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1962 Oldsmobile F-85

For 1962, the F-85 Series was responsible for much of Oldsmobile's sales success. The standard engine was the aluminum Rockette V8. Styling changes included a revised front end with a new hood, grille and headlamp housings coupled with a restyled rear section with twin tail lamps located on each size. They were available with a full range of 15 Mirror-Magic exterior colors. Interior trims came in five basic colors including green, blue, fawn, red, and gray. The upholstery was vinyl or cloth. A new, extra-cost option on the F-85 was the anti-spin differential unit.

Trim levels included the Standard, Deluxe, and the Jetfire Line. Bodystyles available on the Standard line included a Club Coupe, sedan, convertible, and a 6- or 9-passenger Station wagon. The Deluxe line included a coupe, sedan, convertible, and station wagon. The Jetfire line was offered only as a Sport Coupe and just 3,765 examples were sold.

Oldsmobile certainly had its eye on the future and anticipated the coming popularity of turbocharging by offering its new Jetfire. It demonstrated bold engineering leadership with a turbocharged aluminum-block 215 CI 'Rockette' V8, making it the first production turbocharged vehicle.

by Dan Vaughan

Jetfire Sport Coupe

In the 'jet-age' era of the early sixties, the Oldsmobile Jetfire was right in tune with the times. A performance version of the Olds F-85, the Jetfire was the first American car to feature an aluminum turbocharged V8 engine. It would be offered for two years only, 1962 and 1963.

The 'Turbo Rocket' engine was based on the 215 cubic-inch aluminum V8 used in garden-variety Olds F-85 and Buick Skylark cars. It used a Garrett turbocharger fortified with 'Turbo Rocket Fluid' (a mixture of distilled water, methanol and a corrosion inhibitor) to boost horsepower from 185 to 215. A choice of 4-speed manual or a 3-speed Hydra-Matic transmission was offered. A Hydra-Matic-equipped Jetfire would go from zero-to-sixty in less than nine seconds and topped out at 110 miles per hour.

Like its full-size stablemate, the line-topping Starfire, the Jetfire coupe was fitted with deluxe satin-finished exterior moldings, special wheel covers and a stylish convertible like roofline. The Jetfire interior was equally impressive, with all-vinyl front bucket seats and a center console with a special 'Turbo Charger' gauge. An 'Add Fuel' warning light for the Turbo Rocket Fluid reservoir was incorporated into the gauge.

This Jetfire is one of only 3,765 built in 1962. It is finished in Chariot Red with a rare optional white vinyl top.