Some project builds require deeper commitment than others, while others can be deceptive. Take this 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertible as an example. It doesn’t make a positive first impression, courtesy of the visible surface corrosion. However, below the surface is a solid candidate with a running 394ci V8 under the hood. It requires more than a weekend’s tinkering before gracing our roads, but it would undoubtedly turn heads once restored. The seller has listed the Starfire here on Craigslist in Santa Paula, California. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting a classic that could be yours for $9,500.
Oldsmobile introduced the First Generation Starfire as a standalone model in 1961, with production continuing until 1967. It envisaged the latest offering as a luxurious vehicle that provided respectable performance. Our feature Convertible rolled off the line in 1962, and it doesn’t make a great first impression. Its Wedgewood Mist paint is not only badly faded, but it is being consumed by surface corrosion. However, penetrating rust appears to be confined to the lower rear quarter panels and the wheel wells. The seller states that the floors and trunk pan are solid, meaning that it shouldn’t take much grinding and welding to return the body to a rust-free state. The top frame is present and in good condition, and it appears that there are no significant problems with the tinted glass. Some trim pieces may require a trip to the platers, although most should sparkle following some work with a high-quality polish.
Considering the state of the exterior and the lack of a protective top, the state of this Starfire’s interior is unsurprising. There is little to say about it beyond the fact that it requires a total retrim. However, it is complete, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. This car cements its luxury credentials courtesy of the bucket seats, console, power windows, lashings of bright trim, and the AM radio.
The horsepower race was heating up during the 1960s, and the Starfire was a part of the action. Oldsmobile adopted a “one size fits all” approach in 1962, with a 394ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes all standard equipment. The V8 produced 345hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, providing fairly respectable performance for a drop-top that tipped the scales at 4,455 lbs. There are a couple of positive slices of news with this classic because the indications are that it is mechanically original. The seller states that it runs and drives, but it appears that it will need some TLC before it finds its way back onto our roads.
Oldsmobile sold 41,988 examples of the Starfire in 1962, with 7,149 of those the Convertible variant. The drop-top typically commands up to a 40% premium over the Hardtop in the current classic market, depending on vehicle condition. Interestingly, that gap is widening, and Convertible values are rising. The restoration of this car is financially borderline, although the situation will improve if the new owner is hands-on with as much of the build as possible. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to park this Olds in your garage to whip into shape before summer returns?
If I were 10 years younger, and this was 2,000 miles closer I’d be all over this. I loved these early 60’s Oldsmobile’s, and a convertible is a big bonus. Granted this one’s rough but that’s part of the fun.
Rustytech
I’m on board with the 2000 mile road trip being fun however my stamina and flexibility on the rebuild and restoration is where the fun ends. However if you have a change of heart in buying or going to look at it I’m up for the ride.😃
When I see a car like this, all I see is $$$ to be spent, It can be restored and it’s a nice model with nice features, but will cost more than it’s worth for restoration, hopefully someone will take on the project?
If it weren’t for the holes in the quarter panels it would be tempting to leave the patina alone, put a convertible top on and reupholster the seats and start rolling once it was made road worthy. I liked the early sixties Pontiacs and Olds.
I always thought the front fenders looked strange. Another fender and bumper inboard of the fender and bumper.
CT Dave
a smart car guy knows you never buy a restoration project (unless it’s a 300SL gull wing). you put a ton into the project and sell it for pennies on the dollar. this car needs EVERYTHING. dump idea to buy it and put the $ into it. loser.
Sadly, this car will probably never get restored. I read the comments and get that most of the people who remember cars like this when they were new are now too old to take on a major project. I completely identify. And this car needs everything. At the asking price it is guaranteed that you will be upside down long before the total restoration is complete. And this isn’t on the radar for most younger enthusiasts. Too bad. This was quite the looker in 1962.
Carbob,I agree with you. The only exception to this is young recording artist either buy or rent 60s convertibles to make videos for their music and the same for movie production. So that’s one way to recoup your investment.
This is an accurate description of this car, the reality is that it’s too expensive to justify a restoration even this rare of an Olds, it’s certainly restorable and could happen if someone falls in love with it, then the costs won’t matter, who knows?
HARD PASS ! These Starfires aren’t worth much on a good day, and this one is a pile of junk.
I had one of these but a hardtop, same color, loved that car but my girl friend at the time didn’t care for sitting on the console
Wally unless you didn’t have a front passenger or a rear seat I’m not asking anymore questions 😎
I always loved these cars. I remember when they were new. This one needs a bunch of work and dedication to make it good again but it would be worth it. Wishing I could do the work and had the time to do it.
Love Starfires but caution on these with the problematic transmission. The word around the campfire is that they’re difficult to repair due to a poor design.
On and On ,
Aren’t they all? All of the old wrenchers have either transitioned or are in nursing homes. So out with the old and in with the new mechanically speaking
I don’t think so, only the 425ci. Engine came with a turbo-hydromatic trans. My dad (a mechanic) bought a 62 Olds 88 wagon with the 425 to avoid the other trans (slim Jim) which was weak. Not a matter of the guys who’ve moved on. Poor engineering design to begin with.
Oldsmobile didn’t offer the 425CI engine or the TH400 Transmission until 65. All full size Oldsmobile’s 61-64 with Automatic used the Slim Jim.
Marty, I stand corrected, you are right. I researched more and found that out. I was 10 when my dad bought that Super 88 wagon and I remember it was fast and powerful. I do remember he had transmission leaks and issues. Thank you for noticing my misinformation.
My sisters husband had one of these in black when they wrote dating in 1966. Black, white top i think red interior.
Oldsmobile always had the best dashboards, along with Pontiac. Always loved the deep dish steering wheel. The brushed aluminum along the sides.
@Carbob, send me $10,000 to buy it and move it and I’ll restore it. I’m only 71 and still have some life left in me.
Uh oh Carbob,
Sounds like you’re being called out to put up or shut up.🤑
Angel, so I give you $10,000 and after you fully restore it; then you ship it to me? Do I get to pick the color?
I have worked on a 62 Starfire convertible. The transmissions are problematic. The chroming bill on this car will put you in the poor house. That thirsty 394 needs high octane gas. There aren’t much in the way of reproduction parts for these beautiful cars. Although I know someone is making the wide side aluminum moldings. I agree this car likely will not be saved.
Once I restore it back to originality and enjoy it for a bit, yeah, you can come and get it.
I had a chance to buy a 64 Starfire 10 years ago, in very similar condition, and passed on it then because it was so involved. 10years later, for me, even more so. These days I don’t want to take on a long drawn out restoration. They are beautiful when complete. I used to get these confused with one car called a Jetfire, that were set up to run on a special fuel additive. Approximately, the same year too.
My brother had a compact Jet-fire convertible, same year I believe, that came with an all- aluminum turbocharged V-8, with a plastic reservoir under the hood for the Olds Rocket Fuel used to control detonation. The little V-8 was latter used in Land Rovers, as I recall.
My mother drove a ’62 Dynamic 88, which was a rocket, but super plain, since her favorite color was beige. I remember encountering one of these convertibles, all in red, looking like it just rolled out of the showroom. I was blown away to see how a trim level could make so much difference in how a car looked. I’ve seen a number of perfect Starfires in my lifetime, but nowadays they are all in museums. I do hope someone can rescue this car. It’s not going to be me, though.
Sounds like a good deal, Angel. The fly in the ointment is the $10k. My funds will be taking a serious hit this year due to an upcoming wedding. I appreciate your offer though. I also admire your verve in even thinking about taking this project on. Personally I just don’t have the passion for a big restoration project anymore. Right now my main goal is to change the main seal in my 1952 Plymouth this winter. I will be happy to accomplish that. Have a great holiday season.
Yeah, that always seems to be the fly. Damn flies! Vincent Price was right, “help me! Help me!”
I’m determined to find something to fiddle with once I move back to the east coast. Old age is too boring without it.
It’s only been 20 years since my last car so there is still passion there. And Baltimore has some decent junkyards from what I’ve seen.
And a car like this is a good canadite for a simple resto. I’m kinda past the deal of a full resto costing thousands of dollars.
This 62 Starfire will cost the buyer, $6-$10k for body and paint, and a other $5-$6k with interior. Who knows what brakes will cost and involve and on top of the $10k asking price, you’ll be lucky to break even. Makes no sense unless you want to keep this one for yourself.
It makes perfect sense to someone who loves cars and makes decisions with their heart and not their wallet.
I actually feel bad for people who think with their wallet. They miss out on so much. At least in the classic car department.
To me this is a hobby of love, not profit.
When you’re already in the end of a project, that you have to sell it first before moving onto another one, it a problem. Especially, on a big project like this 62 Starfire. It needs more love and money than I can afford to spend right now.
Another alternative is to get on the list of a tech or trade school that does auto mechanical body paint and interior to save some money if perfection is not a prerequisite.