Hi I just joined this forum and currently own a 64 Riviera and a 69 Mustang. I am very interested in the Oldsmobile Starfire model. I wondered if there is consensus of the group as to whether I should purchase a 62 or a 63 in terms of value and looks? Thanks Fabb406 Avon Lake, OH

 

Welcome, I like the Starfires, it's just that sometimes it's a challenge for parts. They are becoming more and more popular.

 

Welcome, its really up to you, what do you like? Or maybe the question should be, what is the nicest one available for purchase at this time? In other words, I would judge the best one regardless of year. Parts could be challenging to obtain for either year.

They are both nice old cars. Good Luck.

 

I like the looks of the 62 over the 63 and a conv would be better. A lot of expensive and tough to find trim items on these cars. The decision is yours and either would have the 394 engine but troublesome Slim Jim trans.

 

Go for the 62!
They were all cool fer shrrr,
but the 62's, I don't know...
That's the one that does it for me.
Maybe one of these days.
Good luck, hard choice.

 

I think if one put both the '62 and '63 SF side-by-side, most folks (99.94%) would pick the '62 in terms of looks. As already noted, when the top goes down the price/value goes up!

 

I like all of the 60s Starfires but the 62 has the looks and is a real head turner and the hard to find side moulding are being reproduced ( by Jaswest )
Every part on a starfire is available if you know where to look and there is alot of people on this forum that will help you fine something if you need it, from a radio **** to an engine.
The slim-jim transmission can be rebuilt and the rebuild kits are available but make sure the shop doing the rebuild is VERY familiar with them ie. an old trans mechanic. These guys are still around and if you buy one I'll point you to a guy who rebuilt 3 of them for a friend of mine in Ohio.
Good luck and I hope you find a Starfire to add to your collection.
Steve

 

For me it would be a black 62. One of my dream cars. The 63 is a very nice car and if that is your choice, go for it. And there there is the 61 which is also very nice. Good luck and welcome to the site. The 64 Riviera is also a very nice car.

 

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your good taste in picking Starfires. Like everything with cars it comes down to money at all points and how much you want to spend. The 61's are the rarest as they were only convertibles and production was low. The 62 is my personal favorite and probably the most popular but the insane amount of trim make them tough to restore. The 63 was the last year of the brushed aluminum side trim and probably the most simple and understated. The 64 was the last of the 394 old style motor and Slim Jim trans. The 65 and 66 were the fastest with a 375 hp new style 425 motor. I wanted a 62-64 convertible but did not want to spend that much so wound up with my 63 coupe and I'm very happy with it. Buy the best possible car you can afford, restoring one of these from a hulk is VERY expensive and parts are hard to find. Other experts on here can give you more detail than me, good luck with whatever you choose to do.

 

Welcome to CO Fabb, from another Riviera owner.

 

Hello fabb406
Noticed the date of your add and wondering if you were still looking for Starfires. I have a pair of 63's that I was going to make one out of but can't for health reasons.
They are for sale if you are still interested.
jetaway60