Rare 1961 Oldsmobile Starfire, one of only 7,800 produced and one of very few examples in the UK
Highly specified from new with power roof, windows, seats, steering and brakes
Metal flake paintwork
New roof, rams, pump, and associated parts
The Appeal
If you struggle with parallel parking, this probably isn't the car for you...
Back in 1961, we Brits drove around in Ford Anglias and Morris Oxfords, but across the Atlantic to our left, the Americans were quite literally living in the future, building automobiles with features some of which we wouldn't fit ourselves for another four decades at least!
Even today, this 1961 Oldsmobile Starfire is utterly at odds with its surroundings when parked down the typical British cul de sac. It's so vast, chrome-laden and unusual to behold that it can't help but turn heads wherever it goes - and therein lies its appeal in our eyes. Replete with cutting edge mod cons including powered roof mechanism, seats and windows, this is still a luxurious car by the standards of today.
It has been very well-maintained, with recent work including a new roof, rams, pump, and associated parts. The steering box has also been overhauled, as have the electrics.The car has been started and moved regularly to keep the fluids circulating and is stored under a cover during the winter months.
Resplendent in black metal flake and featuring prominent side-pipe exhausts, this rare, interesting and well-preserved Oldsmobile awaits it's next custodian.
History and Paperwork
MOT and road tax exempt
Not many left in the USA of the 7,800 total produced
The vendor purchased the car in January 2022
Started regularly and moved to keep fluids moving
Stored under a cover during the winter
The car was in France from 2011 to 2015, then purchased by the previous keeper and brought to Britian
The Condition
Simply enormous for a two-door convertible
Straight bodywork with well-fitting doors and roof
Black metal flake, painted in 2017/18
Oldsmobile original wheels, trims, and badges
Some paintwork imperfections/signs of age in places
Superb chromework - of which there is a great deal
Underneath, all appears to present well
Undersealed when repainted
Re-trimmed in the USA in two-tone grey, nice carpet and door cards
GM Wonder Bar stereo, Starfire rear speaker grille
Electric windows
New roof, rams, pump, and associated parts
Slight corrosion to the dashboard and few other areas to the interior which would benefit from cosmetic attention
The Mechanics
6.5-litre "Skyrocket" V8
Automatic transmission with 4 gears
Fluids changed when purchased
We're informed that it starts, runs and stops without any obvious issues and drives well
Slight blow on the exhaust near the front
Some minor works to the wiring, all lights now working, new seals to steering box - all carried out during current ownership
The vendor remarks that the car needs "some fettling to finish off", but the project is mostly complete and it can be drive as-is
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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