Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
Cars sitting in barns for over a decade typically emerge with the same problems. Wrecked floors, rusty trunks, dirty interiors, and missing parts are all there, making a restoration project insanely difficult.
The 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire that landed on Craigslist a few hours ago promises a different package. After years in a barn, it still exhibits a compelling look, with the paint showing only minor problems, like scratches, chips, and bubbles.
The most notable thing about the 1962 Starfire is the debut of a two-door hardtop. The new body style used the famous convertible-inspired roofline used by other General Motors coupes, including the Impala. All these changes propelled Starfire's sales to new heights, with the 1962 model year shipping nearly 42,000 units.
The two-door hardtop in these pictures is loaded with options, including power steering, bucket seats, and factory air conditioning. They are all there, though the seller does not reveal if the AC still blows cold air – I doubt it does, but if you're interested in a purchase, the next step is an in-person inspection of the vehicle.
The interior looks impressive for a car this old, with the headliner still clean and the seats not exhibiting rips or unrepairable damage. The owner didn't share any specifics on the Starfire's tenure off the road, but its dusty storage location (based on the photos showing the car before getting its first wash) prevented the rust invasion.
The engine is the mysterious part that'll need additional inspection. The 1962 Starfire could be ordered with a 394 (6.5-liter) V8 – it was Oldsmobile's most powerful engine in 1961 when the carmaker launched the first-generation Starfire. The 1962 model year upgraded the engine from 330 to 345 horsepower for a welcome power boost.
As a side note, Oldsmobile launched a 425 (7.0-liter) with 375 horsepower for the 1965 model year. The engine used a four-barrel Rochester Carburetor, becoming the most powerful choice in Oldsmobile's lineup (still part of the Rocket V8 offering). Eventually, the new 425 made its way to other Olds models, including the Jetstar.
The owner does not reveal if the engine starts and drives, but if you read between the lines, it seems the V8 is still in working condition. They already conducted the essential maintenance, but the Starfire isn't ready for the road. The brake pedal is hard to push, likely as the car needs new brake lines and fluids, so you'll need a trailer to take the car home should you commit to a purchase.
The selling price isn't surprising, considering the car requires only minor fixes to become a daily driver. The owner will let the car go for $12,500, and interested buyers can see it in person in Frisco, close to Dallas.
The most notable thing about the 1962 Starfire is the debut of a two-door hardtop. The new body style used the famous convertible-inspired roofline used by other General Motors coupes, including the Impala. All these changes propelled Starfire's sales to new heights, with the 1962 model year shipping nearly 42,000 units.
The two-door hardtop in these pictures is loaded with options, including power steering, bucket seats, and factory air conditioning. They are all there, though the seller does not reveal if the AC still blows cold air – I doubt it does, but if you're interested in a purchase, the next step is an in-person inspection of the vehicle.
The interior looks impressive for a car this old, with the headliner still clean and the seats not exhibiting rips or unrepairable damage. The owner didn't share any specifics on the Starfire's tenure off the road, but its dusty storage location (based on the photos showing the car before getting its first wash) prevented the rust invasion.
The engine is the mysterious part that'll need additional inspection. The 1962 Starfire could be ordered with a 394 (6.5-liter) V8 – it was Oldsmobile's most powerful engine in 1961 when the carmaker launched the first-generation Starfire. The 1962 model year upgraded the engine from 330 to 345 horsepower for a welcome power boost.
As a side note, Oldsmobile launched a 425 (7.0-liter) with 375 horsepower for the 1965 model year. The engine used a four-barrel Rochester Carburetor, becoming the most powerful choice in Oldsmobile's lineup (still part of the Rocket V8 offering). Eventually, the new 425 made its way to other Olds models, including the Jetstar.
The owner does not reveal if the engine starts and drives, but if you read between the lines, it seems the V8 is still in working condition. They already conducted the essential maintenance, but the Starfire isn't ready for the road. The brake pedal is hard to push, likely as the car needs new brake lines and fluids, so you'll need a trailer to take the car home should you commit to a purchase.
The selling price isn't surprising, considering the car requires only minor fixes to become a daily driver. The owner will let the car go for $12,500, and interested buyers can see it in person in Frisco, close to Dallas.
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