Oldsmobile badged numerous automobiles with the number 88 over the years, but one that rarely comes up in Olds enthusiast conversations is the Jetstar. That’s probably because it lasted only three model years, and that was quite some time ago, with production running only from 1964 to 1966. The moniker is also a bit confusing, since the brand also produced a different vehicle with the same name during this period: the Jetsar I. The latter was more of a performance-luxury offering, while the Jetstar 88 served in the entry-level capacity. This first-year Jetstar 88 here on Craigslist is a complete, running example, and the $6,000 asking price seems reasonable for those seeking a nice mid-sixties Oldsmobile B-Body. This one’s in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and we’d like to thank reader Curvette for finding it and sending in the tip here!
A favorable photo-shoot environment helps a vehicle present strongly to potential buyers, so choosing a car wash bay and shooting with a wet finish can make the exterior look its best. The seller calls his Olds a project, and while it might benefit from some cosmetic attention in the future, the body seems to be in decent shape already. The 88 appears complete outside, and the sheet metal seems straight for the most part, with no obvious signs of corrosion. Unless the paint looks much duller once it dries, I might consider just driving this one for a while before taking any action outside.
The owner says this one originally had a 312 engine, but I believe he means a 330, since Oldsmobile didn’t offer a 312. It’s been removed, and the bay now has a cammed Olds 403 paired with a rugged Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Unfortunately, the seller forgot to take a picture with the hood raised, but says that the car runs, drives, and stops with no issues. The exhaust exits from the sides just in front of the rear tires, so I’m guessing it’s loud for the occupants at all times!
The only interior note is that it’s all there and in decent condition, and it could probably pass as-is for someone looking for a nice weekend driver. A trio of aftermarket gauges sits under the dashboard, but many other components appear stock, and the styling is fairly good here for an entry-level offering. The seller also makes it clear he’s open to offers, so it’s possible this one could change hands for less than the $6k asking price. Is this 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88 one you’d be interested in pursuing?
What a nice car, I swear, those mags could make a Yugo look nice. Blue is my favorite, and I never remember dads Oldsmobiles looking this nice. I suppose we could do without the race car motor, heck, just to be seen in a beautiful car like this, a V6 would do just fine. You’ll see, $6 grand is great price for this, yet no sale. Pretty clear what’s going on here.