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1963 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass / Photos, Specs, Model History

The 1963 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass is a great classic car and was the top trim level of the Olds F-85 Series.

The Oldsmobile F-85 was a series of compact, entry level automobiles which debuted in 1961. It was Oldsmobile’s smallest, cheapest model at a time when automakers were producing more compact cars than during the 1950’s. The F-85 was produced from 1961 to 1972. The Cutlass model itself was produced from 1961 to 1999.

f 85 oldsmobile — 1963 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass

The Oldsmobile F-85

The Oldsmobile F-85 was restyled for the 1963 model year. The automobile had a mo.re squared appearance than the 1961 and 1962 examples. Although the 63 F-85 was built on the same platform as the 61 and 62 models, the 63 Olds F-85 looked larger.

The Oldsmobile F-85 shared a new Y-body platform similar to the Buick Special and Pontiac Tempest, using a 112 inch wheelbase and unibody construction. Standard equipment on theF-85 series included foam cushioned front seat; front arm rests; dual sunvisors; turn signals; stabilizer bar and self energizing brakes. Cloth or vinyl trimmed interiors were offered.

From 1961-1963, Oldsmobile produced its own version of the Buick, all-aluminum 215 engine for the Olds F-85.

The Olds F-85 Jetfire

The platform for this new engine was Oldsmobile’s F-85.

This version of the Olds F-85 was offered in limited numbers for the 1962 and 1963 model years. These models were powered by a turbo charged version of the Buick aluminum V-8. This was a 213 cubic inch V-8 that put out 213 HP, one for each cubic inch of displacement. Some problems were reported with this engine mostly about reliability having to do with carbon buildup. In 1964 Oldsmobile passed on this aluminum V-8 and went back to the cast iron V-8. The Jetfire is a rare classic. The turbocharger was available only in the Jetfire model and only 9,607 were sold over two model years.

1963 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass Specifications

Oldsmobile caught the performance world by surprise when it introduced its new overhead valve V-8 in 1949 called the Rocket. Standard engine was the new Rockette 215 cubic inch all aluminum V-8 was rated at 155 HP. Offered as an option was a four barrel carburetor version that put out 185 HP.

While being similar to the Buick V-8, it had larger wedge shaped combustion chambers with flat topped pistons. The Buick/Oldsmobile 215 V-8 went on to become the well known Rover V8 and was produced until 2004.

1963 Olds F-85 transmission options were a three speed manual and the newly introduced three speed Roto Hydramatic. This more compact General Motors transmission was used in Oldsmobile and Pontiac models from 1961 to 1965.

Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.

The F-85 had double wishbone front suspension and a four-link live axle in the rear suspended with coil springs

Total 1963 Oldsmobile production came in at 476,700 vehicles. This represented an increase of close to 30,000 over 1962. Total 1963 Oldsmobile F-85 production totaled 118,800 vehicles. This was a sizable increase over the 95,000 from 1962.

See these related Auto Museum Online articles/photos..

1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta Convertible

1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Reference material includes..Standard Catalog of Oldsmobile..Setting the Pace : Oldsmobile’s First 100 Years by Helen Jones Early.

Regarding current classic car pricing, the 1963 Olds F-85 Cutlass can be an affordable way to start a collection. A 1963 Oldsmobile Cutlass F-85 in good condition should be found in the $20,000 plus range.

(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)

1960 Austin Cambridge A55 / Photos, Model History, Specifications

Featured here is a fine looking 1960 Austin Cambridge A55 Mark II Saloon. The Austin Cambridge was a medium size automobile.

The Austin Cambridge was manufactured by the Austin Motor Company over several generations from September 1954 through 1969. The model was also offered to 1971 as a half ton light commercial vehicle.

The Austin A55 Cambridge Styling

The Cambridge A55 replaced the A40 Somerset with all new modern unibody construction. Styling was from Pinin Farina. Styling changes included a larger boot and larger rear window. The 1960 Cambridge was an A55 model. This was followed by the A60 model in 1961.

The A55 model was a slight remodel of the previous ‘pre-Farina’ Cambridge. The Italian styled Austin Cambridge had a flamboyant, European look. The new A55 had essentially the same 1500 cc engine except with the addition of an SU carburettor. Other than that the engine was the same. Pinin Farina’s design gave a very clean line at the car’s rear

Another version of the Cambridhe came out in 1960 which was the estate version (Countryman). The rear tailgate was split which allowed long cargo to be supported while still having the rear window closed.

Austin Motor Company and Several Mergers

The Austin Motor Company came into existence in 1905 by Herbert Austin of Longbridge, England. Of significance is that the company’s Austin Seven model influenced the design of light cars in Europe and Britain. The Austin Seven was built from 1923 to 1939.

Like with several independent automakers Austin would be a part of mergers. In 1952, Austin merged with Morris Motors Limited to become the British Motor Corporation Limited. While this formed one company, Austin Motor Company had it’s own separate identity.

Another major consolidation occurred in 1966 when Jaguar Cars was purchased and British Motor Holdings was formed. The mergers continued when in 1968 British Motor Holdings and Leyland Motors Corporation merged to become the new British Leyland Motor Corporation.

The Austin brand name continued to be used until 1987 by British Motor Corporation’s successors, British Leyland and Rover Group. After 1987 the brand was phased out.

In 2005, the Austin trademark was acquired by Nanjing Automotive, a subsidiary of MG Rover Group. , but is now owned by the Chinese.

Austin cars continued in production long after the other marques that formed BMC were discontinued, with only the MG name that was applied to some Rover models lasting beyond 2000.

1960 Austin Cambridge A55 Specifications

The engine on this 1960 Austin Cambridge is a 1500cc Inline Four Cylinder producing 55 HP. There is also a hand crank backup starter on the car’s front.

Transmission is a four speed manual.

Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.

Independent front suspension, coil springs and wishbones. Rear suspension by half-elliptic leaf springs.

Dimensions include a 99.2 inch wheelbase, 178.0 inch overall outside length, 63.5 inch width, 59.7 inch height. Curb weight about 2,490 lbs.

An interesting note is that about 70 percent of all A55 models produced were shipped to the U.S. This obviously increased sales volume therefore the car’s design would have to be one that appealed to American car buyers. As it turned out sales in the U.S. were negatively affected simply because the car wasn’t suited well for the higher speed interstate highways being constructed all over the country.

1955 Chevy Bel Air Convertible / Photos, Specs, Styling Details

A beautiful 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible which represents the first year of Chevy’s popular Tri-Five automobiles. The Tri-Fives, a name given to these models years later, covered the model years, 1955, 1956 and 1957. Marketers referred to the 55 Chevys as “The Hot One“. Chevrolet dealers began displaying this totally new designed car on October 28, 1954. There were three models…the base 150, the mid-priced 210, and the deluxe Bel Air. Within these three models were sixteen body styles.

The Chevy Bel Air’s from 1955 through 1957 were designated the “second generation” Bel Air’s as opposed to the “first generation” models built from 1950 through 1954.

The 1955 Chevy Bel Air is known for great new styling, performance and quality construction. In the 1950’s, an automobile was one of the highest expressions of American status and independence. and the Detroit automakers built some terrific cars.

Totally New Styling

Styling for the 1955 Chevrolet was totally new compared to anything before it. Chevy literally changed from building little economy sedans to producing sleek automobiles that attracted a younger buyer demographic. The new 1955 Chevrolet had smooth straight panels on the sides and hood.

The 1955 examples highlighted a new grille influenced by Ferrari. The dash board had a Corvette look to it and buyers were offered a two-tone color scheme plus a new V-8 engine was made available. The chrome was minimal and the body lines gave a low profile look. The flared rear quarter panels of the 54 models was gone which gave the 55 model a sleek look.

Looking to 1956, the Chevy Bel Air had a V added to the front of the hood and the side trim ran almost the entire length of the car. In addition the grille on the 56 ran almost the full width of the car.

Targeting a Younger Market

General Motors wanted to attract younger car buyers to it’s dealer showrooms and the younger buyers wanted more horsepower. The mid 1950’s was a time of drive-in’s and cruising and the younger generation wanted “cool cars”. A cool car at that time was the 1955 Chevy and the 1955 Ford Victoria. Both of these models were top of the line and offered modern styling along with attractive trim.

The difference between the two had to do with the introduction of Chevy’s 265 cubic inch small block V-8. Two different configurations of this engine delivered impressive horsepower of 162 and 180. The Chevy small block 265 became a very popular high performance engine. To broaden the market of potential buyers who loved the new Chevy styling but weren’t necessarily interested in 0-60 MPH performance there were the automatic transmissions.

1955 Bel Air Features

The all new 1955 Bel Air came with several upgraded features such as stainless steel window moldings, interior carpet, redesigned instrument cluster, and front grille which was inspired by Ferrari.

1955 Chevy Bel Air Specifications

Engines offered with the 1955 Chevy Bel Air included a 235 cubic inch inline six with configurations for 123 and 136 HP along with the 265 cubic inch small block V-8 with configurations for 162 and 180 HP.

Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.

Front suspension were coil springs with rear semi elliptic leaf springs.

Dimensions include a 115.0 inch wheelbase, 195.6 inch overall length, 73.0 inch width, 60.5 inch height. Curb weight estimated at 3,330 lbs.

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible production totaled 41,292 units. This model was priced at $2,300.

The first year of the Tri Five Chevy’s was a huge success. Chevrolet production that year totaled nearly 1.8 million vehicles. According to the book “American Cars of the 1950s” by Robert Genat and David Newhardt, Chevrolet’s accounted for 44% of the low-price passenger cars purchased that year and 24% of all new cars sold that year. The biggest seller for Chevrolet in 1955 was the four door Bel Air Sedan at 366,000 units.

The 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevys sold in the millions and became the holy Tri-Five, sometimes referred to as Shoebox Chevys (because of their boxy profile).

Related Auto Museum Online articles include..

1956 Chevy Bel Air Convertible

1955 Ford Fairlane Victoria

Reference material for this article includes..Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide..The Hot One, Chevrolet 1955-1957 by Pat Chappell..Chevy Classics : 1955, 1956,1957 by Anthony Young..Tri-Five Chevy Handbook by Jim Richardson.

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Collector Car

The 1955 Chevy’s remain very popular collector cars. While the 1957 Chevy Bel Air is one of the popular collector models, many believe the 1955 Chevy, the first year model with the new modern design ranks just as high or higher with some mentioning the milestone status of the 55’s with their new 265 cubic inch V-8. The 1955 Chevrolets overall received very high marks from the public, and sales were excellent that year.

Current asking prices for the 1955 Chevy Bel Air in very good to excellent condition. can range from $60,000 to $130,000. The convertible Bel Airs can range from about $85,000 to $140,000.