1962 Oldsmobile Cutlass F85

Description

The early '60s were a time of great innovation at General Motors, and perhaps the most forward-looking cars were the B-O-P compacts like the Buick Skylark, Pontiac Tempest, and this 1962 Oldsmobile Cutlass F85. With an aluminum V8 under the hood, excellent handling, and tasteful styling, these cars were well ahead of their time and are awesome collector vehicles today.

Big car styling translated well to the smaller models, and this handsome Olds is as dramatic as they come. With sweeping body lines, plenty of chrome, and excellent proportions, the F85 looks expensive from any angle. Someone spent a good deal of money restoring the bodywork, which shows extremely well, offering good gaps, sharp detailing, and a wonderful shine to the code T Sahara Mist paint. Oldsmobile fans will quickly recognize features from the bigger models, including the taillight treatment and the forward-canted grille, both of which seem to emphasize the F85's sporty performance. The restoration is a few years old but still holding up well. There's plenty of chrome to remind you that this is an upscale model, and it all remains in very good condition, particularly the wrap-around bumpers and delicate 'Cutlass' script on the front fenders.

These cars really score points inside, where you got sporty bucket seats, a mini console, and stylish surroundings. The two-tone upholstery is in excellent shape, with modest wear on the driver's seat and very little everywhere else. The carpets are correct and simply too nice to be original, and the subtle colors make for a very sophisticated look. Gauges are up in their own pod atop the dash, with secondary knobs and controls down low, all visible through the spokes of a big color-matched steering wheel. The console is pure style, showing off brushed stainless trim and a tall chrome shifter, as well as a small storage compartment up front. Even the factory AM radio is working. The car also includes a power convertible top that's in great shape, along with a matching boot that keeps it out of sight on sunny days. And the trunk is large and well-shaped, so even with a full-sized spare back there, there's still room for your stuff on a long road trip.

The real wonder of the F85 is the all-aluminum 215 cubic inch V8 engine. Light yet torquey, easy on fuel but ready to play, it was an idea whose time had not yet come in the early '60s. Later it would be reborn in various British vehicles, ranging from Morgans to Land Rovers, and in the Olds it provides plenty of power. This is the car's original engine and it's easy to spot with its bright red air cleaner and finned valve covers. It's a neat fit in the engine bay, where its compact size is a virtue and without all that weight over the front, this Olds is a tidy handler, even with manual steering. It's backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission, which is the right choice for an Olds, and it makes pleasing V8 sounds from the single tailpipe out back. The underside hasn't been restored, but with factory undercoating, it's still in good order. 13-inch steel wheels with factory hubcaps look right and carry 6.5x13 US Royal whitewalls that are similar to what it would have worn when new.

An unusual and fun little convertible with V8 power, this Olds is a standout simply because not many survived. And at this price, it's pretty hard to resist. Call today!