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.
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.
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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)