The short-lived F-85, produced between 1961 and 1972, has caught the attention of car enthusiasts. This vintage vehicle, which served as the starting point for the Cutlass, is now up for grabs on Craigslist. Although it has been sitting for years, the F-85 has the potential for a complete restoration.
From the shared photos, it is evident that this F-85 is in dire need of rust repairs. The car has been neglected and left to deteriorate on private property. The rear fenders are particularly affected, but further examination reveals that additional fixes are required.
Unfortunately, the listing on Craigslist lacks crucial information about the car’s condition, including details about the engine. The owner claims that the F-85 used to run properly when it was still road-worthy. However, it remains uncertain whether the engine still starts and runs today. The most important question is whether the mill turns over by hand, as this would determine the feasibility of a complete restoration without engine replacement.
The 1965 model year marked an important milestone for the F-85, as it introduced a new 400 engine on the 442. This lineup also featured the Buick 225 and the Oldsmobile 330 Jetfire Rocket V8. Oldsmobile’s decision to offer larger engines proved successful, resulting in a significant increase in sales. In 1965, over 187,000 units were shipped, surpassing the previous year’s sales of 167,000 cars.
Based on the photos provided by the owner, the F-85 appears to be mostly complete. However, it is highly recommended to inspect the car in person and thoroughly examine the undercarriage. It is likely that floor work will be necessary, although the extent of the repairs required is unknown. If unable to personally verify the condition of the metal, it is advisable to arrange for a third-party inspection.
Restoring the F-85 to its original factory condition using only original parts may prove to be a challenging task. However, there are options available to utilize Oldsmobile parts and bring this vintage car back to the road as a daily driver.
Although the F-85 may not be the most sought-after classic car, its uncertain engine condition makes it a tough sell. The owner acknowledges the difficulty in finding a new owner for this rough F-85 and has set a reasonable price of only $1,000. For those considering a new iPhone purchase, investing in this F-85 could potentially lead to the acquisition of a unique daily driver.
