The 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88 stands as a testament to a bygone era of automotive craftsmanship. This particular model, cherished for its unparalleled ride comfort and nostalgic appeal, carries a personal connection for its owner, who mastered the art of manual driving within its confines at the tender age of eleven, under the guidance of their grandfather.
While positioned as the base model in the 88 series, the Jetstar 88 possessed hidden performance potential, especially when equipped with the optional high-performance V8. Yet, the car’s reputation was somewhat marred by the notoriously unreliable Jetaway Drive automatic transmission, making the column-shifted three-speed manual a desirable alternative.
Indeed, the combination of a manual gearbox and the potent Jetfire V8 within a Jetstar 88 chassis is an exceedingly rare find, akin to discovering a mythical creature in the wild. This unique pairing raised the Jetstar 88 from a mere entry-level model to a sought-after collector’s item for those who appreciate the marriage of classic styling, mechanical simplicity, and unexpected power.
A chance encounter with Lou Costabile’s lens brought to light a truly exceptional 1964 Oldsmobile. Belonging to Glenn Petersen III, this classic car carries a rich family legacy. His grandfather, a man with an insatiable appetite for automobiles, purchased it in 2010 from a Jeep dealership where it had been on display.
Despite his penchant for rapid turnover in his car collection, the Oldsmobile remained a constant. It was within its spacious interior that the elder Petersen imparted the invaluable skill of manual driving to his young grandson at the tender age of eleven. The sheer scale of the car makes the feat of reaching the pedals at such a young age all the more impressive.
However, it’s the car’s mechanical heart that presents a fascinating puzzle. Under the hood resides a surprising 394 four-barrel engine, a deviation from the expected 330-cube V8 typically found in this model. Given the car’s preserved condition, this engine discrepancy is particularly intriguing.
It raises questions about the car’s history and potential modifications, adding an extra layer of mystery to this already fascinating story. The 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88’s remarkably low mileage of 12,553 miles (20,198 km) is a head-scratcher for a car of this age.
While the odometer reading suggests a pampered existence, the worn driver’s armrest tells a contrasting story of frequent use. This discrepancy creates an intriguing puzzle as the rest of the interior gleams like new, a stark contrast to the well-worn armrest.
The Jetstar 88 wasn’t a sales powerhouse in 1964, with only 14,663 two-door hardtops produced out of the total 62,505 units. While specific breakdowns of engine and transmission combinations are unavailable, the overwhelming preference for automatic transmissions suggests this particular car is a rare manual specimen.
