This is my third Oldsmobile post in as many days! And no, I’m not an Oldsmobile fan, but hardly a detractor either. If it’s old Detroit iron, I’m there, regardless of the marque. Oldsmobile is a special case because they built great cars, they were GM’s technology division, and for the last seventeen years, they have ceased to exist due in no small part to GM’s bungling bureaucracy. So, don’t live in the past, but visiting it occasionally is always encouraged and that’s what we’re going to do today with this 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88. It is located in Greensboro, North Carolina and is available, here on craigslist for $2,800. Thanks to Larry D for this tip!
Oldsmobile’s model line-up in ’64 spanned all the way from the Ninety-Eight as the pinnacle to the Jetstar 88 bringing up the rear. Offered in two-door hardtop, convertible, four-door sedan, and hardtop, the Jetstar 88 was hardly devoid of variation and came in third production-wise behind the Ninety-Eight and the Dynamic 88. The listing detail for this example is really light so it’s necessary to make judgments based on the less than forth-telling accompanying images. The finish is rough and there is some Bondo slapped into the driver’s side quarter, surface rust is evident but the body appears to be mostly sound though the rear end has either been the contactor or the contactee with some other object. Most of the trim is still in place but there is a missing piece or two – no worries as the seller claims to have “extra chrome” and another hood. Based on the exterior’s appearance, a good look underneath would be warranted.
Oldsmobile research indicates that a 225 gross HP, 330 CI V8 engine was standard in the ’64 Jetstar 88. But based on the appearance of a Quadrajet carburetor, which means a spread bore intake manifold, two items not introduced until mid-model-year ’65, I’d say that this engine may be something other than the born-with component. Actually, the HEI ignition unit and EGR valve further back up that doubt. The transmission employed would have been a two-speed “Jetaway” automatic but owing to the likely engine swap, all bets are off regarding the gearbox. No word is given regarding operating capability.
The interior image is not telling at all. It’s washed out but does reveal what appears to be a front bench seat with a white throw cover but an intact and complete instrument panel with a split dash pad – no surprise there. The little bit of the driver’s side door panel that can be glimpsed is white, so perhaps this Jetstar 88 was originally outfitted with code 977 White “Parchment” trim. Always good to see, at least from my likely narrow perspective, is the original Delco radio.
OK, lots of unknowns for this desirable, and what the seller considers to be a “rare” Oldsmobile model. Actually, oldsjunctionclassicolds.com claims that this Jetstar 88 two-door Holiday coupe is one of 14K produced in ’64 so it might be rare from a survivability perspective but it’s not a rare car. It needs a lot of work, but it’s not a lot of money either. So what do you think, worth taking on to help keep the Oldsmobile memory alive?
How bad is the rust? If it is not bad then this could be a nice project. They are probably not terribly valuable cars even in good condition but if you take your time looking for parts it could be a fun driver.
Since the originality is already gone I would update brakes and steering and have fun.
Appears to have a 1977 to 1980 350 Olds blue block (not as good as the earlier gold block.)
IMHO a very subtle and underrated design. While the face somehow reminds me of a more sophisticated version of same year ‘pala its ass make me think ’69 Coronet.
While it’s indeed a fullsize Olds the Jetstar88, being their entry level B body, has its tech mostly derived from its A-body F85 sibling. So what made the Jetstar88 ‘base’ back in the day could very well be its greatest asset today; like access to brake upgrades and since it has room for the 2spd Jetaway I’d assume it should take a BOP TH350 maybe even a TH700? While I’d strive to have the door panels replicated I’d probably just reupholster seats with ’63 or ’64 Impala covers – they look great, are easily available for little $ and no one would know unless they are deeply into 60s Olds… 😏
This will never be a collector’s item in classic car circles and considering ad is still up after 29days I assume owner is ready to negotiate. If this is a solid body it could potentially become an unusual termac-scraping cruiser for not a lot of $ if you don’t mind going off the OE route
If this is an original NC car, ot shouldn’t be a rust bucket. Perfect car to restomod. To me the car design is timeless.
More of a ford /import guy , but the 60s oldmobiles were sharp. Sure hope some one saves it. When I was very young my grandfather had a gold 4 door that looked a lot like this. I was pretty young so not sure of exact year or model
I’ve seen jetstars with bucket seats and console. This one looks like its a bench.