The brief existence of the F-85 (manufactured from 1961 to 1972) served as the starting point for the Cutlass, which was initially offered as a trim level before becoming its own separate series.
The 4-door F-85 listed on Craigslist has been stationary for a number of years, eagerly awaiting a complete restoration if someone decides to take it under their wing.
From the shared images, it is evident that this F-85 is in dire need of immediate rust repairs. It is likely that the car has been stationary on private property, exposed to the elements, hence the expected metal deterioration. The owner explains that the rear fenders are corroded, but the photos reveal that the F-85 will require additional repairs.
Regrettably, the listing lacks crucial details regarding its current condition, including the state of the engine. The owner states that the F-85 was functioning properly when it was last roadworthy, but it remains uncertain if the engine still starts and runs today. The most vital question is whether the engine can be manually turned over, as this would allow for a complete restoration without the need to replace the entire engine.
In 1965, a new 400 engine was introduced for the 442 model, which also included the Buick 225 and the Oldsmobile 330 Jetfire Rocket V8. This strategy of offering larger engines proved successful for Oldsmobile, resulting in a notable increase in sales. They shipped over 187,000 units, up from 167,000 cars in 1964.
Based on the images shared by the owner on Craigslist, this F-85 appears to be mostly intact, although it is highly recommended to inspect it in person. It is also advisable to lift the car and examine the undercarriage. It is safe to assume that the car will require work on the floor, although it is uncertain whether simple patches or entirely new floors will be necessary. It is also unlikely that the trunk will hold any pleasant surprises, so if you are unable to personally verify every inch of metal, it would be wise to arrange a third-party inspection.
It is unclear how much of the car remains in its original state today, but it is safe to assume that restoring the F-85 to its factory condition using solely original parts will prove to be quite a challenge. However, if necessary, Oldsmobile parts can be utilized to bring the car back on the road and use it as a daily driver.
The F-85 may not be the most sought-after classic car, and the uncertain engine condition certainly makes it a tough sell. However, the owner appears to be realistic about the difficulty of finding a new owner for their worn-out F-85, which justifies their price expectations. The car is available for only $1,000, so if you are considering purchasing a new iPhone, you might want to consider investing your money in what could potentially become your new daily driver.