1963 Oldsmobile Starfire Hardtop Coupe (LHD)

Description

Oldsmobile introduced the Starfire as a separate line in 1961, initially as a convertible only that shared its 123-inch wheelbase with the Eighty Eight but came with a more powerful version of the Rocket motor under the bonnet. The Starfire’s appearance was enhanced with brushed satin aluminium side panels, leather upholstery, a centre console with a tachometer, power seats and a dual exhaust system. Substantially more expensive than anything else in Oldsmobile’s line-up, it’s hardly surprising just 7,800 were made in 1961, a tiny fraction of the more than 321,000 cars made that year. Oldsmobile added a hardtop coupe Starfire in 1962, which easily outsold the ragtop by a ratio of approximately five to one. Freshly restyled in 1963, the Starfires came with an electric clock, special chrome-accented wheel covers, power steering and power brakes as standard. Production dipped slightly, with 21,489 hardtops and just 4,401 convertibles built for the calendar year. Most of the underlying basic body structure and rooflines were carried over from '62 with new exterior sheet metal abandoning the previous years' sculpted mid-sections, with slab sides and sharper edges being employed overall. 1963 also brought about GM's adoption of the straight angled windshield "A" pillar on all full-size production vehicles, eliminating the unusual 1961 through 1962 reverse-curve treatment. The Starfires were powered by a high compression 394-cid V8 rated at 345 horsepower and 440 lb/ft of torque paired with a new floor-shift three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. A stylish blend of luxury and performance, the Starfire is a great alternative to the better-known American classics of the era, offering exceptional value for money.