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1966 Oldsmobile F-85

Many consider the Rocket V-8 engine installed in the lightweight Futuramic 88 of 1949 as the first American performance car. General Motor's Oldsmobile Divison returned to that successful concept in 1964 with the Police Apprehender Pursuit package on the new intermediate F-85 Cutlass. Advertised as the 4-4-2, the nameplate signified the car's 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual exhaust. By 1966, the 442 enjoyed unique series status within the Oldsmobile model range, available in five body styles from the basic F-85 and upmarket Cutlass lines. The base 400 CID L78 engine delivered 350 horsepower while the optional L69 400 CID tri-power version was rated at 360 horsepower. This engine had been announced on November 24th of 1965 and came with tripe Rochester 2-barrel carburetor breathing through small-diameter, open-element air cleaners. A unique feature of the Olds Tri-Power system was the heat-crossover shut-off valve on either side of the center carburetor that could be set to block the crossover passage, allowing denser and cooler air to increase horsepower at high engine speeds. For 1966, Oldsmobile built 2,853 examples of the 442 on the Cutlass convertible body style, and 1,448 were equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, and 240 had the L69 engine.

1966 Oldsmobile F-85 photo
Cutlass 2-Door Holiday Hardtop
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54 examples were fitted with the RPO W-30 Track Package that added high tension valve springs, a hotter cam, the battery was relocated to the truck, and twin inlet scoops were added to the front bumper to help send fresh air through flexible hoses to a special air cleaner atop the Tri-Power carburetion system. When W-30-equipped 442s began dominating Stock Eliminator, dealers were flooded with orders and the W-30 option was made available over the counter; a total of 93 cars were eventually retrofitted.

The F-85 model lineup offered a diverse and vast range of sub-series and body styles, including the aforementioned Cutlass and 442. Body styles included a station wagon, club coupe, sedan, and 2- and 4-door Holiday Hardtop. The base engine was an overhead valve inline-6 cylinder unit with a 250 cubic-inch displacement and 155 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The base eight-cylinder engine had a 330 CID and offered 250 horsepower. The wheelbase measured 115 inches and a length of 204.2 inches. The three-speed manual transmission was standard, and a three-speed manual with floor shift controls was optional. A Hurst shifter, four-speed manual floor shift transmission, close-ratio four-speed manual with floor shift, and an automatic were also optional. Other performance options included a Positive traction rear axle, heavy-duty clutch, additional rear axle gear ratios, heavy-duty chassis items, power brakes, power steering, sports console, and the 4-4-2 package (available only on F-85 and Cutlass two-door models and priced at $152.)

Standard equipment on the F-85 line included seat belts, padded dash, two-speed wipers, backup lights, outside rearview mirror, vinyl floor covering, and windshield washer. The Deluxe trim level added foam passed seat cushions, chrome roof moldings, Deluxe steering wheel, and carpeting. The Cutlass trim level came with bucket or Custom seats, courtesy lamp package, and Deluxe armrests.


by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020

1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1966 F-85
$2,945-$31,400
1966 Oldsmobile F-85 Price Range: $2,320 - $2,945

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1966 Oldsmobile Models

F-85

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
156,490
115.00 in.
6 cyl., 225.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 330.00 CID., 210.00hp
$2,330 - $3,485
180,097
115.00 in.
6 cyl., 225.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 330.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 320.00hp
$2,415 - $2,980
264,198
115.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 330.00 CID., 250.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 425.00 CID., 365.00hp
$2,320 - $2,945
24,007
115.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 155.00hp
8 cyl., 330.00 CID., 250.00hp
$2,410 - $2,410

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