The early 1960s were an interesting time for General Motors engineering, and much of their most offbeat ideas were centered around their new compacts: The Corvair, Tempest’s “rope drive,” the aluminum V8, the Buick V6 and Pontiac’s “half a V8” were not merely drawing board dreams; they were showroom-floor realities. By 1964, the General wrote off all but the Corvair and the V6, and more traditional products took their place. Today, the BOP compacts of that period have a niche following, but they make for fun and practical collectibles. This 1963 Cutlass Coupe is a trim 192 inches long, and with nearly 200 horsepower from its aluminum 215, it will handle traffic with aplomb. Thanks to Ted for a clean Ohio find on Marketplace.
Many Barn Finds readers likely know the story behind GM’s aluminum 215. Designed by Buick for introduction in their ’61 Special, it was offered for only three model years before being shelved and eventually sold to Rover in England (its chief designer Joe Turlay spent some time over there helping to implement production). Oldsmobile also offered the 215, but with a difference; they modified the cylinder heads to accept an additional cylinder head bolt on the intake side of the block’s deck. The engineers also designed new valve covers to more closely match the appearance of their big 394s.
Sharp eyed readers may notice that this is not an Oldsmobile 215; the Buick valve covers give it away. Apparently, this engine came from a Pontiac Tempest, a car that had an optional Buick 215 (although the take rate was low). Unless originality matters to you, it shouldn’t make a difference – the Buick and Oldsmobile both made between 185-195 horsepower in four-barrel guise, which was standard in the Cutlass. This 215 has an aftermarket Holley-based four barrel on top.
The Cutlass was the sporty version of the F-85 compact, only available in a two-door coupe or convertible in 1963. The coupe was a strong seller, with over 41,000 finding homes in 1963. The interior had standard bucket seats and an optional console. This Cutlass has the optional automatic, which may not be what you want to hear. Called the RotoHydramatic 5, it’s the subject of several internet posts asking what alternative transmissions could replace it, so a test drive of this Cutlass may be in order to ensure it shifts properly. On the plus side, this ’63 has new seat covers, new brakes, and new tires, so it’s a car that is ostensibly ready for the road.
This handsome Cutlass with a nice white paint and blue interior combination has been for sale for quite some time at its $10,500 asking price. The owners “don’t get out in it much,” so they’re looking to find someone who will enjoy it more often than they do. Are you a fan of these neat little BOP compacts?
This is not a survivor grade car.
Just subjective of course, but I think that’s one of GM’s styling misses of the early ’60’s.
That was the car I drove in high school. Bought it in 1968…for $635. Jet Black. White leather interior. Was cool little car. Sold it later for a 69 VW Beetle. Was not a cool little car.
When consoles go awry . .
The Roto-Hydramatic is a real dog. It’s amazing how many different automatic transmission designs GM went through before realizing that Chrysler had figured it out with the 1957 Torqueflite.
Must be a ’61-62 Tempest engine. The ’63 Tempest used the Pontiac 336 V8 used by GMC, but it was marketed as a “326” to avoid running afoul of the GM max of 330 cid for compacts.
That is a Buick engine. I have built many of the Olds 215 engines and the Buick 215 too. Tempest used the Buick 215.
Mom and Dad had a light blue one they bought brand new. Loved that car. Wish we would have kept it and I could have driven it.
Top center in the engine compartment picture shows the wiring that was around before the “Nanny State”. Things were laid out so running a wire to the coil, then disconnecting a junction pictured and touching an exposed tang to a standing terminal there facilitated starting the vehicle without the inconvenience of an ignition key.
My F85s/Cutlasses were multiple from 1965 to1973. Bought one from the police auction for $12. Parents had a 63 4drsdn.
Fond memories; better stop – starting to sound all how weird.
Under hood photos show two different sets of valve covers installed, one pair red, other pair is silver. Which is actually the correct photo?