Highlights

Very rare first-year Starfire in great colour scheme
Unmodified and beautifully detailed car
394CI 6.5L V8 with auto box
Power roof, windows, seats, steering and brakes from factory
Recent new roof, rams, pump, and associated parts
Repainted in 2018 with black metalflake paintwork

The Appeal

The Starfire was Oldsmobile's bid to master the early 60s burgeoning 'personal luxury' car market with a vast, 6.5L land yacht that channelled European GT style. These are very, very rare finds in the USA and like hen's teeth here in Blighty, which makes the arrival of this one for sale so pleasing.

These were expensive cars when new and just 7,800 were built. This one is from the first year of production and features the firm's 394CI 6.5L V8. We are told that it left the factory with 'power everything' including roof, seats, steering and brakes. All useful aids to piloting this big American bruiser in modern traffic.

The black metal flake paintwork, applied in 2018, underplays the extensive lines whilst accenting the swathes of chrome, including those unusual side exit rear exhaust pipes. Inside there is a very tidy two-tone grey interior. It is all very well kept and a credit to its pair of keepers since arriving in the UK in 2018.

The car is said to run and drive. It benefits from a recent new roof including new ram and pump.

This magnificent slice of Americana is as much static show piece as immersive drive. We're not sure when another will arrive on the market so don't miss this one.

History and Paperwork

First registered 1961
Built in first year of second-generation Starfire production
UK registered since June 2018
Two registered UK keepers
Current keeper since 2023
MOT and road tax exempt
Only 7,800 total produced
Started regularly and moved to keep fluids moving
Stored under a cover during the winter
The car was in France from 2011 to 2015, then purchased by the previous keeper and brought to Britain
Recent new roof and replacement pump and rams

The Condition

Simply enormous for a two-door convertible
Straight bodywork with well-fitting doors and roof
Black metal flake, painted in 2017/18
Oldsmobile original wheels, trims, and badges
Some paintwork imperfections/signs of age in places
Superb chromework - of which there is a great deal
Underneath, all appears to present well
Undersealed when repainted
Re-trimmed in the USA in two-tone grey, nice carpet and door cards
GM Wonder Bar stereo, Starfire rear speaker grille
Electric windows
New roof, rams, pump, and associated parts
Slight corrosion to the dashboard and few other areas to the interior which would benefit from cosmetic attention

The Mechanics

6.5-litre "Skyrocket" V8
Automatic transmission with 4 gears
Fluids changed when purchased
We're informed that it starts, runs and stops and drives
Slight blow on the exhaust near the front
Some minor works to the wiring, all lights now working, new seals to steering box - all carried out during current ownership
The vendor remarks that the car needs "some fettling to finish off", but the project is mostly complete and it can be driven as-is

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]