Among the General Motors Division, Oldsmobile has always been a leader in technology. Hydra-Matic transmissions in 1940s, overhead valve V8s in 1949 and the front-wheel-drive Toronado in 1966 are the most obvious examples. But there’s another high-tech Oldsmobile that captured the heart of many car enthusiasts – the Oldsmobile Jetfire. Introduced in 1962, the Oldsmobile Jetfire employed the first turbocharged engine.
On the outside, the Oldsmobile Jetfire looked like a compact car as it was based on the compact Oldsmobile F-85 that was unveiled in 1961. The Oldsmobile F-85, together with Buick’s Special and Pontiac’s Tempest, was among of the General Motor’s second generation compacts. Meanwhile, under the hoof of the Oldsmobile Jetfire, it boasted technical specifications many cars of today could envy.
Well, a turbocharged engine, fluid injected, small displacement aluminum V8, provided the heart and soul of the Oldsmobile Jetfire. However, since compact cars are not free from horsepower race, for the 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire, a power-pack engine was offered that added four-barrel carburetor and raised compression from 8.8:1 to 10.25:1. And in this trim, the tiny V8 produced 185 horsepower.
But this was still not enough for Oldsmobile engineers so to extract more power from their small engine means playing with cam timing or compression. Nevertheless, the concept has affected the smooth operation of the engine and fuel economy has suffered. Again, Oldsmobile engineers think of another drastic method: turbocharging. This has made the Oldsmobile Jetfire America’s first mass-produced turbocharged vehicle.
Now, to make a distinction from lesser F-85 siblings, the Oldsmobile Jetfire was given a special aluminum side trim and two chrome spears on top of the hood instead of the usual one. A fresh Jetfire logo incorporating a rocket ship was also attached on the front fenders and trunk lid. And even if a single exhaust pipe left the turbo outlet, it splits out into two outlets after the muffler. Such features made the Oldsmobile Jetfire famous.
Unfortunately, the Oldsmobile Jetfire was momentary. After selling 3,765 Jetfires in 1962 and 5,842 the following year, Oldsmobile pulled the plug for 1964. Car critics and experts bring up fluid injection problems but there were other reasons also. In 1964, Oldsmobile changed the F-85 series. So gone were the little unibodies and pocket rocket turbo engines, they were replaced by cars with a body-on-the-frame construction.
Featured Products
Oldsmobile Jetfire - Seat Belt
"UNIVERSAL 3-POINT RETRACTABLE SEAT BELTS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE, SOLD AS PAIR -- This Seat Belt May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, 1-3/4 in. Width x 131 in. Full Extended Length, Comes With Center Push Buckle, Without Air Bag Sensor"
Brand:Replacement
Oldsmobile Jetfire - Oxygen Sensor
"UNIVERSAL OXYGEN SENSOR -- 4 Wires, Quality Construction And Materials Make This Item One Of The Top Selling OE Replacement Oxygen Sensors. This May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, Direct Fit Part "
Brand:Replacement
1962,1963 - 8Cyl 3.5L Base
Oldsmobile Jetfire - Seat Belt
"UNIVERSAL 2-POINT SEAT BELT, DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE, SOLD INDIVIDUALLY -- This Seat Belt May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, 1-3/4 in. Width x 54 in. Full Extended Length, Comes With Center Push Buckle"
Brand:Replacement
Oldsmobile Jetfire - Oxygen Sensor
"UNIVERSAL OXYGEN SENSOR -- 3 Wires, Quality Construction And Materials Make This Item One Of The Top Selling OE Replacement Oxygen Sensors. This May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, Direct Fit Part "
Brand:Replacement
Oldsmobile Jetfire - Oxygen Sensor
"UNIVERSAL OXYGEN SENSOR -- 1 Wire, Quality Construction And Materials Make This Item One Of The Top Selling OE Replacement Oxygen Sensors. This May Require Modification Or Other Adjustments To Your Vehicle Upon Installation, Direct Fit Part "
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