63 ,98 Starfire, 2 door..... question

[Nilsson]

I have my eye on this car and am going to check it out next weekend. It has bucket seats and center console. Is this a rare option for this car?
Suppose to be an all original car and I am trying to get all the info I can before inspecting it and possibly making an offer.

Any help would be appreciated.

[wmachine]

Depends on if it is a 98 or a Starfire; can't be both!
I'd have to check to be sure, but I believe buckets and console are standard on the Starfire and not available on a 98. So that would make it a Starfire?

[Nilsson]

Hmmm, the car is badged a 98 and the air cleaner has the Starfire ultra high compression decal. It is advertised as a 98 with a Starfire engine and is the
original engine according to the ad.

Appreciate the info wmachine.

[Oldskeeper]

in 63 you could buy a custom sport coupe,this car was a blend of starfire and 98 this car came with the starfire pkg,including the 394 with345 HP dual exhaust,center console tach and bucket seats.It is a rare car and a fun car to drive ,I have one .

some of the options are power vent windows,tilt steering ,cruise control,AM/FM radio,power trunk release,power antenna on rear deck,seat balts,air conditioning posi rear end autrinic eye and the different hub caps.

[Nilsson]

Originally Posted by Oldskeeper

in 63 you could buy a custom sport coupe,this car was a blend of starfire and 98 this car came with the starfire pkg,including the 394 with345 HP dual exhaust,center console tach and bucket seats.It is a rare car and a fun car to drive ,I have one .

some of the options are power vent windows,tilt steering ,cruise control,AM/FM radio,power trunk release,power antenna on rear deck,seat balts,air conditioning posi rear end autrinic eye and the different hub caps.

Is this the interior of your car? This is the car I am looking at.

[Oldskeeper]

yes that is a correct interior package for the custom sport coupe,the seats should have the cloth,morraceen and leather inserts,this looks like a base model car and very clean,you will have fun with this just make sure it fits in the garage,they are a long car for a two door

[Oldskeeper]

when you look at this car points of concern are the frame weather it is closed or open (a coupe with a closed or boxed frame has the towing package) under the drivers door at the corner is a weak point and should be checked for rust,the rear bumper on this car has a weak point in the mounting brackets,they hold dirt and moisture and rot from behind.If the car is as clean as the photo of the interior you should be OK if you have and questions let me know ,I have been into this year car since 68 and have a little bit of info
Steve

[citcapp]

Nice looking car, Hope it works out for you. It is neat to have something different and not just another "69" hahaha

[Nilsson]

Thank you Keeper I appreciate the information especially the heads up on the trouble spots. This might be a keeper for me if it looks as good as the photos and the price is right.

Again ,thank you

[Nilsson]

Here is a picture of the rear. I love the taillights, does this qualify as a high performance land yacht?

[Oldskeeper]

In my opinion this is a high preformance land yacht with a touch of class.When you take it out for a spin around the harbour you will see that it can get up to speed quickly and like most boats floats along nicely and when slowing down takes a little longer with four wheel drum brakes.Remember when docking the land yacht you can't fit into the little parking slips the toy cars or rice burners do.
We like taking our cruiser out for a afternoon drive and stopping for an ice cream(not in the car).
The photo of the car shows well,it doesen't look like the body has any issues and the bumper looks good,have fun and remember that the radar picks up the bigger boat.
Steve

[aliensatemybuick]

Funny land-yacht analogies...as a gag, I used to carry an anchor in the trunk my old '65 Starfire vert., complete with chain.

The Ninety Eight sport coupes were sharp, I think they were made from '63-'65, though the '63s look best in my opinion.

[wmachine]

Very cool car! Let us know how you make out.
I find the 98 Sports Coupe to be a '63 and '64 offering. An "almost Starfire" model, I think it was just another model that got kind of lost in the mix. But a very cool car never the less.

It adds to the confusion that the Starfire name was given to the top dog engine in those years too, and the Starfire engine could be had in '88s, '98s, and Jetstar 1s in addition to Starfires. Interestingly, the Starfire engine carried through '67 when there wasn't even a Starfire model!

[Oldskeeper]

Should you decide to purchase this car you gotta remember that this is a one year one model car,from the doors forward is the same with all of the full size other than trim.but quarter panels and rear trim are 98 only. this is not your typical 1-800 make a phone call car you are going to spend alot of time looking for parts if you need them.Your best bet for some of the reproduction parts is Fusick.
I hope you get it a car like this is a blast to drive and turns alot of heads.
I have posted a couple of pictures of my 63 98s
Steve

[Nilsson]

Nice cars Steve, I am really looking forward to possibly getting my hands on one of these.

I will post an update Saturday or Sunday.

[Oldskeeper]

Hi Nilsson,
I thought I would do a follow-up on how you made out with the sport coupe?
Steve

[Nilsson]

Originally Posted by Oldskeeper

Hi Nilsson,
I thought I would do a follow-up on how you made out with the sport coupe?
Steve

Keeper,
Unfortunately I was outbid (it was a auction) I could not justify the price it went for. If I had a place to store it I most likely would have paid the higher price. I was hoping to get it in my price range then I could have justified paying storage until I sold my Cougar to free up space. It went in the 5000.00 range which was a good buy in my opinion. The car was solid one owner but needed allot of work in the engine compartment (cleaning up ect) and the usual freshening up of the suspension exhaust ect. They stated it needed a water pump because it overheated but my opinion it was a obstructed radiator or bad thermostat as it had been sitting for years but started on a regular basis. Anyway it would have required towing but it started and sounded fine.

It was a very good car and I still sorta regret not just going for it. I hate it when my common sense takes over at the worst times.

[Yellowstatue]

X2 on the rear lights...I have to put up with looking at those neat lights whenever I am following O-kpr around the neighbourhood...

[Oldskeeper]

Hi Nilsson,
Sorry to hear you missed out on the custom sport coupe...the price was in my opinion a fair one for a car of that stature and it can lay down the rubber too.
Yellowstatue likes the glasspacks on the rag top as well,they keep him awake when we are in line and he can see the lights change when you hit the brakes .
Anyways they built enough of them that the next time you see one you will be just a little more informed .With a 394 and 345 horse they like to rip the mounts out I know I'm allways replacing them and if it keeps happening I'm going to put a chain on them ,the car only has two speeds fast and faster and like a jet the best gas mileage is when cruising at top speed getting there is allways shorter when the pedal is on the floor.
Steve