Oldsmobile had many bases covered in 1963. From the top drawer Ninety-Eight through to the sporty Starfire coupe, the one constant was Oldsmobile’s mid-luxury stance within the GM hierarchy. And while a Dynamic 88 was not in the same rarified air as a Ninety Eight, it was no shrinking violet at putting on some Ritz. Regardless, this ’63 Dynamic 88 doesn’t completely live up to what one would consider being the standard Olds configuration, and that makes this example all that more interesting. Residing in Andover, Minnesota, this Oldsmobile Holiday coupe is available, here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $17,500, OBO.
Considered to be a barn find survivor, this Olds coupe has cleaned up well and looks great. The seller advises us that it is all original, still wearing its born-with shade of Ebony Black over a solid, rot-free body. The seller further adds, “Again, all original survivor car except for normal maintenance items that have been changed“. By’63, the stainless trim glam that was so out of control in the ’58-’60 years was reigned in a bit, though this Olds is hardly naked on that front. It’s trimmed nicely however with just enough bling to certify it as an Oldsmobile.
Never at a loss for power, Oldsmobile V8s were among the most durable in the GM stable. This example appears to be powered by a 280 gross HP, 394 CI “Rocket” V8, tethered to a, you guessed it, three-speed manual transmission. It seems odd for a car of such an exalted bearing but that was the standard arrangement in ’63. And considering that the mostly despised Rotomatic “Slim Jim” automatic transmission was the slushbox option, the three-speed manual gearbox is probably a blessing. This Rocket has hardly been to the moon and back as the seller claims it has only experienced 62K miles in its 59 years of existence.
The interior’s condition pretty well aligns with the exterior’s as it is in fine nick. It’s a fabulous, two-tone, cloth, and vinyl upholstery environment that contrasts perfectly with the ebony exterior. The seller mentions some diver’s side armrest wear but that’s it, nothing else looks out of place or appears to need attention. The instrument panel is handsome in its various materials and textures chosen – Olds always had some of the best. And yes, there is an original Delco radio in place.
So, how many ’63 Oldsmobiles with a three-speed manual transmission were built? There is probably a statistic somewhere but I couldn’t uncover it. The Classic Car database does claim there were 39K Dynamic 88 Holiday coupes assembled in ’63 but it doesn’t drill down beyond that. But you can bet your bottom dollar, equipped as such, this Olds is a rare bird! As stated before, these big, full-size two-door coupes/hardtops are a thing of the past – they won’t be making a return engagement. My father’s Oldsmobile? Probably and what’s wrong with that?
I wouldn’t want to do all that shifting. Been there.
I grew up around people who liked upscale cars but eschewed power accessories because it mean “fewer things to go wrong.” Plus, a stripper allowed modest buyers to afford a higher-status brands. If the neighbors didn’t see you shifting, they’d never know the difference.
This has to be THE ’63 Olds to buy if you want one – the Roto Hydramatic transmission is probably the major reason why ’61-’64 Oldsmobile survival rates are so low. Considering just about every Olds buyer of this era opted for the slush box option manual 60s Oldsmobile production #s are extremely low – don’t think we’ve seen one here on BF since the ’64 Jetstar88 a year back. Anyone have any intel on whether this 3spd is the same unit Chev used just a different bellhousing…?
Though I like the ’64 Olds a lot better IMHO this Holiday represents an extremely interesting alternative to similar Impalas and with this transmission it’s bound to be topic at Cars’n’Coffee. If it really is as good as it appears to be it seems to be a very decent buy 👍
I would bet that it’s the same SM318 that chevy used.
The Olds 3 speed was actually a unit that dated back to the 1930’s, an Oldsmobile only design. They just used what they has access to. In my opinion, the only reason that this was standard equipment was marketing. Oldsmobile could advertise a Dynamic 88 for a bargain low price to interest customers, and bring them into the show room, but their goal was to sell cars with automatics and other accessories for greater profit.
This looks like a opportunity to put a 4 speed in at 1st chance and eventually put a 455 in there for some serious cruising in a nice car you don’t see everyday!
BA; totally see your point on the 4spd, however replacing the 394 with a newer Olds mill will require major fabrication. Also, the 394 is regarded as the more visually attractive and a hot power plant amongst serious vintage hotrodders so upgrades for it are already available
I owned a 64 Dynamic 88 and it was a great car.
The 3 on tree is what makes it cool.
Back in the day, when I was first beginning to drive, cars of this era were plentiful, three on the tree, no power steering or brakes, muscling one of those around was definitely for the young
Local Sheriff, My Hollander Interchange Manual says that Olds used the same 3 speed manual transmission from 1961 to 1964, but it doesn’t interchange with anything else.
Chevy 3 speeds were the same from 1958 through 1963, but there were two different ones depending on whether it was behind a 6 or V-8. The V-8 Chevy transmission interchanges with 1958 through 1960 Pontiacs, but nothing else.
Thanks for asking the question, I was forced to get out a book and learn something. I would have guessed that Olds would interchange with Buick and Pontiac at the very least, but it looks like everybody was doing their own thing in the early 60’s.
Hollander is full of inaccuracies. could be as simple as a gear ratio difference. when I was rebuilding GM transfer cases, I could cover 7 Hollander numbers with one unit.
Joe; thanks for walking the extra mile to shed some light on the matter! 👍
Now, for a long time I’ve questioned what kind of transmissions Olds, Pontiac and Buick installed when the customer opted for the ‘base’ 3spd transmission, ’cause it’s my understanding that the 3spd that Chev installed would make a ‘light duty’ transmission – and that in cars weighing less and usually spec’d with small blocks or even sixes. Also, intel on these ‘base’ transmissions is extremely limited as there seems to be little interest in what is considered just a ‘standard feauture’…
The engines offered by the BOP divisions were far more torquey – even when the no-cost regular fuel low CR was spec’d – and I’ve been thinking a unit like the SM318 would not lead a happy life behind something like a 394 driven by a lead-foot owner
This is a rare bird that I’m sure will haul the groceries nicely. Don’t poo poo that 394- I’d like to run it thru the gears. I agree that the 3 on the tree makes it soooo cool! Good luck and I think the price seems good.
Cheers
GPC
3 speeds weren’t as uncommon in the 60’s, as people now seem to think they were. This was a time when car buyers could get a car the way they wanted it, instead of how the manufacturers wanted to build it.
I knew an older gentleman in the 70’s who had a beautiful black 69 Caprice 4 door hardtop, with power steering, brakes, air, no radio and a 3 speed column shifter. He’d always driven 3 speeds, and had never seen the need for a radio. He ordered the car the way he wanted.
The early Olds’ might have come with the Warner T-85 3 speed. It was a strong 3 speed used in 60’s Jeeps, Max Wedge Plymouth’s and Dodge’s, 60’s Pontiacs, AMC’s, 406 Galaxies, etc. It’s case is about the size of a T-10 4 speed. Different makes used different tail shaft housings, making the T-85 unique to each brand. Chevy didn’t use the T-85.
Lots of Olds folks mention the 425 being the best engine Olds made that never was in a performance car. Not familiar with the 394. Though I have a cousin who put one in a 37 Willy’s and he’s had tremendous success blasting down the 1/4 mi..
I had a friend when we were kids tell me that when he turned 16 he was going to get his father’s ’63 Wildcat. When that day came I was shocked, 4dr ht, pw, ps, pb and 3 on the tree. That thing could really haul axx. Weird thing was you had to watch going from 1st to 2nd that you didn’t bang your knuckles on the dash. This looks like the exact same setup, same long shifter with the little ball on the end. This car is going to put a big smile on somebody’s face for sure.
P.S. The only thing I would change would be to add a dual master cyl. and power brake booster. I’m sure this can really go but you also need it to whoa. Leave the 4spds. and motor swaps for something else, you’re never gonna find another one of these.
What did Tony Sopranos’ mom drive?
I picture the original owner as a retiree who could no longer afford the Ninety-Eights he bought during his peak, middle-management years, but refused to own anything less than a big Oldsmobile.
I have driven one of these and they do really move down the road. The 394 is no slouch.
This is my 4 speed Buick. Buick and Olds having standard trans, especially 3 speeds was quite common. Car buyers in those years wanted cheap. Radios, outside mirrors ,two sun visor power brakes or steering –all cost extra. My Buick never had an outside mirror. So a 3 on the tree was ok for a lot of people
Whoa Morley; that’s a sweet-looking ’63! More pictures of it ASAP! 😁
That’s an awesome looking LeSabre! Original nailhead I assume ?
I don’t know that I would agree that 3-spds were “quite common” on these. “Quite unusual” would be a better choice of words. I can only recall ever seeing one 63 LeSabre 3-spd, a 2 dr sedan owned by a LOL who lived in a sparsely populated remote area of the state. In 62, Dynaflow was std. in all Buicks, no 3-spd was even offered. In the ensuing years, when I got into collecting and restorations, only one 3 -spd 59 Buick was ever found, a no option LeSabre 4 dr sed. I cannot recall if I ever saw a 3-spd Olds like this.
I’ve went out of my way to collect some of the 3 speed cars, I estimate that only 2-6 percent of 61-64 Oldsmobile Dynamics came with the 3 speed.
Does anyone else think the front seat bottom has been changed? Wouldn’t it have been vinyl? I don’t recall seeing a cloth bottom on any early Sixties car I owned. Not to mention it looks like rabbit fur.but it could just be my screen (and my eyeballs).
Its a great car and the row your own makes it for me. Unless my limbs give out I refuse to own a slushbox. Gotta draw the line somewhere :)
I am surprised by the dartboard pricing. Beyond what somewhat will pay for anything, it seems that the asks are , well as I said, taken off a dartboard. Nothing seems anchored to a market anymore.
I don’t know what early sixties cars you owned, but cloth interiors were the base interiors in all cars except converts and some wagons. A vinyl interior was an option, or part of an interior upgrade like bucket seats (SSs, XLs, etc.). This Olds came w/cloth and vinyl, the all-vinyl interior was an optional ‘upgrade’.
’63 Lemans convertible, 62 F85 Olds wagon, 6’5 Buick Special wagon just to name a few. I see your point and will accept it as gospel
Mountainwoodie; you should check out pics #47+48 the seller has provided; they show the dealer album included with the sale sitting atop the actual seats for comparison. Yup, this Olds came with a combination of vinyl/cloth from the get go, just like most 2/4 door + coupe 60s GM cars did.
Your previous rides were prime candidates to come with all-vinyl as standard upholstery though; ‘verts to avoid soaked seats should the top develop a leak; wagons to survive the typically abusive nature of family hauling duty
If you’re going to have fun with a car like this, at the very least, put the shifter on the floor. I stretched out too many 3-on-the-tree linkages speed shifting.
I doubt that the owner of this Olds spent much time “speed shifting”!
Oops! I never said he did.
When I was a kid, all I could afford was beaters with 3/tree or powerglides. I street raced them cause it was all I had. Obviously this one is likely not a beater. But if the price was right back then, I might have taken this one out and tried it. After several street races, I got good at it but the linkage got tired. If I could have afforded it, I would have moved the shifter to the floor. (don’t know if that was even possible on this trans)
Thank You Barn Finds!
There are days when few or none of the listings peak my interest but I always read the Oldsmobile listings. Today I got to see a car I had never seen before and learn new details from both the listing and my fellow readers. Thanks to you guys too!!
I’ve long said my Oldsmobile will be a Starfire. But this thing!! Wow. And just look at the rear view. That is beautiful.
Tony Soprano’s Mom drove a 63 Dynamic 88 4 door sedan… On the 425 engine comment- it made an (arguably) better performance engine (than the 455) because it had a forged crank and shorter stroke- better rev’s
I like it !
Starfire body for not Starfire price. Family had a 62 then 64 Starfire. (Both floor mounted automatics) Then One of the First 66 Toranados with the 425 nailhead you folks re talking about! it was fun to learn to drive on that one! Specs were 0-60 in 8 seconds!. Yep. Definitely a Rocket Olds! This 88 is pretty cool! Not many of any of them left.
Someone mentioned that they would build what you wanted back when this car was new. I have to agree with that as I had a co-worker who insisted that the dealer order a 1963 Olds Dynamic 88 convertible with a color combination that was not normally available. The colors were standard Olds colors, medium metallic green with a saddle color interior. Both colors were standard colors but the combination was not available per the dealer. He insisted that was what he wanted and they ordered the car for him. I thought it looked good, and I later on bought the car from him.
Finally a nice looking car you can drive off in. At a nice price. Instead of some pile of rust way over price charger. This Oldsmobile is a really nice looking car. Love it.
Great car, decent deal, what’s not to like here?
One ticket to Andover please. Sorry sir Am Track doesn’t go to Andover. One ticket to Andover please. Sorry sir our busses no longer go to Andover. One ticket to Andover please. Sorry sir due to high cost of fuel no flights are going to Andover. Let’s see 3000 mile round trip, two nights in a motel, food for two days, I guess I better just stay home and play with my 64 Riviera. Good luck to both seller and buyer it’s a great looking car for the right price. Nothing against Andover, never been there, just a story.
God Bless America
Sorry, Lee, getting your GM brands mixed up. A 425 nailhead was a Buick engine, never installed in a Toronado. 425 referenced in other comments was an Olds engine.
As far as you guys with experience with GM and 3 speeds, any of you ever come across one of these? From Wikipedia: “Overall, the Toploader was used in 133 different models, and was used extensively in racing as well. The 3 speed 3.03 was also the heavy duty transmission in 1960s Oldsmobile, Buick and Pontiac cars, with FOMOCO cast into the right side of the case; sourcing parts from competitors was common practice in those days…”
Yup, it’s true a 3spd toploader – or the ‘Dearborn 3spd – was installed in at least Pontiac, not sure whether Buick/Olds used it also.
I did some research on this 3spd a while back and if I remember right it went into production in April ’64 to be ready for the ’65 model year (at least in B-body). It was the base transmission in the ’65 Cat 2+2 and, unlike the ‘lesser’ 3spds, was floor shifted. Apparently none of the ’64 2+2s got it.
While a toploader in a GM car may sound intriguing, it materialized not so much out of a performance point but rather insurance. Some insurance companies were almost allergic to 4spds regarding cars so equipped to be ‘sports cars’, with premium insurance as result. But with a 3spd – even if it was a HD transmission – it would pass as a ‘base transmission’
Three on the tree Oldsmobiles from 61 to 64 are extremely rare and parts are totally unattainable I’ve done extensive research since I have installed a Muncie for speed with the gear vendors overdrive behind my 61 olds 394. Many modifications were required there was a reason Oldsmobile used that automatic transmission behind that engine because it really was a perfect fit gear and torque wise, however it wasn’t that reliable in the long run. From the information I found Oldsmobile used a leftover Buick 3 speed, you could only get it with manual brakes since all the clutch pedal linkage was mechanical and ran off the manual master cylinder backing plate. The manual transmission rear engine mounts pressure plate clutch bellhousing
were standalone pieces. I obtained most of the parts to transform mine to manual from Ross racing engines in Niles Ohio who specializes in early olds V8 parts. I had to use a hydraulic release bearing which works out fine if you get the good one from McCloud that bolts to the transmission. I think I still have a YouTube video under 394 4-speed.