From any angle, this 1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass convertible is a looker! It’s not a 442 muscle car version but it hardly matters in this case as this example has plenty of forthright goodness going for it, just as it is. Having undergone a body-off restoration, this excellently restored drop top is located in Los Angeles, California and is available, here on craigslist for $31,000.
Having undergone a significant transformation in ’64, Oldsmobile’s mid-sized F-85 returned for ’65, largely unchanged. Trim levels included the standard F-85, Deluxe F-85, and then the top drawer Cutlass, available, in two-door sedan, hardtop, and convertible body styles. The performance-oriented 442 was an option on the F-85 Cutlass models. As for the F-85 Cutlass convertible, about 12K copies rolled off of one of three (Lansing, Fremont, CA, and Framingham, MA) Oldsmobile assembly lines.
The “nice find” here is this Cutlass’ Muncie four-speed manual transmission. The seller suggests, “If you have never experienced what it’s like to shift a Muncie, this is a muscle car experience you must have“. I have, in many different GM models, and I will admit that it’s a visceral experience but best facilitated, in my estimation, with a non-Muncie gear shifter. The Hurst units, as employed in Pontiac’s GTO, make for the best experience. The name “Muncie” is referencing Muncie, Indiana where the GM transmission plant was located. If memory serves me, production started in mid-’63 as GM steered away from Borg Warner’s T-10. In front of the Muncie gearbox is a “Jetfire Rocket” V8 displacing 330 CIs. The listing claims that the engine was rebuilt 25K miles ago.
The black vinyl bucket seat interior is, as the seller states, “handsomely laid out“. It appears to be in fine nick, as one would expect for a body-off restored car but that black nylon loop carpet is seriously faded. The black-hued version of this very commonly employed carpet is notorious for turning a sort of taupe color when faded – enhanced by a convertible’s top-down mode. One would assume that the rug was replaced but maybe the discoloration has happened since that occurrence. Anyway, under-dash gauges have been added and an original-style tachometer is perched, in a non-optimal location, on top of the center console. The seller mentions, “The dash lights will need some attention“.
The beautiful maroon exterior speaks for itself. It is an understated vibe that this Olds projects – I know one that I prefer. It has a subtle all-business look about it. No worries are to be had regarding rust or panel damage and the Magnum 500-style wheels finish off this car’s bearing perfectly. The seller tells us that the folding top is relatively new and displays no issues.
So, what’s not to like? Some may say the price but I honestly am not alarmed by it – it’s standard fare for a car like this these days. If you’re interested in seeing more, there are three brief videos available here. OK, so it’s not a 442, and won’t run as strongly as Oldsmobile’s iconic muscle car, but does that really matter?
Darned handsome car. 330 is fine. Drive and enjoy!
My first car was a 65 F-85, 330 and powerglide. It was pretty darn fast and put 340 Dusters and such to shame. Said “Premium Gas Only” on the gas cap and I believe on the air cleaner. Gas was about 60 cents a gallon, but my pump jockey job paid about 2.65 an hour. The Olds got 10 mpg.
Put a 340 duster with a 4 speed or a 727 to shame with a 65 olds and a jetaway 2 speed ?
Lol I thought the very same thing. Tall tales bein told round here.
I owned a silver ‘65 Cutlass with the same options as this convertible, except it was an automatic, not a 4-speed. But with either transmission this car would certainly lose the 1/4 mile to a 340 Duster. My next car was a ‘66 442 with a Hurst 4-speed. That car would be more likely to dust the Duster. It’s 400 was rated at 330 hp or so, much more than the ‘65’s 330 ci. The Mopar 340 was a good deal stronger.
Why wouldn’t you fix the dash lights if you’re selling such a nice car with all that has been done to it? I don’t get it.
The “Ultra High Compression” 330 is no slouch. I installed a 65 330 in my 67 Cutlass (which had blown its 330) and was able to get the tires to chirp on the WOT upshift.
Craigslist ad is LA, but plates and auction say Florida???
Darn nice and very rare Olds here—I’ll fix those dash lights if parked in my garage!
Its hard to believe the car has had a full restoration and not replace the carpets or repair the dash lights??
The 330 engine was no slouch at 290HP.
Yes, and the ‘64 442 in its debut year was only 20 horses more! Great engine.
Was this a Texas Car?
Back in 1973 I bought a 1964 442 white with a black convertible top and red interior. I was the second owner after the original owners traded it in at a Vermont Chevy dealer. I paid $475 for the car and it was my pride and joy. Sadly the Vermont winter salt had taken its toll on the under carriage and my 442 completely crumpled at slow speed against a small tree on a snowy Connecticut back road. That is when I learned that a supposedly tough 19 year old boy could cry like a baby.
I drove a friend’s Cutlass with the 330 and Jetaway and it was quick.
Nice 1965 Olds man
Good looking car no doubt. Had a Muncie in a 68 Camaro SS. The original shifter wore out, shifting gears would go into neutral, but not into the desired gear, never left the original gear (2nd). Would have to get under the car in the street to manually line up the linkage, risking exhaust pipe burns. Enough of that nonsense led to a Hurst Super Shifter 3 reverse lockout. No problems after that mod.