Starfire Info
1961 Oldsmobile Starfire convertible
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The 1961-1966 Oldsmobile Starfire series consisted of Oldsmobile's full-size performance cars of the early '60s. The Starfire was introduced in convertible-only form as a sub-model in the 1961 Super 88 series. It then became a separate series from 1962 on but was always built on Oldsmobile's shorter chassis, not the 98 platform, and fitted with the most powerful Olds V-8s through 1965. The Starfire has found a niche in today's collector market, with the crisply styled 1962-1963 models in particular being among the most desirable Oldsmobiles of these years. The rarer convertibles naturally lead the hardtops in value, but all Starfires are eminently collectible for their relatively low production, smooth highway cruising ability, and 98-level luxury interior with bucket seats, console, and high-grade trim.
Pluses of the 1961-1966 Oldsmobile Starfire:
- Big, comfortable road-eater
- Luxury
- Distinctive styling
- Strong performer
Minuses of the 1961-1966 Oldsmobile Starfire:
- Thirsty
- Starfire-only trim bits scarce now
Production of the 1961-1966 Oldsmobile Starfire:
- 1961 convertible: 7,600
- 1962 convertible: 7,149; 2-door hardtop: 34,839
- 1963 convertible: 4,401; Holiday 2-door hardtop: 21,148
- 1964 convertible: 2,410; Holiday 2-door hardtop: 13,753
- 1965 convertible: 2,236; Holiday 2-door hardtop: 13,024
- 1966 Holiday 2-door hardtop: 13,019
Specifications of the 1961-1966 Oldsmobile Starfire:
Wheelbase, inches: 123.0
Length, inches: 212.0 (1961), 213.9 (1962), 214.5 (1963), 215.3 (1964), 216.9 (1965-1966)
Weight, pounds: 4,013-4,334
Price, new: $3,564-4,778
Engines for the 1961-1966 Oldsmobile Starfire:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohv V-8 | 394 cid | 325/330/345
| 1961-1964 |
| ohv V-8 | 425 cid | 370/375 | 1965-1966 |
