1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size – Maturing Slowly
The F-85/Cutlass line was only slightly changed in 1965, but the 442 received its first big block 400 CID V-8. While the entire mid-size line at Oldsmobile did not change a great deal, the 442 matured into the formula that would define mid-size muscle – a V-8 with at least 400 CID in a short wheelbase chassis – and under 3800 lbs. Options remained the same, but sales jumped up in this year by 30,000 units!
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Resources
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1965 Oldsmobile Service Manual – Covers All Models
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1965 Oldsmobile Wiring Diagrams
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1965 Oldsmobile A Body
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Oldsmobile Engine Modification & Tuning Guide
GEN 2 V-8 1964 – 1987
Covers 260-403 Small Block & 400-455 Big Block
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1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts
NOTE: Vista Cruiser was considered a special separate model line and is not covered here.
The Mid-Size line was mildly restyled this model year and it continued to grow in popularity within the Oldsmobile line. The mid-1964 the 4-4-2 package that was introduced in 1964 now was more heavily advertised and became more widely known by the buying public. Four Door sedans were now excluded from the 4-4-2 package and would be so for the life of the model.
The line still consisted of F-85, F-85 Deluxe, and Cutlass. The 4-4-2 option could be applied to all – less the 4-door models.
Historical
Model year production peaked at 596,293 units. Calendar year production of 650,801 cars was recorded. These were record sales for the Oldsmobile Division.
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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The Olds Big Block was an outgrowth of the 330 CID V-8 that appeared a year earlier. It was essentially the same configuration with an increased deck height and larger bore and stroke delivering either 400 or 425 CID. Bore and stroke for the 442 version was 4.00″ x 3.975″, for 400 CID. See the 1965 Olds 442 specific AMA Specifications Sheet for details HERE.
To keep pace with other GM intermediate offerings, Oldsmobile replaced the 1964 442’s 330 CID with the new 400 CID V-8. Output rose to 345 HP & 440 ft. lbs. of torque. Automatic transmission and a 3-speed SMT were also available. Other touches were chrome chambered dual exhaust pipes, chrome air cleaner, and 4-4-2 badging on the grille, rear quarter panel behind the door, the rear fascia, and the dash. See the 1965 Sport Models Brochure for more info HERE.
1965 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 club 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 were vinyl and seats were available in plain vinyl or three durable fabric patterns. Standard F-85 equipment consisted of: heater/defroster, self-adjusting brakes, aluminized muffler, front seat belts, electric windshield wipers, dual sun visors and oil filter.
F-85 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 club coupe, and wagon, however the Club Coupe was not available with a V-8. 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 were 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 Club Coupe.
F-85 Deluxe equipment consisted of: heater/defroster, self-adjusting brakes, aluminized muffler, front seat belts, electric windshield wipers, dual sun visors and oil filter and DeLuxe steering wheel; padded dash and carpeting.
F-85 models were -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 were 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 250 HP 330 CID V-8 was standard with the 315 HO version optional. Bucket seats were standard in all models in the line.
Cutlass model offering were 2-door Sport Coupe, 2-door Holiday Hardtop Coupe, and Convertible.
442 – The 442 option was available on all 2-door models: Coupe, Sport Coupe and Convertible. Key in the 442 option was the 345 HP 400 CID V-8 and the handling package. You can see all the special equipment in the package by referencing the “Inside Track” Brochure HERE.
The 442 Option was available on 2-door Sport Coupe, 2-door Holiday Hardtop Coupe, and Convertible.
1965 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) 7025149 (automatic) 7025148.
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: 250 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 335 @ 2800 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) 7025058 (automatic) 7025056; (manual transmission w/air conditioning) 7025059 (automatic w/air conditioning) 7025057.
330 CID 4-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: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 315 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 52°, Lift 0.433″ (intake), 0.433” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission) 7025055 (automatic) 7025054.
400 CID 442 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.000″ x 3.975″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 345 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 440 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 52°, Lift 0.431″ (intake), 0.433” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4GC 4-barrel (manual transmission) 702515o (automatic transmission) 7025151.
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All : 115 inches.
- Overall length: All: 204.3 inches.
- Overall height: All 2-door 54.0 inches, All 4-door 53.8 inches.
- Overall width: All 2-door 74.4 inches, All 4-door 54.5 inches.
- Front track: All: 58 inches.
- Rear track: All: 58 inches.
- Standard tires: V-6: 6.95 x 14. V-8: 7.35 x 14, 4-4-2: 7.75 x 14 on 14 x 5J rims. Police 7.75 x 15 on 15 x 5K rims.
- 4-4-2: 7.75 x 14 “Red Line” Nylon cord tires mounted on 14 x 6K rims. These tires were optional on all 2-door and police.
1965 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.
- 330 CID V-8: 1st – 2.58:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.58:1.
- 400 CID V-8: 1st – 2.59:1, 2nd – 1.60:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.33:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 330 V-8: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1 .
- 400 V-8: 1st – 2.201, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1.
- 330 V-8: 1st – 2.56:1, 2nd – 1.91:1, 3rd – 1.5:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.64:1 .
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- All: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1.
- Maximum Stall:
- V-6: Low – 2.75:1, High – 1..95:1.
- V-8: Low – 2.45:1, High – 1..980:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
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- V-6 SMT: 3.23:1.
- V-6 AMT: 3.08:1.
- 330 CID V-8 SMT: 3.08:1; Optional 3.23:1.
- 330 CID AMT: 2.78:1; Optional 3.08:1.
- 400 CID V-8 345 HP 442 SMT: 3.55:1.
- 400 CID V-8 345 HP 442 AMT: 3.23:1.
NOTE: For more powertrain information, you may access the 1965 Oldsmobile mid-size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE and the 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Specific AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 330 CID V-8 260 horsepower engine ($30).
- 330 CID V-8 315 horsepower engine ($55).
- 400 CID V-8 345 horsepower engine standard on 4-4-2; not available w/o 4-4-2 option ($166).
- Automatic transmission Part of 442 Package ($245).
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission. Part of 442 Package ($205).
- Positive traction rear axle ($51).
- Three-speed manual floor shift transmission. Part of 442 Package ($45).
- Three-speed manual column-shift transmission was standard on all mid-size except 4-4-2.
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- 4-4-2 Handling and Performance Package ($166).
- Air conditioning ($441).
- Bucket seats ($141).
- Clock ($16).
- Courtesy lamps ($9).
- Outside mirror ($5).
- Padded dash ($16).
- Power antenna ($27).
- Power brakes ($45).
- Power convertible top ($68).
- Power seats ($75).
- Power steering ($109).
- Radio, AM/FM ($165).
- Radio, deluxe push button ($88).
- Radio, deluxe signal seeking ($128).
- Rear speaker ($21).
- Rear window defogger ($22).
- Tilt steering ($44).
- Tinted glass ($45).
- Trunk release ($15).
- Two-speed wipers and washer ($23).
- Two-tone paint ($20).
NOTE: For more information on options and accessories view or download the 1965 Oldsmobile Salesperson’s Specs Book, found HERE.
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1965 Oldsmobile Full Line Brochure
1965 Oldsmobile Sports Models Brochure
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Fold Out Brochure Rarin’ To Go
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Fold Out Brochure The Inside Track
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Print Ads
1965 Oldsmobile Salesperson’s Specs Book
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Oldsmobile 442 AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test – Car and Driver Magazine
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test – Cars Magazine
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test – Car Craft Magazine
1965 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1965 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
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1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible
The 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible was the only convertible offered in the mid-size line. 12,628 were delivered. Of this number, 3,468 were equipped with the 442 option.
1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass Holiday Hardtop Coupe
The 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass Holiday Hardtop Coupe was the highest end 2-door and the only hardtop offered in the line. 46,138 were sold, of which 14,735 were 442s.
1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sports Coupe
The 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sports Coupe was the highest level 2-door sedan in the mid-size line. 26,441 were produced, of which 5,713 were 442s.
1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Sedan
1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 4-door Sedan was the top of the line 4-door in the mid-size models. 47,767 were sold, making it the most popular mid-size Oldsmobile.
1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 2-door Sports Coupe
The 1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe 2-door Sports Coupe was a surprising marketing exercise in that it was only available as a V-6! This likely limited production to the 7,720 level it reached.
1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Station Wagon
The 1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Deluxe Station Wagon was the upper level station wagon in the mid-size line. The interior and exterior mimicked the Deluxe 4-door. 10,365 were produced.
1965 Oldsmobile F-85 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Oldsmobile F-85 4-door Sedan was the entry-level 4-door in the mid-size line. It could be “optioned up” to almost the level of the Deluxe model, but only 8,078 took the bait.
1965 Oldsmobile F-85 2-door Club Coupe
The 1965 Oldsmobile F-85 2-door Club Coupe was the low-level 2-door in the Oldsmobile mid-size line. Its stark level of features only inspired 5,289 buyers to try it, though it could be had with the 315 HP 330 CID V-8.
1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Station Wagon
The 1965 Oldsmobile F-85 Station Wagon was the most utilitarian wagon in the line. Its bare bones equipment reduced appeal, limiting production to a bare 714 units.