Sharp Cutlass: 1962 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass
It’s Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass month here at Barn Finds! I’m kidding, but we recently saw a “patina”-heavy example, and here is another 1962 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass that appears to need some help in the paint department. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Chesapeake, Virginia and the seller is asking $5,450. Thanks to Ikey H. for sending in this tip!
This is another great looking example of a big seller for Oldsmobile in 1962. The Olds F-85 shared the same Y-body platform as the Buick Special and Pontiac Tempest and they were available in a four-door wagon and four-door sedan initially for the 1961 model year. In mid-1961, a two-door club coupe was introduced along with the body style that you see here, a fancy-trim Cutlass which came in this two-door pillar body style.
If a buyer wanted a hardtop, they would have to head to the top of the pack, an F-85 Jetfire, which we have also seen a couple of examples of here recently. With the windows up it’s hard to tell that there’s a b-pillar on these cars, it’s very well done. Once you open the door, though, it shows up, as seen in the interior photos such as this one of the beautifully-preserved backseat.
The front half of the interior looks equally well-preserved and it’s impossible to argue with these beautiful dark red bucket seats with maroon accent stripes. Gorgeous. It appears that there is some wear on the driver’s seat back and possibly some cracking on the narrow pleated seating portion of the front seats, but any of that can be repaired. This one has 70,000 miles and I can’t quite tell if the paint is just faded or if it’s primer or what’s going on with the exterior. The seller doesn’t mention it at all, or rust, or anything really. Some trim is off but it looks like there are a few spare parts in the trunk.
The engine is a 215 cubic-inch V8 with 185 horsepower. This one looks nice and clean and the seller says that it was just serviced and it runs and drives great. Hagerty is at $4,300 for a #4 fair condition 1962 F-85 Cutlass as a general reference. Let’s hear those F-85 stories!
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Comments
Sharp observers noticed the other Olds had Buick heads. I saw that but assumed the valve covers would be standing up like the old nail heads. This one has the Olds 215 which is now clear to me. Nice car and a good price for something different which will have a lot of people scratching their heads. I’m sure I told the story one here sometime back when my friend and I went to a car show and someone made a hot rod using the tempest drivetrain with the rear transaxle and the Trophy 1/2 389 engine. Took me a while to figure that one out!
Had one. Cold starter but a great little car.
’67 F-85 2 door 330ci. 1st automatic trans. I drove at about 8yo. I had been driving tractors and trucks for a few years before that age. Dad sold it when MI outlawed studded tires. It had surprisingly little rust, I wanted to keep it for my 1st hot rod, but got shot down by dad.
When we got married, my wife’s aunt gave us a ’65 Olds Cutlass 2dr coupe so I could get back and forth to work … nothing fancy – no ac, am radio – but had a 425 motor … would lay rubber at a touch … had a big dent right behind the left front wheel after she hit a fire hydrant covered by Chicago snow … sold it for $25 after we bought a new ’72 model …
It is nice to see some early F85’s for sale. I am one if the lucky few who owns a 1963 F85 convertible. Have been an Oldsmobile fan since 1959 when my Father bought one new that year. Was sorry to see them go out if business
My grandad gave me a 61 4-door with the same driveline and colors. I would jump on this if I had room. Nice price, too.
Olds 215 better than the Buick. Extra head bolts.
Nice little unmolested car at a fair price. Refreshing to see a couple of these come up instead of all the Chevelle’s and Camaros etc. (I like them too but overdosed)
I have a fetish for those little Old/Buick 215 engines and the power to weight lends itself well in these little cars. Fun verses cost involved here is in good balance. Nice write up, hopefully someone gets it and actually enjoys it.
I have been trying to break the cycle of having some cars but not really enjoying them or letting others enjoy them…work in progress.
If anyone needs any of these little engines I have some hopped up
Great car! I have a super clean convertible version of this in blue. Their rarity is a convo starter every time you park.
I’d say about 15 years ago, my brother had a wagon like this, same faded color, but in decent shape, he tried selling it and nobody wanted it. He eventually sold it to some guy that wanted it just for the motor. This one is in far too good of shape for it to come to that. These were great cars, right size, power to pass, and a shred of economy. This is a great find, as like mentioned above, these were usually some aunties car, that was given to the kids and we killed them and the motor was yanked for some hot rod.
In 72 my brother had a 64 Olds Cutlass, bad automatic transmission. I had a 64 Comet bad 6 cylinder. I bought an adapter from J. C. Whitney, had the 3 speed stick from Comet and went to boneyard for a Mustang Positrac. I was 16. Sure was fun to drive.