The first-generation Oldsmobile Starfire was a more upscale offering in the brand’s lineup, and it’s one of those cool cars that combined both luxury and performance into one great package. Only a convertible was available when the car debuted in ’61, but a hardtop was added for the second year, such as this 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire here on eBay. This project has already been reduced from $5,000 to $4,500, but the seller is also accepting offers. He’s also ready to retire, and his entire vintage car business is for sale, if you’re looking for numerous cars to restore! The Starfire and others are located at Classic Cars of South Carolina, in the town of Gray Court. We’d like to thank reader Russell Glantz for the tip here!
Unfortunately, this one’s missing both front fender extensions and headlight assemblies. However, a quick search on eBay for 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire parts revealed at least 2 extensions for the right side for sale, plus a headlight assembly for the left side. I didn’t scroll through them all, but numerous other components are listed, plus I believe many are the same for the Olds 88 model from that year. It looks like one fender and the lower quarters may have been replaced already, as these don’t match the rest of the car’s patina. It’s sort of hard to tell if most of what we’re seeing on the body is just surface rust, which hopefully it is, but a shot from underneath shows a few holes in the driver’s side rocker, so some metal work and smoothing are in store for the next owner.
Although it needs refreshing, much of the interior is still present. The dash and front buckets show some cracking, with the driver’s bucket also having a split, but it’s fun to see that the captain’s chair is power-assisted. The console has switches for the four power windows, but the vent flaps are cranked open manually. It appears that the headliner is gone, but if it’s just a driver-quality Starfire you’re after, it’s possible the back seat can be cleaned up adequately and salvaged.
Buyers only had a single engine choice for the 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire, but when it was a 394 cubic inch V8 churning out 345 horsepower right from the factory, there was little not to like when it came to performance. From the looks of the bay and missing items, it’s probably been years since this one has run, and there’s no word on whether the motor will still turn. I hope someone has the time and skills to bring this one back to life, and with the seller wanting to retire and close his vintage car business, keep in mind he may be motivated to make some deals. What sort of potential are you seeing here?
Once again Barn Finds takes me on a Sentimental Journey down the road. In the summer of 1963, our family took a vacation, leaving our Delightful DeSoto at home and driving Dad’s stripped down Studebaker Lark. From day 1, I hated that Lark (which was pretty much a Lemon). But Dad thought it’s size and manual transmission would be better for mountain driving. We kept seeing two young men cruising in a white 62 Starfire convertible with the top down. Of course this 17 year old was staring and salivating, waiting for the time I could be driving a similar car. The two men always waved, probably noticing my interest. I silently vowed that one day I would have a Starfire convertible. My first car came close, a 66 red Dynamic 88 convertible which gave me several years of driving pleasure. After all These 78 years, I still remember that Starfire. Frequently at local car shows, the same white 62 Starfire (a mint twin for the one I first saw) is proudly shown by its current owner. He’s now in his 70s, which brings up another question. Are there enough young people interested ENOUGH to continue the hobby? As for this Starfire, I hope someone saves it. 🙏
Yes… I’m 3 years behind you and loved those first Starfires… They were rare in our area but I was always on the lookout for them…. In 62 went to an Olds dealer out of town and took pictures of 2 on the lot. I did build a model of a 63 coupe back then and did a good job spray painting the side stripe after painting the body metallic green almost a perfect match to the factory color.
RICK W: Never owned a Starfire, closest I came was a ’62 Jetfire, but maybe you had the best of both worlds. Always thought the ’66 Starfire, as the last of the line, was the best. Oldsmobile Grand Prix!
I had an uncle when In my teens and he bought a black star fire such as this one with I believe had a red interior! We went for rides in it and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. What an automobile…power and beauty!
In 1970 as a man of 23 years I always browsed the local newspaper for cars for sale. On one such occasion I saw a 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire listed for $125.00. I promptly called the number got the address and went to look at the car. It was white with red seats and reversed chrome wheels with baby moons. I started the car and drove it around the block. I paid the man the $125.00, got the title and drove away. I quickly drove home with my young wife following in our 58 Chevy. After loading our three small daughters in the back seat we headed out on the freeway to see how this car handled. It was a joy to drive with all the windows down on that beautiful summer day. We drove for several miles before exiting to a nearby park at a local lake. I watched carefully as my daughters played on the swings and merry-go-round and other playground items. Laughing and running they enjoyed the day until we all got hungry so back in the car and we go to get hamburgers at a local drive through. What a glorious day it was, I was so proud of my new acquisition and my young family. Now more than 50 years later, three divorces my girls are all grown up with their own children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. I’m no longer a part of their lives by their choices. The youngest daughter passed away a few years ago. All I have left are memories of happier days and some of the great old cars I’ve acquired throughout the decades. This Olds should be saved for prosperity. There’s just to many memories stored in these old pieces of scrap iron people like me hold dear to our hearts.
God Bless America
@John, I completely understand your comments, as I also find myself alone with cherished memories of the days gone by. It’s a long winding road with too many twists and turns and some big bumps that leave one wondering what went wrong? At least you HAD that glorious experience. As I witness others older and feebler than myself and a world I can no longer understand, divided in so many ways, I try to stay positive (which is hard) and Thank GOD that I’ve lived most of my life in the GREATEST nation 🇺🇸 at its pinnacle! I’m also grateful for Barn Finds providing us a place to share our interests and experiences. May you be blessed. And God SAVE America 🇺🇸, Land of the FREE because of the BRAVE!
Amen brother Rick.
All that brushed aluminum had better be in perfect shape because it’s impossible to repair.
This car has been on and off eBay countless times over the last few years and never sold. It will probably be there for a long time.
Yes, ACZ, it will be there a long time if he expects to get what he is asking.
He’s had several cars posted on several different sites; almost all say make an offer.
Steve. A guy in Canada reproduces that beautiful aluminum trim. I have loved these 62s for many years. Saw my first one in about 1964. I was 8 years.old. Have been in the car hobby 53 years and have had the pleasure of driving two 62 convertibles. I know of one rotting away under a lean to in Vermont. Just too much money needed to restore it.