In 1961, the Oldsmobile Starfire was introduced as a standalone model, after having been part of the Ninety-Eight model line. It was so named in order to capitalize on the allure of the Space Race, along with the Rocket V8 that was already part of the Oldsmobile lexicon. The Starfire convertible was aimed at the personal luxury market, as the highest priced Oldsmobile model offered.
Most of the Oldsmobile Starfire’s bodywork was common to the rest of the Olds lineup. What the Starfire had that set it apart was luxurious interior appointments, a powerful 394 cubic-inch V8, a lengthy list of available equipment, and unique body trim. Sticker price for the Oldsmobile Starfire convertible was a staggering $4,647, at a time when the Chevrolet Corvette had a base price of $3,934. Just 1,500 1961 Starfires were built.
Our featured Oldsmobile Starfire convertible has been the subject of an extensive restoration. It wears a shining coat of Garnett Mist metallic paint. Chrome front and rear bumpers present well. The stainless trim gleams. Glass is clear, without signs of chips or tracks. Weatherstrip appears to be recent. Steel wheels are fitted with bias-ply wide whitewalls and factory hubcaps.
The interior of the Oldsmobile Starfire convertible is chock-full of details. Front bucket and rear bench seats are upholstered in Red Metallic leather. Front seats show very little wear, with only light creasing visible on the seat bottoms. The extensive chrome and stainless trim has been well polished, with only minimal pitting visible. All the gauges have clear lenses, free from cracking that is so common with plastic lenses from this era. Equipment includes power windows, power driver’s seat, power brakes, power steering, and a console-shifted Hydramatic automatic transmission.
The engine bay of the Oldsmobile Starfire convertible houses a 394 CI V-8 engine making 330 horsepower. The Ultra-High Compression (10.25:1) V8 is dressed with some chrome factory bits. Everything appears as it should, with the possible exception of the modern battery.
This beautiful 1961 Oldsmobile Starfire will be crossing the auction block at the Mecum Auction Glendale, Arizona sale happening March 18th-20th.
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Comments
Awesome back in the day. Had a trunk as big as a short bed pickup truck. . What a land yaht. Lol
Had a ’62 Starfire. A great first ride.
wtf this is a 61 not a 62. whocares what you had?
The ’62 Starfire was a beautiful car. The 61 was not attractive to me.
I’m biased, but I tend to agree. I prefer a coupe, and ’62 was the first available. My sister still has it.
Update: she sold “our” Starfire for a pretty penny. Many years of enjoyment from it.
I love the land yacht reference. In my opinion I always thought Oldsmobile had the best over all quality of all the GM brands. I wish they were still in business.
These cars are becoming increasingly rare—especially convertibles and their issues with leaks— due to the lack of availability of new body panels. The vehicle in this article must have been a garage find to have survived this long, and to have been able to be restored to such nice condition.
Beautiful by any standards. My father almost bought one and my brother and I were so excited. However, my mother, having some smarts, did not think a convertible was a good choice living in a true four season state. We ended up with a four door Buick; oh, what could have been. Tony is correct. Oldsmobile and Pontiac, in my opinion, were the best GM had to offer for years. I had an Oldsmobile and a three Pontiac sedans. Every one was great. I surely miss those brands as I am sure others do as well.
Gad, they were built like tanks during those daze. Frigg’n HUGE! Gotta park them in the RV zone.
Had a 64 Black with white interior ,awesome, burned rubber even going into second . all together 14 Oldsmobile’s like to be still driving one today .
That is a beautiful automobile!
We had that car. They’re very hard to find. I went to a classic car show today looking for one, but alas. Note that the car in this article/sale has the wrong tail lights.
No straight on picture, but taillights look correct, It is missing the correct carpet inserts. I had one exactly like it from 1961 to 1973.
My 1962 Starfire was the best looking car I had. This 61 is a beauty. Olds built some great cars.