevy 350s, and usually produced right around 200 horsepower, which is plenty for a little Starfire. While the Chevy Monza was, in some model years, available with small-block V8s, the Starfire was only available with the 140-cubic-inch four and the Buick 231 V6, so somebody put a little effort into the upgrade. It has air conditioning, too!
The interior has a neat color combination: white upholstery with red carpet and accents. Not to mention, I think that the Olds “custom-sport steering wheel” is one of the nicest looking of its era. The seller says that the upholstery is new, as are the tires and brakes. Since the engine’s been changed, we can only hope that the automatic is at least a Turbo 350, but the ad doesn’t say.
There are a few custom touches to the Starfire, including this hood scoop that I’m on the fence about (but it looks well done, almost stock…it’s not a factory item, is it?).The stripes are tasteful, and I do like the abrupt “waterfall” grille affixed to the little Oldsmobiles.
And are those factory 13-inch wheels? It’s a tasteful ’70s “so-mild-it’s-almost-not-a-custom” custom. The seller says that it is an Arizona car that has never seen snow, which means that it’s never seen salt, which means it’s still around for us to talk about. It’s easy to talk down to the little H-Body GMs, but they’re sporty little things that, if you squint hard and stand 50 feet away, kind of look like a Ferrari Daytona. In the back. In the dark. If you have the same misguided warm feelings as I do, this might be the only one you’ll find for a while.
Dr Olds offers up a wild mild here Toth.
Gal pal had a new Starfire Firenza GT in 78 that was fully loaded with options and had a Chevy 305 V8 from the factory. Pretty sure you could get the Chevy 305 in 77 also. If so, the 350 install was a piece of cake.
I checked a couple of sources, Pwog, so I don’t think so, but it still wouldn’t be a hard swap with all those Monzas out there back in the day.
No V8 in 1977, but the Chevrolet 305 was available in 1978 and 1979.
I lived those pieces of garbage. Had 3 of them, one new. Put a real Smallblock in one, then try and keep it cool. Then, try and put a brake on one. Don’t get me wrong, I loved them for what they were, but perhaps the tech wasn’t available to max them out back in the day.
I agree Aaron, this car does look sharp. With the 350 it ought to perform fine.
77 was a weird year for Olds engines. I bought a Delta 88 couple that year and engine option blew my mind. Standard was a 231 ci Buick, then 305 and 350ci Chevrolet, I ordered the 403 ci the only Olds engine available. Like me, many didn’t like this game GM was playing. As for this car, I can’t imagine why this isn’t selling. I looks sharp. It’s got a simple but bulletproof drive train, and it’s retail red. Good luck to the seller.
No Rocket 🚀 350 4bbl available Rusty ? Maybe that was a yr or 2 later.
My ’77 Delta 88 had a 260 V8 in it. Talk about moving at a snails pace. But it was reliable, and actually got good MPG.
Ach, should have left the V6 in it. I wished my ex had a V6,, hers a red ’77 Monza V8. I kind of liked the car, except in winter, of course, dynamite heater, in true GM fashion, but treacherous in ANY moisture. While the V6 isn’t exactly a powerhouse, in the 3 bears analogy, the 4 was too small, the V8 too big( and heavy) the V6 was juuuuuust right. And try and find 13″ tires today, not from Sammy, and the V8,,,well, the next owner will see what I mean. Amazing find, these rusted quickly and were all junked for the V8 motor for that Nova project. I doubt anyone kept a V6 for anything. Don’t get me wrong I, the V8 is the best motor EVER, except the in-line 6, and about the only thing I liked about the car, but the V6 was much better suited.
No problem finding 13″ tires on Walmart website
Aaron, heading to work so only had a couple minutes to look but Wiki shows mid 77 through 79 for Chevrolet 305 in Starfire. Maybe only the Friends GT’s ?
Edit: Maybe only the Firenza GT ?
The midyear change is the bane of the Barn Finds writer’s existence! I’m not really sure, Pwog. My copy of The Cars of Oldsmobile by Dennis Casteele says that the 305 was introduced in ’78, but maybe some snuck out later in ’77.
Those look like Ford 13 inch wheels like I had on my 77 pinto and 77 mustang II. ( I know, roast me)
Fifth digit of the VIN will tell which engine it came with originally.
First bought car, 1980 Pontiac Sunbird, Blue with a V6 and 4 speed. Loved the V6 and the 4speed was a must in these cars. Great cars when treated correctly. Sold mine when I received orders to England, came back after 3 years and tried to find it and buy back. No luck. Would love to find a Sunbird Formula in this condition.
I had a ’79, V6, four speed for a couple of years. The lifters ate the cam but it ran well enough to trade it in on a new 1983 S10.
That one view from the front makes it look like a Cutlass Supreme. Amazing the 350 fits in that engine bay. This or a Monza with V8 look fine and stand out from all the dreck in the late seventies.
Not sure why is even meant by “empirically” they were not good cars (the vagueness of such a statement is in of itself anything but empirical), but I digress…
Probably the nicest Starfire in existence and would be a hoot with the 350. As an H body owner myself, I can attest to the fun factor of these cars.
My Dad bought a new Starfire back in the days. I don’t remember the year but my recollection it was a good car for him. I had a 305 Monza Mirage and I really enjoyed the car and pretty much trouble free. Terrible though in Minnesota winters.
As an Oldsmobile guy, I really like this. No, these weren’t exceptionally well made cars, but the styling was sleek, even a little ahead of its time, and I actually liked the branding differences such as the very Cutlass like grill. The only way it could be improved would be a manual trans and Firenza trim. Kinda glad it doesn’t have either, as now is not the time for me to be buying another “just cause it is cool and unusual” car. I’d probably paint the 15″ Olds SS wheels I have in my barn to match and put on some BFG or Cooper raised white letter tires…. nope, still got one kid to get out of college and off the payroll. Nice nostalgic car nicely done and not made tacky (well, if you don’t mind white interior, but that’s period-correct as well.)
Seeing the shoulder belt guides missing from the top corner of the front seat backs made me chuckle. I had a Monza of this vintage back in high school, and every time one of my friends got into the (rather cramped) back seat, the guides popped off and the attachment piece would break. Being rather proud and fastidious of my car, I wanted it perfect, and replaced them each time. I had to so frequently, the local Chevy dealer would have one ready to hand over when I walked into the store. Finally they suggested I buy a few at the time to save me a trip. It was good advice.
Wow, great story. I wanna buy a car from you! Anyone who takes such care of a car makes a great seller.
Your friend would have to sit sideways in back seat of a modern Mustang & Camaro.
Nobody today would buy a 2 door Monza, etc. brand new – nor even a 4 door – if power windows were still not available.
I really want a Pro-Street version of this. Had a 305 4spd Monza, it could beat a V6, but that was about it.