The Starfire name had been used at Oldsmobile a couple of times before it became a stand-alone model in 1961, first in 1953 as a one-off fiberglass concept car at the Motorama auto show, then as a luxury trim package for the 98 convertibles between 1954 and 1957. The ’61 models only came as a droptop, but a hardtop was added the following year such as this 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire for sale here on Craigslist. Although the Olds is an original California black plate car, which can be spotted on the front bumper, it’s now residing in New Haven, Connecticut, with the asking price set at $24,350. A sincere Barn Finds thank you goes out to reader PRA4SNW for sending us the tip here!
The Starfire wore the badge for the most expensive Oldsmobile offering for 1961, but production was limited for the first year with only 1,500 made, but that number increased to nearly 35,000 for the 1962 model. The luxurious side-panel trim was standard, as were lots of other features, and this one is still wearing all of its original Garnett Mist-colored paint except for the front fender. The seller is forthright in telling us that the finish isn’t in perfect shape but does say it still has a great shine, and I’m having a hard time finding even any small body flaws anywhere to point out.
While the car was certainly luxurious, it was a fine performer too, coming with a 394 cubic-inch Rocket V8 under the hood producing 330 horsepower for the inaugural year, but that number was upped to 345 for the 1962 model. The owner says the engine runs like a top but does have some drips in a few places, plus the factory carburetor has been replaced with an aftermarket component, although the original Rochester unit will be included in the sale.
Open the doors and a beautiful red interior welcomes you, with that way-cool console going all the way up to the firewall and featuring a factory tach in the center. Front leather bucket seats were standard equipment, with the seller mentioning that these were redone on his car in the correct manner. Everything in there seems to be in more than an acceptable condition for a driver, though it’s not specified if that dash cover is in place for protection or if it’s hiding something. I’ve not seen very many of these cars in person over the years, and I’m guessing the next owner is going to be quite pleased with his purchase. What are your thoughts on this 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire?
What a sweetheart. One of the best looking Oldsmobiles ever.
“One of the best looking Oldsmobiles ever.”
Indeed. And perhaps the fastest, most powerful ever.
Had a ’61 convertible,triple blue. Of all the cars I’ve had I liked my ’61 the best.
A beauty that’s priced to sell quickly!
Sorry that Barn Finds posting rules call for no profanity because I’m having a hard time describing my reaction to this beauty without using a plethora of them. Suffice it to say, holy cow, what a looker!
Look at that MFef
Classy
Very nice , what can you put period for rims or better hub caps? Those are very dull .
Those aren’t the correct Starfire wheel covers…
Love the style of the GMs back then especially the dashboard and the steering wheels. They were really cool to look at. When parts where made of metal and chrome. But 6 photos should be 25 photos. Buyers need to see more pictures of the ride like this. Maybe it will sell faster. 🐻🇺🇸
Few cars, from my goofy perspective, can bring up words like, breath taking, stunning, and so forth. THIS, is one of those cars. Dad had Oldsmobiles, both 98, 4 doors. As budding motorhead kids, you had a connection with what your parents drove. We always hoped he’d come home with a Starfire, but sadly, another 98 4 door. From the dual ashtrays( open for display, I hope), to its signature “silver stripe”, it’s console with tachometer, Wonderbar radio( one of the 1st self seeking station radios), this car was created for one purpose, the open road. From a time when car makers threw everything they had at prospective buyers, one “out-wowing” the last, and this was the ultimate result. I can say without reservation, THIS was the epitome of the American cruiser, the likes we’ll never see again.
Well said Howard.
I lived just outside of Lansing in my youth so I would get to see a lot of these great Oldsmobiles off the line. Those were the days. Gone forever I’m afraid.
My favourite years for Olds are 1962 and 1964.
The 62 Starfire is automotive jewelry inside and out. One of the most beautiful Olds designs till the 66 Toro showed up.
Beautiful.
Wouldn’t the dashboard be all metal? So, cover is just cosmetic – owners’ wish.
There was a time in my youth (about 22-23) I bought a white 62 Olds Starfire. It was a worn out car when I got it but it did run and drive I loved the car with its beautiful interior and outstanding exterior design. Fate was not good to the car though as the brakes soon failed. so I put it up for sale. A colonel from the nearby army base came to look at it. He wanted to drive it to see how the transmission shifted. I told him the brakes didn’t work but he said he wouldn’t drive out of the neighborhood so I rode with him to drive down the street. when turning around he backed into a pole and bent the rear bumper severely, He left with apologies but no money for damages. I eventually sent the car to a scrap yard. That’s been the story of my life.
God Bless America
My dad had the same car. Boy could it lay down rubber. One of Oldsmobile’s best cars.
Fifty-two years ago, I began dating a girl who’d become my wife. Linda was eighteen at the time, and driving her mother’s ’62 Oldsmobile (not a Starfire). She spoke frequently about how she always beat the competition when accelerating from stoplights. Eventually, I had occasion to drive the car. Linda was right: indeed it was scary-fast.
I’ve considerable experience with cars, working on them and owning more than forty over the years. That Olds stands out as one of the fastest cars I ever drove, challenged only by a ’63 Wildcat that, I–regrettably–sold long ago.
Beautiful car. I like the 61, 62 Oldsmobiles, including the Cutlass.
I think these had the most gorgeous interiors of any car at that time and maybe ever! A lovely automobile!
The Oldsmobile steering wheels were fantastic. Jet age look.
This is one stunning Oldsmobile and this is coming from a guy who loves Pontiacs from the same era. If only I had $25K,this might be sitting in my driveway.
Beautiful looking car. 1962 has always been my favourite year for Oldsmobile. If only Craigslist posted more pics of the car. As pretty as the car may be, six pics are hardly enough pics for the car. However nice it may be, $24k is too expensive for me. Call me cheap, but the most I’d be willing to pay is between $10k and $15k.
I grew up in a family that owned 5 different Oldsmobile’s in a row; A Dynamic 88, a Delta 88 and three Toronados. All were dependable, pretty and were great on long trips. Always had a great AC as well. When I got my drivers license, I used to beat a buddy’s Pontiac Catalina in drag races every single time. The Starfire was a beauty, but alas, we never had one. But, I do remember the ’62 a being a “hottie!”
If I lived during that time, I would’ve driven either a 1962 or 1964 Dynamic 88 or possibly a 98.
This has to be a B/F record! Not one negative comment about this car. I agree whats not to like?