March 2021
Presented by MicksPaint.com & USAutomotive.co.uk

Gone now, but in its day the Oldsmobile brand was regarded as innovative and it’s arguable that Olds rather than Pontiac launched the muscle car when they introduced the ‘Rocket 88’ in 1949. Placed between the 76 and 98, the 88 replaced the straight-six powered 78—got that? The 88 used the existing 76 Futuramic B-body platform but was powered by the new 303 ci (5.0L) ohv V-8 producing 135 hp. Olds was only the second GM division to get an ohv V-8 after Cadillac.

For its day, the 88 had a relatively big engine in a reasonably lightweight body rocketing Olds out of its staid reputation onto the NASCAR podium. According to various sources, Olds won six of the nine NASCAR late-model division races in 1949, 10 of 19 in 1950, and 20 of 41 in 1952. A Rocket 88 also won the tortuous 2000-mile-plus Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race in 1950.

Indeed, the Rocket 88 made such a name for itself it inspired Jackie Brenston to pen what is also regarded as the first rock-n-roll hit song, ‘Rocket 88’ recorded in Memphis in 1951. Incidentally, while Brenston is credited with writing the song it is generally accepted that it was actually written by Ike Turner.

Olds’ lil’ ohv Rocket proved popular with hot rodders but, unfortunately— like Chevy with its small-block and Pontiac DeLorean-led GTO— Olds fell out of favor and was eventually killed off after 106 years in 2004. However, it was still a viable brand in 1961 when Olds intro’d the F-85, an entry-level compact powered by an aluminum 215 ci V-8.

In 1964, the F-85 grew 11 inches, moving it up from compact to intermediate, and the aluminum V-8 was replaced with a V6 or cast-iron Rocket V-8 engine. Another big change for F-85 was the intro of the 4-4-2 option, RPO code B0-9, which represented (4) four-barrel, (4) four-speed, and (2) dual exhaust. 4-4-2 equipment included heavy-duty suspension, dual-snorkel air cleaner, oversized redline tires, and 442 badges. The 442 option was $136 for the Cutlass and $285 for the regular F-85.

This, however, is not your average F-85. Steve Strope’s daily driver is a genuine ’64 Cutlass with the original 330 ci (5.4L). Steve, a confessed Olds lover, found the car sitting forlorn and for sale outside a Triumph motorcycle dealer near his Pure Vision Design shop in Simi Valley, CA. Steve made a U-turn, threw down his cash and drove it home.

Steve’s idea was to use the car for something called  ‘Project long weekend’ where he would film swapping the suspension for a Hotchkiss TVS or installing Vintage Air or bolting in a 200-R4 trans that is exactly the same length as the Power Glide, or upgrading the cooling system, the sound system: “I planned to drive the car everyday and drive it across country occasionally so I wanted it to be reliable and comfortable.”

Soon, Steve had the body off and was hand scraping the rust-free floorpan while the frame went to be powder coated black and fitted with a Hotchkis 2-inch drop Total Vehicle System (TVS).  The stock engine was installed after being upgraded with a Mondello cam, Edelbrock intake and carb, Thornton cast-iron headers, and Pontiac HEI ignition.  

Steve also fashioned that 442-style dual-snorkel air intake and installed a C&R aluminum radiator with an intelligent brushless electric fan.

“Once the body was installed the car went to Mick’s Paint in Pomona where they cleaned up the bodywork and squirted it with PPG Mercedes Quartz Blue that I had spotted on a parked car.  That beautiful aluminum side trim was hand-formed by Kelly Cox,” said Steve.

“As this was to be my daily I wanted it to be comfortable so I located some 2011 Porsche Panamera seats and while they were cheap they needed cutting down and extensive reworking. Pete Harksell needed a 31-page wiring diagram to make them work in this almost 60-year-old car.”

Steve told us: “The audio system is not your father’s Olds and comprises an iPod that feeds a Kicker KX400.4 pre-amp that, in turn, is controlled by the original radio volume knob. I also have a Bluetooth receiver that can take phone calls, play music or give directions all through the sound system that comprises Kicker KS speakers in the kick panels a two in the package tray. The old radio station control knob now controls the volume of the sub-woofer under the package tray.”

“I have some sight issues and when it came time for final assembly I upgraded the headlights with Hella units, installed the KC driving lights, installed various other auxiliary lighting and used a Dakota Digital replacement instrument panel that looks stock but lights up like a Lexus.”

“The car has been on the road for a while now and it’s everything I hoped it would be. It sits right, it drives right and it’s as user friendly as any modern car.”

For your own build visit PureVisionDesign.com

Vehicle: 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass F-85
Owner: Steve Strope, PureVisionDesign.com

Powertrain
• Engine: Stock 330 ci
• Intake: Edlebrock Performer
• Carb: Edelbrock
• Air intake: Olds 442 style
• Cam: Joe Mondello
• Ignition: Pontiac HEI
• Headers: Thorntonmusclecars.com cast iron
• Exhaust: Flowmaster
• Trans: 200-R4
• Radiator: CRRacing.com
• Steering box: 1987 Monte Carlo SS
• Suspension: Hotchkis 2-inch drop TVS Sway bars etc.
• Front brakes: Early 90s 1LE Camaro discs• Rear axle: Stock with stock drum brakes
• Master cylinder: Baer brakes
• Fasteners: ARP-Bolts.com

Interior
• Instruments: Dakota Digital
• Front seats: 2011 Porsche Panamera
• Center console: 1966-’67 Buick
• Opera lights: Chevelle
• Upholsterer: Gabes Custom Interiors
• Color: Saddle
• Air: Vintage Air
• Wipers: Detroit Speed 7-speed wiper
• Headlight: Hella
• Driving lights: KC

• Paint and body: MicksPaint.com
• Color: Mercedes Quartz Blue PPG
• Side trim: Hand made aluminum by Kelly Cox

• Wheels: Cragar Eliminator 500
• Tires: Continental 225/45 ZR17 (front), Continental Extreme Contact 255/45ZR17 (rear)