I've been looking at quite a few images of 1961 88's and I'd like to know why mine looks different. Also, I've noticed most of the 61's I see have the rear view mirror on the door and mine is on the fender and is different. This car was supposedly a low mileage Cali car with one repaint. It is very solid and shows NO sign of rust or repairs just noticed that the back area is not like all the other Dynamic 88's and I wondered if this is factory or someone changed it at some time. I'm not going to change it I think it looks great with the black. My plans with the car at this point are to bring the interior back to factory original.

 

It's a Super 88 tail panel, so either the factory goofed or someone put it on. Looks good- I'd leave it.

In 1961, outside rearview mirrors were still optional equipment. Looks like you have one from an auto parts store. Again, no biggie. Very common on pre-65 cars.

Good lookin' 61 BTW!

 

Yes, someone added a 98 tail panel trim between the tail lights. Definately not factory. Someone probably added it to "dress it up".

 

Be thankful they did not put a pair of mirrors further out on the fenders as was very common at the time. Car looks great.

 

Yeah, I joke to my wife that the mirror is merely ornamental, you cant see jack out of it and its ball is seized so I'll have to soak it in some CLR or some penetrating oil. Even a shot of Kroil wouldn't loosen it up!


I love the look of the back, the silver contrasts beautifully with the gloss black and that smooth trunk line. So, did the 98 and the Starfire share this same trim? No chance this is stock?


This is actually my first Oldsmobile and I just love it. The looks, feel and road manners are unlike any other car I've ever owned.


I just picked up a same year Missouri licence plate that I can register the car too and it is black with yellow lettering, same as the Cali plate. I'll run the original Cal plate on the front of the car.

 

Nice looking vehicle... I had a 61 4-door back when I was a teenager, loved the way it drove and the power it had...

 

Yes, 98 & Starfire used this trim. You will notice that the tail lenses are standard Dynamic 88 fare .
No way this is "stock".