1961 Oldsmobile Starfire 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 the 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 of cars and a decade to complete.