Oldsmobile Cutlass Second Generation 1964–1967
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Also called | Oldsmobile F-85 Oldsmobile F-85 Cutlass Oldsmobile 4-4-2 |
| Production | 1964–1967 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door hardtop 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 2-door convertible 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | A-body |
| Related | Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 225 cu in (3.69 L) V6 155 hp 250 cu in (4.1 L) Chevrolet I6 155 hp 330 cu in (5.4 L) V8 230-310 hp 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 345 hp |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 115 in (2,900 mm) |
| Length | 1964: 203 in (5,200 mm) 1965–67: 204.3 in (5,190 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,440 lb (1,560 kg) |
Disappointing sales of the compact F-85, along with the introduction of Ford Motor Company's intermediate Fairlane in 1962, prompted GM to enlarge the senior compacts for the 1964 model year.
1964
The new intermediate F-85 now rode a conventional body-on-frame chassis with a perimeter frame. Wheelbase grew to 115 inches (2,900 mm), overall length to 203 inches (5,200 mm), and weight by more than 300 pounds (140 kg). Both the aluminum V8 and the Roto Hydramatic were discontinued in favor of a new cast-iron small-block V8 of 330 cu. in. (5.4L) displacement and an optional two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission with variable-pitch stator. Buick's 225 cu. in. (3.7 L) V6 was the standard engine.
The body styles of the previous model returned, and a new Vista Cruiser, a stretched-wheelbase (120"/3048 mm) version of the standard station wagon featuring a raised rear roof with tinted skylights and a fold-down, forward-facing third seat, debuted on February 4, 1964. The 4-4-2 model, derived from the BO-9 police package, was also introduced in March 1964 (costing $285.14 in 1964), as an answer to the new intermediate muscle car market created by the Pontiac GTO that same year.
Sales increased to 167,002 for 1964, not counting Vista Cruisers.
1965
For 1965 a modest facelift increased overall length to 204.3 inches (5,190 mm) while the front end received a "dumbbell-style" grille similar to full-sized Olds models. A bigger 400 cu in (6.6 L) engine was included with the 4-4-2 option, based on the newly introduced 425 cu in (6.9 L) engine from the full-sized Oldsmobiles while the Buick 225-cubic-inch (3.69 L) V6 and Olds 330 cubic-inch Jetfire Rocket V8 were carried over from the previous year with increased power ratings for the V8 options. Sales increased again to 187,097. The year 1965 was the first for Oldsmobile's "Rocket" logo that would last, with minor variations, until the 1990s.
1966
The 1966 models were slightly restyled again with bodylines similar to the full-sized Olds 88 and semi-fastback rooflines with extended sail panels and tunneled rear windows on Sport (pillared) and Holiday (hardtop) coupes. The Buick V6 was replaced on base models by an Oldsmobile-badged "Action-Line 6" version of Chevrolet's 250 cu in (4.1 L) "Turbo-Thrift" straight-6 engine, while the 330 cu in (5.4 L) Jetfire Rocket V8 continued with power ratings of 250 and 320 horsepower (190 and 240 kW). New that year was the Cutlass Supreme four-door hardtop sedan also dubbed the Holiday Sedan by Oldsmobile, the first such bodystyle for Olds' intermediate line.
1967
Changes for 1967 included the availability of optional disc brakes and the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic to supplement the two-speed Jetaway. An unusual new model was the Turnpike Cruiser on Cutlass Supreme coupes and convertibles, which used a two-barrel carburetor and mild camshaft with the 400 cu in (6.6 L) engine and a (numerically) low axle ratio for efficient and relatively economical freeway cruising. The Turnpike Cruiser used the heavy-duty suspension of the 4-4-2, and was available only with Turbo Hydramatic.