1962 F-85 Convertible

Description for Oldsmobile Cutlass 1962

Great summer fun in a sweet little convertible. 1962 was a one year only convertible F-85/ Cutlass . In 1961 the shorter frame came in a 2 door post only. 1963 heralded a style change. The 'jet plane' novelty seemed at play in the styling. Guess you care for it (if you are reading this listing). There were only about 6000 convertibles made on this shorter wheelbase-divided between the less costly F-85 and its fancy trim brother the Cutlass. this is an original red car, though I changed the orange like red to a deeper one.Recently I had a new black top installed, new blackwall (made in USA-really!) radials.
I have had this car for ten years. About 2 years ago we rebuilt a Cutlass 215 aluminum engine-the same engine,but has a 4 barrel carburetor. We used the lower gear ratio Cutlass rear end for better 'punch out of the hole' but this is no Hellcat! We rebuilt the power steering from the Cutlass and have this in the F-85 as well.This was a 3 speed stick on the column car. Over time the shifting rods got pesky (as they tend to with column shifting) and my mechanic installed a modern floor shifter and I used a vintage Fenton shifter.The top is manual-and a snap to raise and lower. No hydraulic cylinders to leak or let you down. Never seen an easier to lower top. Back window unzips for great cross ventilation. When we repainted the car, replaced a cracked vent glass and this lead to new Steele rubber for the vent units (this is a pattern that seems to be inevitable with a restoration-one job introduces the next!)This is a a peppy, unpretentious early 1960s car. Downsizing had just begun and this was Oldsmobile's first effort. I am told the '85' designation related to the car being 85/100 of a large body equivalent--as the full size convertible of that year. The lightweight aluminum engine required respect--I added an aluminum radiator keep it cooler-dual electric fans- for protection. I understand that Rover acquired the rights to this engine and used it in modified form for many years.
When I restored this car starting about 8 years ago, we did need to replace some sheet metal in the rear quarters. These cars were not 'Ziebart' coated or other protective treatment and some rust was inevitable (unless spending their entire life in Death Valley). but this isn't an Eastern rusty car. New metal was used and minimal filler . It is an honest car, but but there is the slightest wavy look on the driver's rear quarter. I debated redoing this, but this isn't a $100K plus Barrett Jackson car. It is a fun driver that stops traffic!There is a spot on the rear deck lid area where there was a factory seam. My body man did his best, but a tiny separation crack appears on that seam. Again, it just didn't seem worthy of going overboard on such a trivial matter. Again, this isn't a 100 point # 1 car (that can't be driven and enjoyed off the show grounds). Mileage surely once around- no way of knowing, but engine and transmission/clutch rebuilt along with everything else mechanical!
I have too many cars and decided it was time for this nice one to find a new home. I have a friend who transports cars very reasonably. Also, I have a trip to the Raleigh, NC area in mid July and would bring the car East for 50 cents a mile. If you are a potential buyer, I could meet you in-route and transfer the car, or bring it to a location on my trip that is far closer to you that northern Colorado. I can't go much more than 100 miles out of my way or this will conflict with my travel plans. Or you can fly to CO and drive the car home. must be some route off the insane Interstates.
I have easily $20K in this car, but also have enjoyed it much. I am pricing it very realistically at $12,500. as I am weary of tire kickers, time wasters, frauds seeking access to my checking account via all sorts of ruses. This is a lot of car, a very rare car, unlikely to go down in value, that can provide nice weather enjoyment (does have a great rebuilt heater) for not much money. mountain time 9704437534questions