The Oldsmobile F-85 arrived in 1961 as a compact vehicle serving as the company's entry-level model. It shared a new Y-body platform and unibody construction with sister marques, the Buick Special and Pontiac Tempest. Although the 'F-85' designation was new, Oldsmobile had used the F-Series for models produced from 1928 through 1938.

The F-85 was powered by a new Rockett 215 cubic-inch all-aluminum V8 engine rated at 155 brake horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Its suspension used double wishbones in the front and a four-link setup and a live axle in the rear. Coil springs and drum brakes were at all four corners. Body styles initially included a coupe, sedan, and station wagon.

For 1964, the Oldsmobile F-85 was redesigned and now rested on a frame that measured 203-inches, 11-inches larger than the 1963 model. This moved it from being a compact into an intermediate. The 1963 aluminum block V8 engine was replaced with a V6 or cast-iron Rocket V8 engine. Another big change for this model year was the introduction of the 4-4-2 option package. It was a $136 option, code RPO code B09, which represented (4) four-barrel, (4) four-speed, and (2) dual exhaust. Equipment on the 4-4-2 included a heavy-duty suspension, dual-snorkel air cleaner, oversized redline tires, and 442 badges.

The F-85 came in either Standard or Deluxe trim. Bodystyles included club coupe, station wagon or sedan. The Deluxe models were Sports Coupes, Sedan, or Station Wagon. The Cutlass trim level was coupes, holiday hardtops, or convertibles.

The interiors were vinyl or cloth. Standard equipment included a heater/defroster, self-adjusting brakes, dual sun visors, oil filter, and front stabilizer. Deluxe and Cutlass equipment included a Deluxe steering wheel, padded dash, and carpets.

The six-cylinder, overhead-valve displaced 225 cubic-inches and offered 155 horsepower. The V8 engine displaced 330 CID and delivered 210 horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan