Usually it’s pretty easy to find reasons not to purchase a classic car project. Lots of rust, no documentation, title issues, parts availability problems, no options — the list goes on and on. However, this 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass has me saying “why not” rather than “why”! It’s listed for sale here on craigslist in San Luis Obispo, California and the seller is asking $4,500 — but they are moving and can’t take the car with them, so perhaps it might go for less? Thanks to reader Ikey H. for unearthing this find!
I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but this looks like the desirable two-door coupe (as opposed to having a post) body style. The silver paint is faded but doesn’t appear to be hiding too much in the way of surprises.
This is probably a more representative picture of what you are getting into. Sure, there are pits, and if you wanted a concours car you’d be replacing the trunk floor. However, most enthusiasts don’t, and I’ll bet you’d get by with localized patching or even none at all if all you were worried about was blasting the rust away and having a usable floor.
The interior would benefit from a good clean, and then you could decide what was necessary. The extra gauges in the center show that someone cared, and the factory tinted glass will help keep you cool. Sure, air conditioning would be better but there are several vendors who can supply kits for that.
This huge pouch of documentation from the original owner who had the car for 40 years is a big deal to me. You can trace the whole history of the car and perhaps even get in touch with the original owner or their family to learn more.
Somehow it doesn’t look like it would take that much to get the car running. That’s a 330 cubic inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor that was rated at 305 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. And isn’t that an air conditioning compressor mount I see? All told, I think this classic Olds would be a nice addition (or start) to many collections! Do you agree?
This is absolutely the car I’d be looking for about 4 years from now when my son and I plan an epic coast to coast journey. Unfortunately, he can’t drive yet.
He’s 12? I’ll bet he would appreciate 5 minutes behind the wheel on a dirt road on vacation somewhere. This would be a cool car to do a long distance drive. Good luck in 4!
Looks like a nice honest buy. Looks like some gear head with closer proximity than I will be very happy.
Looks like a nice car and a nice deal.
RE: Hardtop or post- it is a post, but resembles a HT due to the slim window frames capped with stainless.
Judging by the first picture, it looks like the rear window is partly retracting showing the frame moving with it, making it a pillarless coupe.
Picture #9 is an interior shot, it shows a post.
Steve R
Thanks, Fred! Figured someone would know for sure 😀
Correct Fred. This is a Cutlass Sports Coupe.
In 1965 there were six options in the A-body:
1. F-85 Club Coupe (sedan w/ post, no side trim, very plain)
2. Cutlass Sports Coupe (sedan w/ post, side trim, deluxe)
3. Cutlass Holiday Coupe (hardtop w/ no post, side trim, deluxe)
4. Cutlass Convertible (side trim, deluxe, Cutlass model designation).
5. Station Wagon
6. Station Wagon Vista Cruiser
All four non-wagon models could be purchased as a 442. (four barrel, four hundred cubic inches, dual exhaust).
Looks like a decent car for the price.
-GVW
Aftermarket AC mount. Not a factory one.
Nice ride for those who aren’t bent on only owning a 442.
My first car was a 64!!!! If this was closer to me I’d jump on it!
Like the look. Another great car from GM. If there are no pinholes in the floor, paint with Rustoleum or POR-15 and you are good to go. Had a customer that had a bright red one tlike this with a 4 speed. We used to fight over who would work on it for the road test!! Good luck to the new owner!!
Cheers
GPC
Nice looking Olds. Appears that someone swapped a Holley 4160 in place of the Rochester 4-Jet, but that’s really not a bad thing! This would be a fun ‘first’ old car for someone – or a great fix-it-up-as-you-drive-it project for a more experienced car nut.
This actually would have had a Rochester 4GC. The Quadrajet didn’t come until ’66 on the Olds 330s and 400s.
Square left said 4 Jet not Quadrajet. 4 jet and 4GC are one and the same most if not all 4GC said 4 jet on them, played with a great many of them in my younger days.
Love these 64-65 Olds F-85/cutlass’s
@Norman Wrensch,
Ahhh, my mistake. I thought 4-jet was a reference to a QuadraJet. Thanks for clearing up.
Absolutely. And the wheels are Pontiac. Who cares? It’s a great starter for anyone and if taken care of will give great joy. Jump on it.
May be in SLO now, but this car spent time in the San Fernando Valley for awhile. I know some of those repair place names.
Had a pal whose folks had a full sized Olds with a 330 in it. That big car was FAST. In an F85 coupe, it’ll be fun to drive. :-) Terry J
That’s Terry they were fast and fun a friend of mine had an F85 coupe with that set up that thing would scoot!!!
Had an F85 Coupe with the 330 and the 2sp Jetaway back when I was about 20 years old. Not a bad car at all.