1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1964 Oldsmobile – the New Intermediates Bow
Totally new mid-sized GM vehicles were released in 1964. No longer Unit Body – they were traditional body-on-frame cars the size of a 1957 Chevrolet. Introduced independently from the GTO, the Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 featured an outstanding 310 HP 330 CID V-8 and super-tight handling package that the motoring press raved about. “442” stood for: “4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed transmission, and dual exhausts”. The nomenclature would stay but the meaning would change.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Resources
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1964 Oldsmobile Service Manual – Covers All Models
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1964 Oldsmobile Wiring Diagrams
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Oldsmobile Engine Modification & Tuning Guide
GEN 2 V-8 1964 – 1987
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1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size
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1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars
NOTE: Vista Cruiser was considered a special separate model line and is not covered here.
The new intermediate F-85 and Cutlass now rode a conventional body-on-frame chassis which it shared with the other newly introduced “A-body” cars – Chevrolet Chevelle, Buick Special and Pontiac Tempest. Wheelbase grew to 115 inches, overall length to 203 inches, and weight by more than 300 pounds.
Both the 215 CID aluminum V-8 and the Roto-Hydra-Matic transmission were discontinued in favor of a new cast-iron small-block V-8 of 330 CID and an optional two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission with variable-pitch stator. Buick’s 225 CID V-6 was the base engine. It was the first time that Oldsmobile used a six-cylinder engine since the Oldsmobile Seventy Six was discontinued in 1950.
The body styles of the previous model returned, and the 4-4-2 model, derived from the BO-9 police package, was also introduced in March. It was a $285.00 option on all models except the Station Wagon. It was, as we now know, an answer to the new intermediate muscle car market created by the Pontiac GTO.
Historical
Sales increased to 173,816 units – 38.5% above 1963’s numbers.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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The 330 CID V-8 was the only “drawing board new” engine in the 1964 cars. It was a cast-iron light-weight casting with a short deck design. Bore and stroke are 3.937″ x 3.385″, and using the 4.50″ bore centers of the old 394 CID engine so machine tooling would not have to be changed. It was designed and built with a capability for displacement increases (as we know it would soon become a “Big Block” and went all the way to 455 CID). See the 1964 Olds F-85 AMA Specifications Sheet for details HERE.
The famous “442” option package was released for all F-85/Cutlass models – except the Station wagon. The idea behind this package was to take advantage of the highly touted Option B09 Police Package whose superb handling and top notch straight line performance surprised many. . See the 1964 442 Salesman’s Brochure HERE and the famous Motor Trend Magazine article on the car HERE.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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F-85 Standard – There were three models in this series: 4-door sedan, 2-door sport coupe, and wagon. Identifying base F-85s were small hub caps, the absence of upper moldings and no bright work in the wheel openings. The rear fascia was unadorned and merely featured “Oldsmobile” in block letters between the tail lights. Floor covering was vinyl, and seats were available in plain vinyl or three durable fabric patterns. Door panels were unadorned and lacked bright work.
F-85 Standard models were 2-door Club Coupe, 4-door Sedan, and Station Wagon.
F-85 Deluxe – There were three models in this series: 4-door sedan, 2-door sport coupe, and wagon. Identifying Deluxe F-85s were full size hub caps, an upper molding running the entire length of the car and bright work in the wheel openings. The rear fascia had a bright panel running between the tail lights with “Oldsmobile” in block letters spanning the entire length. Floor covering was carpeted and seats were available in pleated vinyl or fabric pattern inserts. Door panels featured bright trim and a surface that matched the seats. Bucket seats were available in the Sport Coupe.
F-85 Deluxe models were 2-door Sport Coupe, 4-door Sedan, and Station Wagon.
Cutlass – There were three models in this series: 2-door sport coupe, Hardtop Coupe and Convertible – no station wagon was available. Identifying the Cutlass were full size hub caps, an upper molding running the entire length of the car and bright work in the wheel openings. The rear fascia had a bright panel running between the tail lights with “Oldsmobile” in block letters spanning the entire length. Floor covering was carpeted, and seats were available in pleated vinyl or fabric pattern inserts. Door panels featured bright trim and a surface that matched the seats. The 260 HP 330 CID V-8 was standard with the 290 HO version optional. Bucket seats were standard in all models in the line.
Cutlass models were 2-door Sport Coupe, 2-door Holiday Hardtop Coupe, and Convertible.
The 442 option was available on all models except the station wagon, including the 4-door, however, it depended on the model and line – broken out as follows:
- The F-85 Standard could have the 442 option in the 2-door pillared coupe and the 4-door sedan.
- The F-85 Deluxe could have the 442 option in the 4-door sedan ONLY.
- Cutlass could have the 442 option in the 2-door pillared coupe, the hardtop coupe and the convertible.
Key in the 442 option was the 310 HP 330 CID V-8 and the Police Pursuit handling package. You can see a test of the 442 in August 1964 Motor Trend magazine HERE.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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225 CID V-6 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Four main bearings.
Displacement: 225 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.750 x 3.400 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.00:1.
Horsepower: 155 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 225 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 285°, Exhaust 295°, Overlap 67°, Lift 0.391″ (intake), 0.401″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7024149 (automatic) 7024148.
330 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9385″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 325 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.389″ (intake), 0.390” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7024058 (automatic) 7024056; (manual transmission w/air conditioning) 7024059 (automatic w/air conditioning) 7024057.
330 CID 4-Barrel High Compression V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9385″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (Early) Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 52°, Lift 0.433″ (intake), 0.433” (exhaust). (Late) Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.389″ (intake), 0.390” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission) 7024055 (automatic) 7024054.
442 4-Barrel High Compression V-8 – 4-Speed Manual Transmission. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 330 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.9385″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 310 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve springs: High Impact Steel 200 lbs. open pressure with Damper.
Camshaft timing: Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 52°, Lift 0.433″ (intake), 0.433” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4GC 4-barrel (manual transmission only) 7024055.
NOTE 1: Except where cited, Torque is in lb. ft.
NOTE 2: Principle difference between 442 V-8 and Cutlass 290 HP V-8 was the high strength valve springs and damper that allowed higher RPM performance.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – 442 Option Package
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- 330 CID 310 HP high-performance V-8.
- Special 442 nameplates for the fenders and dashboard.
- 4-speed manual transmission standard, no automatic transmission available.
- Special B01 Police Pursuit Handling package – unique to Oldsmobile.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All : 115 inches.
- Overall length: All: 203 inches.
- Overall height: 54.0 inches.
- Overall width: 73.8 inches.
- Front track: All: 58 inches.
- Rear track: All: 58 inches.
- Standard tires: Standard: 6.50 x 14. Optional: 7.00 x 15.
- 442: 7.50 x 14 “Red Line” Nylon cord tires mounted on 14 x 6JK rim wheels standard, Optional only on Cutlass V-8 series or police.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- V-6 1st – 2.58:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.58:1.
- V-8: 1st – 2.58:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.58:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- V-8 All: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1 Standard in 442.
- V-8 All: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1 Standard in 442.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- V-6 SMT and AMT: 3.23:1.
- V-8 230 HP SMT: 3.08:1.
- V-8 230 HP AMT: 2.78:1.
- V-8 290 HP SMT: 3.23:1.
- V-8 290 HP AMT: 3.08:1.
- V-8 310 HP 442 SMT: 3.36:1.
NOTE: For more powertrain information, you may access the 1964 Oldsmobile mid-size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 330 CID 230 horsepower Cutlass V-8 included in V-8 pricing.
- 330 CID 290 horsepower Cutlass V-8 ($34).
- 330 CID 310 horsepower 4-4-2 Package Option includes Special B01 Police Pursuit Handling package – V-8 model required ($136).
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Automatic transmission was optional ($231).
- Three-speed manual transmission with floor shift ($43).
- Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift ($188).
- Positive traction rear axle ($47).
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($430).
- Bucket seats ($141).
- Clock ($16).
- Convenience lamps ($8).
- Outside mirror ($4).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Power antenna ($26).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power convertible top ($64).
- Power seats ($71).
- Power steering ($87).
- Radio, AM/FM ($150).
- Radio, deluxe push button ($88).
- Radio, super deluxe signal seeking ($124).
- Rear speaker ($16).
- Rear window defroster ($21).
- Tinted glass ($43).
- Trunk release ($10).
- Two-speed wipers and washer ($19).
- Two-tone paint ($17).
- NOTE: For more information options and accessories, view or download the 1964 Oldsmobile Salesperson’s Specs Book HERE.
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1964 Oldsmobile Full Line Brochure
1964 Oldsmobile Sport Models Brochure
1964 Oldsmobile 442 Announcement
1964 Oldsmobile 442 Facts Brochure
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Print Ads
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars AMA Specifications Sheets
1964 Oldsmobile 442 AMA Specifications Sheets
1964 Oldsmobile Salesperson’s Specs Book
1964 Oldsmobile Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1964 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass Intro and Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1964 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
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1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible
The only convertible in the mid-size Oldsmobile line was the 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible – all featured the bucket seat interior. Like the hardtop Cutlass, the only distinguishing feature was the “442” emblem. Of the 12.,882 Cutlass Convertibles, 436 had the 442 option.
1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass and 442 Hardtop
The 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass and 442 Hardtop were separated more by equipment than looks as the only distinguishing mark on the 442 was the emblem. 36,153 Cutlass Hardtop Coupes were produced, of which 1,842 were 442s.
1964 Cutlass 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1964 Cutlass 2-door Sports Coupe had little to distinguish it from the F-85 version except for “cutlass on the front fender just in front of the door and the bucket seat interior. 15,440 were sold, of which 563 were 442s.
1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass Interior
1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass Interior was very sporty with bucket seat and an optional console. The door panels were unique to the model and the special steering wheel was also an option.
1964 Olds F-85 Deluxe Station Wagon
1964 Olds F-85 Deluxe Station Wagon was the top line wagon. The Standard wagon lost the side bright work and came with smaller hub caps. The interior was more utilitarian on the Standard wagon as well. Only 909 Deluxe wagons were produced, while 6,331 of the Standard wagons were sold .
1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Sedan
The 1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Sedan had the extra bright work on the body sides, and the bright panel on the rear fascia. It came with the full wheel covers as well. Aside from those clues, it was difficult to tell it from the Standard F-85. It was by far the best selling mid-size Oldsmobile with 42,237 delivered of which a mere 7 were 442s! 4,047 of the Standard F-85 version were sold.
1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Interior
The 1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Interior was mirrored in the wagon.
1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Sports Coupe
The 1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Sports Coupe was an anomaly in that initially, it was offered with semi-bucket seats and only V-6 power. Later the V-8 was optional. 7,984 were produced.
1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Sports Coupe Interior
The 1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Sports Coupe Interior featured these semi-bucket seats exclusively.
1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Standard Coupe
The 1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Standard Coupe differed from the Deluxe in that it had a bench seat rather than buckets. To visualize the 4-door and the wagon, just add 2 more doors or an extended roof line. 8,314 found frugal buyers. 148 Standard coupes were equipped as 442s, and a lowly 3 Standard sedans were optioned as a 442!
1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Standard Interior
The standard F-85 interior was very simple in execution and designed to hold up well against hard use.