In 1961, General Motors introduced a series of “senior compacts” under the Buick, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile brands. For the latter, the car was dubbed the F-85 (after a jetfighter), and the Cutlass was the top trim level. Three years later, the herd was promoted to mid-size status and shed its unibody roots. The seller has a 1962 Cutlass Coupe that was restored about 10 years ago and looks stellar from head to toe. Sporting Oldsmobile’s “Rockette” aluminum V8, this stylish sedan can be found in Black Creek, Wisconsin, and is available here on craigslist for $23,500. Thumbs up to Tony Primo for the cool tip!
For its first three years, the Cutlass was available as a coupe (and a convertible for its second and third outings). It was not considered an economy car per se, so a V8 engine was standard in the Cutlass (but not the rest of the F-85s). The 215 cubic inch engine was Olds’ version of the Buick aluminum V8, and it was good for 155 hp. While the factory automatic transmission was a 3-speed “Roto Hydramatic”, the seller replaced that tranny with a more modern 700r 4-speed when the automobile was restored in 2016.
The seller’s car is one of about 32,500 coupes produced in 1962, the car’s second go-round. The odometer reflects 57,000 miles, of which 2,500 have been added since the restoration. That sounds rather low to need a complete makeover, and we don’t know what the Olds looked like before the refresh was undertaken. Spoke wheels were added to augment the super nice white over blue two-tone paint. The interior looks stout, as well, and includes an aftermarket set of gauges.
This was a one-owner car from new until 2005. Then it changed hands three times. The seller had the car rebuilt for his wife, but she has since become an “ex,” and the seller needs the cash instead. We’re told it drives as nicely as it looks, and it would be an unusual sight in today’s Cars & Coffee world. Could this machine have once been your father’s Oldsmobile? (Remember the old Dick Clark TV ads?).
Built it for his wife , now ex-wife. There must be a great story there in addition to a great car.
cool ride but really needs a wheel swap. this not a wire wheel type car.
Being a retired auto painter of 50 years, I notice small things that others miss. This car was COMPLETLY apart when it was painted. I used to catch flak from the body man for removing or taping up the screws & bolts in the door jambs like this car. The painter that painted this car had an eye for detail! I love seeing the QUALITY!
I totally agree with TOM above . This build was a labor of love to get it to this high quality. Very nice looking car ! Beautiful . Smart move to changing over the transmission to a 700r4. The original trans were very weak “slim jim ” types that were the weak spot on these cars. Price seams reasonable in todays market.
Funny, it could have been my father’s Oldsmobile. He had one of these when I was young. There were four kids so the car didn’t work for the family. I think he had it for a couple months and sold it.
A fine piece and the price is fair for what it is. Probably the best example on the planet. Needs Olds muscle wheels, though, with originals in reserve. Sell the spokes for good money.
America was making some pretty interesting cars in the early/mid 60s… Then it all went sideways a decade later… Sad.
All 1st generation F-85 models had V-8 power, regardless of trim level. Buick’s V-6 didn’t arrive until the 2nd generation in 1964.
Love the early Olds Cutlass!! Owned a 63 back in the day.