1961 Oldsmobile Starfire news, pictures, and information

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Convertible
Chassis Num: 616M03108

The 1961 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertible finished in white with a red interior was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island where it was expected to fetch between $25,000-$35,000. It has had two owners since new and has traveled 54,704 miles since new. It is equipped with an automatic gearbox and a 394 cubic-inch V8 rated at 330 horsepower. It was given an 'anti-spin', also known as positive-traction, rear end. The interior features original leather buck sets and pile carpeting and fitted mats. Accessory items ordered on the vehicle were power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, power driver seat, power antenna, power trunk lid release, power top, fender skirts, dual mirrors, tined windshield glass, and a day/night rearview mirror. At the conclusion of the auction this vehicle had been sold for $24,200.

Convertible

Oldsmobile's all-new 1961 full-size car was significantly smaller than its 1960 predecessor. The styling was clean and lean, from the bold horizontal grille to its missile-pod-shaped tail-lamps. It was an exciting season for Olds, and the mid-year introduction of the ultra-sporty Starfire was icing on the cake.

Priced at a line-topping $4,647 and available as a convertible only (on the 88 chassis), the Starfire was a show-stopper. Outside, the Starfire was set apart from Ninety-Eight, Super 88 and Dynamic 88 convertibles by its dramatic brushed aluminum side trim, special grille treatment and narrow-banned whitewall tires. Inside, the Starfire was styled to the latest trend, with ultra-plush leather front bucket seats, center console, even chrome-accented floor mats. Powering this beauty, a 330-horsepower version of the Olds 394 cubic-inch V8 teamed to the new-for-1961 three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Total Starfire production was 7,800 units in 1961.

This example was built in Lansing, Michigan during the last week of February, 1961. It was delivered to first owner Carl Wekert on March 29 by Ingraham Oldsmobile of Mansfield, Ohio. The current owner purchased the car from Mr. Wekert's son in 1995. A complete restoration was undertaken, which required several parts cars and a decade to complete.

The name 'Starfire' was used on the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight convertible from 1954 through 1957. It re-appeared in 1961 as a specially trimmed hardtop and convertible that was produced until 1966. The body was based on the Oldsmobile B-Body 88 platform. Included were leather bucket seat and special luxury and sport trim. Hydra-matic, sports console and tachometer, power steering and brakes, and dual exhausts with 'glass packs' were also standard equipment. The standard engine was the Rocket 394 V8 that produced 330 horsepower. There was only one bodystyle offered, a convertible with a total of 7800 examples being produced during its lifespan.

The Oldsmobile Starfire was distinguishable from its Super 88 counterparts by the addition of brushed aluminum side panels. Some believe that this was the first muscle-car from Oldsmobile since it combined the very powerful engine in a small, compact body.

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