1964 · Oldsmobile · United States

1964 Oldsmobile Starfire

Production fell to 16,163 as the cheaper Jetstar I took the same body; Motor Trend timed a convertible at 9.7 s to 60.

United States · researched through 2026-09-23

Brochure illustration: blue 1964 Starfire hardtop at a golf tournament, with a convertible inset
1964 Oldsmobile Starfire, from the 1964 Oldsmobile Sports Cars brochure

The 1964 Starfire carried on as a sports coupe and convertible, still built around the 345-hp 394 V-8 and Hydra-Matic only, with no manual transmission or optional engine offered. Over-Drive's production table credits the year with 13,753 coupes at a listed $4,128 and 2,410 convertibles at $4,742, for a series total of 16,163 units. The new-for-1964 Jetstar I shared the same coupe body shell at a lower price point, giving Oldsmobile buyers a cheaper way into the same sheet metal and likely pulling some volume away from the senior Starfire nameplate.1,2

Motor Trend put a Starfire convertible through its September 1964 issue, testing a car priced at $5,556.10 as delivered in Los Angeles with tax and license included, well above the $4,753 base convertible price the magazine itself printed. With two aboard at Riverside, the test car ran 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds and covered the standing quarter mile in 17.3 seconds at 79 mph, then stopped from 60 mph in 167 feet. The car wore the 3.42 axle Oldsmobile fitted as standard, though the magazine noted ratios as tall as 2.56 were available to Starfire buyers who wanted quieter, more relaxed cruising at the expense of off-the-line snap.3

Factory AMA specifications, issued in September 1963 ahead of the model year, list the 394 at 4.125 x 3.688 bore and stroke with 10.50:1 compression, breathing through a Rochester four-barrel to reach 345 hp at 4,800 rpm and 440 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm; Motor Trend's own printed compression figure of 10.5:1 matches. The coupe's factory curb weight is listed at 4,345 lb (2,414 lb front, 1,931 lb rear) against 4,460 lb for the convertible (2,474 front, 1,986 rear), and that convertible figure lines up exactly with the 4,460 lb Motor Trend recorded for its own test car. Both bodies shared a 123-inch wheelbase, 215.3-inch overall length, 77.76-inch width, and a 62.2-inch front / 61.06-inch rear tread riding on 8.00 x 14 tires.4,3

Two prices carry open conflicts between sources. Oldsmobile's own February 1964 Models-Equipment-Prices sheet lists the coupe at $4,138 and the convertible at $4,753, while Over-Drive's production table instead shows $4,128 for the coupe and $4,742 for the convertible, a $10 gap on the coupe and an $11 gap on the convertible. Motor Trend's own printed convertible base price of $4,753 agrees with the factory price sheet rather than Over-Drive, so the factory document leads while Over-Drive's figures may reflect an earlier price point or a transcription difference; both are carried in the record rather than silently resolved.1,3

The February 1964 price book lists a long options roster for the Starfire, spanning $430.40 for air conditioning (which bundled oversize tires, heavy-duty cooling, and a 55-amp generator), $43.04 for the Tilt-Away steering column, electric door locks, power windows and seat adjusters for the coupe, three radio choices topping out at $150.64 for AM-FM, and wheel and tire options that varied in price between the two body styles. Fourteen exterior colors were available across the full-size Oldsmobile line that season, though the source does not break color production out by model.1

Fact sheet · 1964 · United States

The numbers

1964 Oldsmobile Starfire — Production fell to 16,163 as the cheaper Jetstar I took the same body; Motor Trend timed a convertible at 9.7 s to 60.

Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.

Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.

Production

Totals
What was countedCountBasisStatus
Starfire series, all1 Starfire · coupe and convertible · not stated by source 16,163 built, model-year Reported
By body style and series
What was countedCountBasisStatus
Starfire sports coupe (64-3657)1,2 Starfire · 2-door sports coupe, 5-passenger · 394 V-8 345 hp · Hydra-Matic · not stated by source 13,753 built, model-year Reported
Starfire convertible (64-3667)1,2 Starfire · 2-door convertible, 5-passenger · 394 V-8 345 hp · Hydra-Matic · not stated by source 2,410 built, model-year Reported

The two body rows sum to the series total.

Prices when new

ModelPriceBasis
Starfire sports coupe1 $4,128 factory price as listed by Over-Drive, 1964 model year
Starfire convertible1 $4,742 factory price as listed by Over-Drive, 1964 model year
Starfire convertible, Motor Trend base price3 $4,753 base price as printed by Motor Trend, 1964-09
Motor Trend test car as tested3 $5,556.10 price as tested, delivered in Los Angeles, plus tax and license, 1964-09
Starfire coupe (657) $4,138 manufacturer's suggested retail price, including Federal Excise Tax and suggested dealer delivery and handling; destination charge $64.25 extra, 1964-02 (second revision)
Starfire convertible (667) $4,753 manufacturer's suggested retail price, including Federal Excise Tax and suggested dealer delivery and handling; destination charge $64.25 extra, 1964-02 (second revision)

Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.

Engines

EngineFactory ratingAvailabilityBuilt
394 Starfire V-83,1,4 394 cu in · Rochester 4GC four-barrel 345 hp @ 4,800, 440 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross) standard (only engine in the Starfire) Not yet sourced

Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.

Transmissions

TransmissionAvailabilityBuilt
Hydra-Matic 3-speed automatic (per Motor Trend), console lever3,1,4 standard; automatic only Not yet sourced

Options and packages

CodeOptionPriceInstalled
A01RPO Glass, Soft-Ray tinted (includes windshield) $43 Not yet sourced
A02RPO Glass, Soft-Ray tinted windshield (included in A01) $28.73 Not yet sourced
A31RPO 4-window lifts, electric (Starfire coupe) $106.25 Not yet sourced
A32RPO Ventipanes, electric (Starfire with A31) $53.15 Not yet sourced
A39RPO Seat belts, deluxe front and rear $21.52 Not yet sourced
A40RPO Seat adjuster, electric 2-way L.H. bucket (Starfire coupe) $27.98 Not yet sourced
A46RPO Seat adjuster, electric 4-way L.H. bucket, Starfire coupe $71.02 Not yet sourced
A46RPO Seat adjuster, electric 4-way L.H. bucket, Starfire convertible $43.04 Not yet sourced
A49RPO Seat belts, deluxe front $7.53 Not yet sourced
A62RPO Seat belts, delete front (deduct) $11 Not yet sourced
A64RPO Seat belts, standard rear $10.76 Not yet sourced
A91RPO Lock release, deck lid power $10.22 Not yet sourced
A93RPO Locks, vacuum-power door $45.69 Not yet sourced
B36RPO Floor mat, luggage compartment $6.89 Not yet sourced
B87RPO Guard, fuel filler door $1.61 Not yet sourced
B93RPO Guards, door-edge $3.87 Not yet sourced
C48RPO Heater and defroster delete (deduct) $97 Not yet sourced
C50RPO Defroster, rear window (Starfire coupe) $21.52 Not yet sourced
C60RPO Air conditioner (includes oversize tires, heavy-duty cooling, 55-amp generator; heater mandatory) $430.40 Not yet sourced
D31RPO Mirror, glareproof tilt-type rearview $4.51 Not yet sourced
D32RPO Mirror, outside rearview (Starfire coupe) $4.51 Not yet sourced
D33RPO Mirror, remote-control outside, Starfire coupe $11.78 Not yet sourced
D33RPO Mirror, remote-control outside, Starfire convertible $7.27 Not yet sourced
G66RPO Shock absorbers, Superlift rear $40.35 Not yet sourced
G80RPO Axle, anti-spin $47.61 Not yet sourced
K82RPO Generator, heavy-duty 55-ampere Delcotron (included in C60) $6.46 Not yet sourced
M37RPO Transmission, heavy-duty Hydra-Matic (Starfire) $16.14 Not yet sourced
N31RPO Steering wheel, custom deluxe $26.90 Not yet sourced
N33RPO Steering column, Tilt-Away $43.04 Not yet sourced
N93RPO Wheel discs, custom sport (N.A. with P27/P28) $45.19 Not yet sourced
N95RPO Wheels, simulated wire (N.A. with P27/P28) $47.34 Not yet sourced
P02RPO Wheel discs, deluxe (N.A. with P27/P28) $18.93 Not yet sourced
P03RPO Wheel discs, custom (N.A. with P27/P28) $35.51 Not yet sourced
P06RPO Wheel trim rings (with P27 or P28) $11.30 Not yet sourced
P26RPO Tires, white sidewall 8.00 x 14 (Starfire coupe, except with C60) $40.78 Not yet sourced
P26RPO Tires, white sidewall 8.50 x 14 (Starfire coupe, with C60) $44.60 Not yet sourced
P27RPO Tires and 15-in wheels, 7.60 x 15 white sidewall (Starfire coupe, with Y71) $43.30 Not yet sourced
P27RPO Tires and 15-in wheels, 7.60 x 15 white sidewall (Starfire convertible, with Y71; deduct) $19.59 Not yet sourced
P28RPO Tires and 15-in wheels, 7.60 x 15 black sidewall (Starfire coupe, with Y71) $0 Not yet sourced
P29RPO Tires, oversize black sidewall 8.50 x 14 (Starfire coupe; included in C60) $18.29 Not yet sourced
P30RPO Tires, oversize white sidewall 8.50 x 14 (Starfire coupe, except with C60) $62.89 Not yet sourced
P30RPO Tires, oversize white sidewall 9.00 x 14 (Starfire convertible; included in C60) $28.89 Not yet sourced
T80RPO Headlamp control, Guide-Matic power $43.04 Not yet sourced
T86RPO Lamps, back-up $10.71 Not yet sourced
T87RPO Lamps, safety cornering $34.43 Not yet sourced
U15RPO Safety Sentinel $8.34 Not yet sourced
U63RPO Radio, deluxe pushbutton $88.77 Not yet sourced
U65RPO Radio, Super Deluxe signal-seeking $124.82 Not yet sourced
U69RPO Radio, AM-FM $150.64 Not yet sourced
U75RPO Radio antenna, electric $26.09 Not yet sourced
U80RPO Radio speaker, Bi-Phonic rear $16.14 Not yet sourced
U84RPO Radio speaker, Reverbatone rear $53.80 Not yet sourced
U89RPO Wiring provisions, trailer $10.76 Not yet sourced
V01RPO Engine cooling, heavy-duty (included in C60; K82 mandatory) $26.90 Not yet sourced
Y60RPO Convenience accessory group (luggage compartment and underhood lamps, visor vanity mirror) $5.59 Not yet sourced
Y71RPO Springs, heavy-duty frame and/or rear, Starfire convertible $3.77 Not yet sourced
Y71RPO Springs, heavy-duty frame and/or rear, Starfire coupe $19.37 Not yet sourced
Group 1RPO Factory-installed accessory group 1 with U63 (A91, D31, T86, U63, Y60) $119.80 Not yet sourced
Group 1RPO Factory-installed accessory group 1 with U65 (A91, D31, T86, U65, Y60) $155.85 Not yet sourced
Group 1RPO Factory-installed accessory group 1 with U69 (A91, D31, T86, U69, Y60) $181.67 Not yet sourced

Paint

CodeColorBuilt
A Ebony Black1 Not yet sourced
C Provincial White1 Not yet sourced
D Sheffield Mist1 Not yet sourced
E Jade Mist1 Not yet sourced
F Wedgewood Mist1 Not yet sourced
H Bermuda Blue1 Not yet sourced
J Fern Mist1 Not yet sourced
K Tahitian Yellow1 Not yet sourced
L Regal Mist1 Not yet sourced
P Pacific Mist1 Not yet sourced
Q Aqua Mist1 Not yet sourced
R Cashmere Beige1 Not yet sourced
S Saddle Mist1 Not yet sourced
V Holiday Red1 Not yet sourced
W Midnight Mist1 Not yet sourced

Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.

Specifications

MeasureValueApplies to
Axle ratio3,1 3.42 :1 Starfire (ratios to 2.56 available)
Curb weight (test car)3 4,460 lb Motor Trend convertible
Overall length3,2 215.3 in Starfire
Curb weight4 4,345 lb Starfire coupe 3657 (front 2414, rear 1931)
Shipping weight (licensing weight)4 4,173 lb Starfire coupe 3657
Curb weight4 4,460 lb Starfire convertible 3667 (front 2474, rear 1986)
Shipping weight (licensing weight)4 4,288 lb Starfire convertible 3667
Overall height4 54.2 in Starfire coupe 3657
Overall width4 77.76 in Starfire coupe 3657
Tread4 62.2 front / 61.06 rear in Starfire coupe 3657
Tires4 8.00 x 14 Starfire coupe 3657
Wheelbase4 123 in Starfire coupe 3657

Period road tests

TestCar testedResult
Motor Trend, 1964-0930-60 mph Starfire convertible, 394/345, Hydra-Matic, 3.42, two aboardRiverside 9.7 s
Motor Trend, 1964-093Standing quarter mile same 17.3 s, 79 mph
Motor Trend, 1964-093Stopping distance 60-0 mph same 167 ft

A road test result belongs to the one car that was tested, with its engine, gearing, tires, and conditions. It is not a figure for every car of the year.

Where the sources disagree

1964 Starfire coupe list price

  • $4,138 (MSRP, Models-Equipment-Prices, Feb. 1964)
  • $4,1281

Both shown; the factory price book leads. Over-Drive may reflect an earlier price or a transcription difference.

1964 Starfire convertible list price

  • $4,753 (MSRP, Feb. 1964; also Motor Trend base price)3
  • $4,7421

Both shown; two lineages agree on $4,753.

Same model year

Also in 1964

  • Buick Riviera The 425 became standard, the dual-quad Super Wildcat 360 arrived as an option, and the Super Turbine 400 replaced the twin-turbine automatic.
  • Buick Wildcat The best Wildcat year at 84,245, with a 425 in 340- or 360-hp form and an available four-speed.
  • Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The first Chevelle; the Malibu SS was a series, and its strongest released engine was the midyear 300 hp L74 327.
  • Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova First V8 (283) year in the source engine table. Enthusiast-compiled production: 191,691 cars; Super Sport 10,576.
  • Chevrolet El Camino SS No factory Super Sport El Camino is documented for this year; the record carries the host El Camino production as context.
  • Chevrolet Impala SS Super Sport becomes its own series: 185,325 built.
  • Chrysler 300 letter series Cheaper by about $1,000, with a single-four-barrel 360 hp 413 standard, leather made optional and the convertible restored, the 300K became the best-selling letter car: 3,022 hardtops and 625 convertibles.
  • Dodge Dart 330/440, Polara and Max Wedge The Max Wedge's last year brought the Ramcharger 426-III, a 365 hp street 426 for Polara buyers, and in midyear a competition-only 426 Hemi in lightened 330/440 bodies; Roger Lindamood's Dodge won Top Stock at the Nationals.
  • Ford Fairlane The year of the Thunderbolt: a midsize Fairlane with a 427 installed for NHRA Super Stock, which carried Gas Ronda to the national Stock title.
  • Ford Falcon Sprint The restyled Falcon kept the Sprint hardtop and convertible with the 164 hp 260 V8 standard; the club counts 18,108 built, many with a bench seat.
  • Ford Galaxie Ford sold its 427 in the restyled full-size range in two advertised versions, 410 hp with one four-barrel and 425 hp with two, and the Galaxie 500 XL hardtop was the bucket-seat flagship.
  • Ford Thunderbird The redesigned fourth-generation car offered one drivetrain, a 300-hp 390 with Cruise-O-Matic, and output rose to 92,465.
  • Mercury Comet and Cyclone The Cyclone name first appeared on a 1964 Comet hardtop; the only production figure found is a single secondary total.
  • Mercury Marauder and S-55 Marauder now meant the fastback roof on any full-size Mercury series, two-door or four-door, with the 390 standard and the 427 optional.
  • Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds Oldsmobile's first 4-4-2 was a mid-year option package, B09 Police Apprehender Pursuit, with a 310 hp 330, a four-speed and dual exhausts; 2,999 are tabulated.
  • Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda Plymouth's glassback Valiant-based fastback launched in a short first season and sold 23,443 cars.
  • Plymouth Savoy, Fury and Max Wedge Plymouth's last Max Wedge year offered the Super Stock 426-III beside a 365 hp street 426 Commando, while a competition-only 426 Hemi went into lightened Savoy/Belvedere drag cars and swept the Daytona 500.
  • Pontiac Catalina 2+2 and Super Duty The 2+2 arrived as a $291 Catalina option and the 370 hp 421 HO replaced the Super Duty at the top.
  • Pontiac GTO A $295 option on the Tempest LeMans that put Pontiac's 389 in the intermediate body; 32,450 were built.
  • Pontiac Grand Prix A carryover year: 63,810 built, with the 370 hp 421 HO at the top of the option list.
  • Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The Tempest becomes a 115-inch intermediate with a 326 V8, and the LeMans carries the new GTO option.
  • Studebaker Avanti The last Studebaker Avanti, cut short when South Bend stopped building cars on 20 December 1963. It got rectangular headlamp bezels and a level stance, and 809 were built, including the nine production R3s.
  • Studebaker Hawk The final Hawk, with a new deck lid and an optional vinyl 'Sports Roof', ended when South Bend closed on 20 December 1963. 1,767 were built, 1,484 of them domestic.
  • Studebaker Lark and Super Lark Brooks Stevens restyled the Lark-type line and the Daytona became its top series. Of the V8 Daytonas, 111 got the R1 and 48 the supercharged R2, and one got the only production R4, before South Bend closed in December 1963.