Featured here is the powerful and upscale 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertible. This is a first generation model which spanned the years 1961-1966.
The Starfire was first seen as a concept car at the 1953 Motorama show. Along with it at the show was the new 1953 Chevrolet Corvette. The Starfire name for an automobile stood out since it was a reference to one of the most advanced U.S. fighter jets of the era. During the 1950’s there were many automobile models that had styling characteristics of the jet age.
The Starfire served as the top trim level for the Oldsmobile 98 from 1954 through 1957. It was dropped in 1958 and emerged a few years later in 1961 as it’s own nameplate.
The Olds Starfire Offered Luxury and Power
The Olds Starfire was built as a luxury automobile and was the highest priced Oldsmobile model. The luxury car market was growing and Olds competed with their Starfire model.
Like many automobile models, the Starfire began as a top trim level of the Olds 98. When the Starfire became it’s own distinct model in 1961 it sported a very powerful V-8 engine. The Olds Starfire offered both luxury and plenty of horsepower.
Before being a trim level on the 98, the Starfire name already had plenty going for it, being seen as an incredible concept and displayed right next to the first Corvette at GM’s 1953 Motorama show. As previously mentioned, the Starfire name was a direct reference to one of the most advanced U.S. fighter jets of the time.
1962 Oldsmobile Starfire Styling
Only the second year of Starfire’s new model status, the 1962 model received a new design. This new design gave the Starfire a more aggressive exterior appearance and a few interior tweaks. The Olds Starfire offered plenty of chrome, unique colors, and carpeting. In addition, horsepower was increased to 345 and a hardtop model was added.
The early 1960’s Starfires gave you leather bucket seats, power drum brakes, power steering, and a tachometer. Options included power windows.
The hardtop model helped sales significantly. As an example, 1961 Starfire production where only convertibles were offered totaled only 7,800. In 1962 where the convertible and hardtop Starfire’s were sold, production was about the same for convertibles at 7,000 but the hardtops came in at 34,000 vehicles..The introduction of the hardtop was obviously a very successful sales idea.
The 1963 Olds Starfire also received some styling changes which gave it an even more aggressive design but sales disappointed being down from previous year levels by about 8,000 units.
The Oldsmobile Starfires Relatively Brief Existence
The Oldsmobile Starfire by all accounts was a powerful and luxurious automobile. Today it’s a true classic back when styling and power helped sell cars. The first generation proved not to be a sales success in the eyes of General Motors. Sales for the final year were only 13,000 units. In fact, for the final 1966 model year the convertible was dropped and the Starfire no longer had Oldsmobile’s most powerful V-8.
Starfire Second Generation
The Starfire model was eventually replaced by the Toronado which was produced from 1966 to 1992. The Olds Starfire did however come back to the Olds stable in 1974 as a subcompact. This new Starfire was produced from 1975 to 1980. Certainly a total switch from the full size luxury Starfires of the first early 60’s generation. There was absolutely no comparison between the two generations.
1962 Oldsmobile Starfire Specifications
Engine for the 1962 Starfire is an Oldsmobile 394 cubic inch V-8 delivering 345 HP.
Transmission is a Hydra Matic three speed automatic.
Dimensions include a 123.0 inch wheelbase, 212.0 inch overall length, 77.2 inch width, 55.1 inch height.
Curb weight is about 4,450 lbs.
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Reference material for this article includes..Oldsmobile Muscle Portfolio 1964-1971 by R.M. Clarke...Cutlass and 4-4-2: Muscle Portfolio 1964-1974 by R.M. Clarke..American Muscle Cars: A Full-Throttle History by Darwin Holmstrom and Tom Glatch..Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumer Guide.
The Oldsmobile Starfire Collector Car
Oldsmobile had been a great brand for General Motors since 1908 and was known for innovation and power. Oldsmobile had always been identified as an upscale automobile with General Motor’s stable of brands.
The original Olds Starfires that ran from 1961 to ‘1966 are really spectacular classic automobiles. The model’s lifespan was relatively brief which is one reason the name is not often heard. As a result, the early 1960 Starfires can be acquired somewhat cheap as opposed to big name 60’s classics.
The convertibles are much more rare than the sedans since only about 7,000 were built during the 1962 model year. Currently there excellent examples of original low mileage 1962 Olds Starfire Convertibles with asking prices in a range from $59,000 to $89,000. Starfire Convertibles can be found for less depending on mileage, restoration degree and degree of originality. The 1962 Olds Starfire Sedans in good condition inside and out might be found in a range from about $22,000 to $35,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)