1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass Convertible

The muscle car era was certainly an exciting time and its birth is credited to Pontiac's ad man Jim Wangers and division manager John DeLorean. At the time, GM policy forbade the use of engines larger than 330 cubic-inches in intermediate-size bodies. They subverted General Motors' dictum against big engines in small cars by offering a large-engine option for the intermediate Tempest. The success of Pontiac's 1964 GTO spanned sister divisions and other manufacturers to ready their own muscle machines.

In 1965, Oldsmobile offered the 442 option on their popular F-85 and Cutlass mid-size line. They received a mild facelift and the 442 engine was enlarged to 400 CID. With an automatic or three-speed manual transmission in addition to the four-speed, the 442 now stood for 400 cubic inches, four-barrel carburetor and two exhausts. Horsepower was now 345.

This red Cutlass 4-4-2 Convertible was acquired by its current owner in 2012. It was given a restoration in the mid- to late-2000s resulting in a number of show trophies. Although it lacks a build sheet or a Protect-O-Plate, it is believed to be a genuine 4-4-2 with a matching numbers original engine and several other significant telltale features.

This Cutlass has been driven just 500 break-in miles since the restoration work was completed. It has black vinyl upholstery, a correct Magnaflow exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers, new red-line radial tires, and its original two-speed Jetaway Hydra-Matic transmission (a new option for 1965). Its 61,000 miles are believed to be correct.

The car has a black vinyl top, wire-type wheel covers with two-bar spinners, power steering, power brakes, an AM radio with correct antenna, a car cover, and a remote outside mirror.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015