Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
1961 was a big year for Oldsmobile. The company introduced a new expensive model, promoting the Starfire to a standalone series, giving customers interested in performance another reason to stay with the brand.
The Starfire debuted in 1961 exclusively as a convertible, hitting the streets with the 394 Skyrocket, which at that point was Oldsmobile's top mill. It produced 330 horsepower (its power was increased to 345 horsepower a year later) and was the only option available in the lineup, as Oldsmobile only introduced a second engine in 1965 (the 425, rated at 375 horsepower).
Depending on who you ask, the Starfire production for the 1961 model year included between 5,000 and 10,000 units. Someone on Craigslist says Oldsmobile produced 7,500 Starfires, and they have one of the last examples still alive.
The seller says they have evidence that only 220 such Starfires are left worldwide, so their project deserves a second chance to return to the road (though such a rare car should rather sit in someone's garage, as it's a genuine collectible).
The convertible (the only body style available in 1961, with a hardtop joining the Starfire series a year later) is all original, though the restoration work has already been jump-started. It now sports factory bucket seats reupholstered in the stock color and pattern, while the chrome trim and the interior have been removed to prepare for the restoration.
The car is ready for a fresh coat of paint, and a new white convertible top is in a box and included in the sale.
The seller says they have "tons of unattainable extra spare parts," but the car is also complete, so the restoration work should theoretically be a matter of time rather than parts.
The metal parts come in great shape, and the rust isn't a concern on this Starfire. We're not being told how the car survived the test of time, but it's clear the convertible has been parked in proper conditions (though one of the photos shows it sitting outside, so you'll need to ask more questions in this regard).
At first glance, this Starfire project checks all the boxes for a restoration candidate. It's rare, comes in good shape, has all the necessary parts as well as many extras, and still has everything original, including the 394 that Oldsmobile installed before the vehicle rolled off the assembly lines.
These make this Oldsmobile a rare find, so the selling price was set accordingly. The owner will let their Starfire go, along with all the bonus parts, to anyone willing to pay $15,000. The vehicle is parked in Seattle, and considering its condition, you must bring your trailer for the Starfire and all the other goodies that come with it.
Depending on who you ask, the Starfire production for the 1961 model year included between 5,000 and 10,000 units. Someone on Craigslist says Oldsmobile produced 7,500 Starfires, and they have one of the last examples still alive.
The seller says they have evidence that only 220 such Starfires are left worldwide, so their project deserves a second chance to return to the road (though such a rare car should rather sit in someone's garage, as it's a genuine collectible).
The convertible (the only body style available in 1961, with a hardtop joining the Starfire series a year later) is all original, though the restoration work has already been jump-started. It now sports factory bucket seats reupholstered in the stock color and pattern, while the chrome trim and the interior have been removed to prepare for the restoration.
The car is ready for a fresh coat of paint, and a new white convertible top is in a box and included in the sale.
The seller says they have "tons of unattainable extra spare parts," but the car is also complete, so the restoration work should theoretically be a matter of time rather than parts.
The metal parts come in great shape, and the rust isn't a concern on this Starfire. We're not being told how the car survived the test of time, but it's clear the convertible has been parked in proper conditions (though one of the photos shows it sitting outside, so you'll need to ask more questions in this regard).
At first glance, this Starfire project checks all the boxes for a restoration candidate. It's rare, comes in good shape, has all the necessary parts as well as many extras, and still has everything original, including the 394 that Oldsmobile installed before the vehicle rolled off the assembly lines.
These make this Oldsmobile a rare find, so the selling price was set accordingly. The owner will let their Starfire go, along with all the bonus parts, to anyone willing to pay $15,000. The vehicle is parked in Seattle, and considering its condition, you must bring your trailer for the Starfire and all the other goodies that come with it.
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