Test Drive - 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertible!

This is a rare and gorgeous example of the 1962 Oldsmobile Starefire Convertible that can be shown at concours events or enjoyed on tours. This Starfire needs nothing to be enjoyed and is tour ready and benefitted from a complete concours quality restoration. Even the air-conditioning works very well, and it drives beautifully. We are smitten with its space-age design and its overall unique fantastic looks and high-quality engineering. This is a car that was built to last, more like a Cadillac, but perhaps should be considered as one of the first true muscle cars. We love this Oldsmobile, and so will you!

The 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire Convertibles were the top-of-the-line offering for Oldsmobile and the top selling year for the Starfire Convertible with only 7,149 sold. According to Hemmings, only 115 examples are remaining, making this a very rare mid-century designed convertible. The space-age design and name “Starfire” derive from the Lockheed F-94B Starfire jet fighter. The Starfire was the first US automobile to offer a center console with a floor shifter (think pre-442). The console also is home to a tachometer which is a nod to the performance aspect of the Starfire (again, pre-442).

This 1962 Starfire Convertible was built at the Atlanta production facility and was an early production model. It had been acquired by a noted collector and architect, Mr. John Boccardo of Santa Clara, UT and Palm Springs, CA. Mr. Boccardo is a long-time Palm Springs resident that has an eye for mid-century design has been an avid collector and rally participant for years. This Starfire was part of Mr. Boccardo’s 20 car collection and benefits from a restoration that still shows very well today.

The livery of this stunning Starfire is Garnet Mist and shows very well overall with very few imperfections that are only noticeable upon close inspection. The exterior chrome shows beautifully as do the brushed aluminum side panels, often referred to as “rocket boosters”, which are inspired from the Lockheed “Starfire” jet fighter. The jet fighter styling is found throughout the Starfire exterior from the induction style grill, the inspired front body lines that carry through portions of the interior and into the subtle rear fins and onto the jet thruster style rear taillights. The turbine-like wheel covers are in very nice condition as are the thin white wall radial tires. The chrome bumpers, brushed aluminum side panels and stainless trim all show very well overall with few imperfections. The white vinyl power convertible top shows beautifully and operates very well. The matching Garnet and burgundy convertible top boot is also in very nice condition and fits perfectly. The undercarriage is in very nice detailed and painted condition overall and is rust free. This Starfire will be a crowd pleasure wherever it is shown.

This Starfire’s interior is gorgeous, as one would expect from the most expensive offering from Oldsmobile in 1962. The hefty price tag is partially due to the long list of standard features including air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power driver’s bucket seat, power antenna and an automatic headlight dimmer. The Starfire is the first US automobile to be equipped with a center console and an automatic transmission floor shifter! The brushed aluminum console is also home to the factory tachometer. The Jet Age styling of the interior is apparent and beautifully done. The bucket seats and rear seat are upholstered in gorgeous two-tone Garnet Mist and burgundy leather and show very well overall. The Jet Age styled dash and gauge cluster are in beautiful condition including the Safety-Spectrum Speedometer. All gauges function as designed apart from the clock. The Deep-V steering wheel is unique and beautifully designed and feels good in your hands. The signature turquoise passenger-side dash plaque incorporates a beautiful aqua blue Starfire logo display which adds to the elegance of the overall interior as do the stainless interior door panels and space-age door illumination lights.

The engine compartment is well detailed and painted and is home to the ultra-high 10.5:1 compression 394 ci Rocket V-8 motor that produces 345 hp which is paired with the 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The performance of the Rocket V-8 is impressive, and the transmission operates smoothly and quietly. The chrome air cleaner comes complete with the signature “Ultra-High Compression” decal and certainly makes a performance statement.

For more information and details, please call or text Chip Henson at +1.602.509.4776 or email us at [email protected]. This Starfire Convertible is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.