Compact Cutlass: 1962 Oldsmobile F-85 Convertible – SOLD!

November 5th Update – We confirmed the private seller of this ’62 Olds deleted their listing, so we’re calling this one “Sold!”  This one got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330

For the second time in as many weeks, we’re featuring a 1962 General Motors Y-body convertible. Savvy readers may recall last weeks’ red over white 1962 Buick Skylark Special Convertible while this week we’ve come across this white over light blue 1962 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass listed recently on Craigslist in Brunswick, Ohio (Cleveland) with all of the factory manuals and an asking price of $10,500.  Researching the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller has their F-85 priced between this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $15,475 and its #2 “Very Good” appraisal of $10,200.  Values on the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool shift a bit lower as this second data point confirms the private seller has his Cutlass priced between the #3 “Good” appraisal of $14,700 and the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $9,700.

General Motors began developing its first compact cars in 1956, beginning with initial planning on what would become the Chevrolet Corvair in 1960. The company’s compact strategy turned out to be two-fold as the following year the company launched its “Senior Compact” Y-body-based cars for Buick (Skylark), Pontiac (Tempest), and Oldsmobile (Cutlass F-85). Y-bodies shared the same basic body shell and lightweight engines.

The Oldsmobile F-85 shared the unibody platform using a 112-inch wheelbase and became Oldsmobile’s smallest, cheapest model that was nearly two feet shorter and $451 less expensive than the full-size Dynamic 88. F-85s featured a double-wishbone front suspension and a four-link live axle in the rear, suspended with coil springs and drum brakes all around.  Unlike its platform mates, the first-generation F-85 was only ever offered with the new Rockette 215 cu in (3.5 l) all-aluminum V8, Oldsmobile’s version of the Buick aluminum V8 which later became famous as the Rover V8. With a two-barrel carburetor and an 8.75:1 compression ratio, it was rated 155 brake horsepower at 4,800 rpm and produced 210 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 RPM.

For the 1961 launch year F-85s came in two body styles, a four-door sedan or a four-door station wagon with either two or three seats, and in a choice of two trim levels, base or De Luxe. Transmission options were initially a 3-speed manual (with synchromesh on the top two gears) and the newly introduced 3-speed Roto Hydramatic. The overall length was 188.2 inches and curb weight was around 2,800 pounds. A few months after the model introduction, Oldsmobile added a “power pack option”, which included a four-barrel carbureted, high-compression, dual exhaust version of the 215 cu in aluminum V8, and a shorter 3.36:1 final drive ratio with either manual and automatic transmissions. This premium fuel-only engine was rated at 185 horsepower at 4,800 RPM and 230 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 RPM.  Initial sales were somewhat disappointing but were soon picked up by the May 1961 introduction of a pair of pillared two-door coupes, each with a different roofline and market placement: the F-85 Club Coupe, which became the lowest-priced Oldsmobile model, and the sporty F-85 Cutlass. The Cutlass came equipped with the 185 hp “power pack” drivetrain and featured De Luxe-type exterior trim with a more upscale interior with standard bucket seats, upholstered in two-tone vertically pleated vinyl, and an optional center console.

For 1962 styling changes were minor and included a new grille, different chrome ornamentation on the bodyside, and new interior trim. The existing F-85 models returned, and a convertible was added to the line-up in September, available in both standard and Cutlass versions. The automatic transmission was replaced with an upgraded four-speed Roto 5 Hydro-Matic transmission, and an all-synchromesh four-speed manual became optional. Overall F-85 sales rose to 97,382, with the Cutlass displacing the four-door De Luxe sedan as the top-selling model.

We found this video compilation of 1961 through 1963 Oldsmobile Commercials that provide a glimpse of each year’s styling changes:

We really like these early sixties Y-body compacts as they are a manageably-sized classic convertible capable of fitting easily in most garages while provided decent room for four passengers.  Unlike other versions of this car we’ve featured to date, the 185 horsepower V8 likely sounds very nice while providing decent acceleration.   Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“I have a 1962 Cutlass F-85 With the all-aluminum 215 V8 4 Bl engine. The car is from Florida with only 2 owners. Completely rust free. The car is in excellent original condition ( EVEN THE PAINT ) and drives great. The chrome is in outstanding condition .Many new items such as brakes , tires ,starter , OEM exhaust Etc. It has a power top , power steering and even the AM radio works. It comes with years of paper work as well as all the factory manuals.It comes with baby moon hubcaps and the original Hubcaps and a set of skirts that were never mounted on the car. This is a very nice original car“

Do you have a Cutlass F-85 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!