1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Fact Sheet
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
The Olds mid-size underwent a major body restyle in 1968. The car’s new styling was penned by the Division’s styling studio headed by Stan Wilen. Two-door and four-door models now rode different wheelbases.
George K.’s of Cape Vincent, NY owns this 1968 Oldsmobile Hurst Olds – 455/TH350. Details in Reader’s Rides HERE
1968 Mid-Size Oldsmobiles – New Styling and Performance
New chassis, new engines, new styling, virtually nothing was unchanged, including the rest of the powertrain. Whether it was a Cutlass or 442, all was brand new!
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Resources
Equipment or products directly related to this car. Click to view:
Oldsmobile Engine Modification & Tuning Guide
GEN 2 V-8 1964 – 1987
Covers 260-403 Small Block & 400-455 Big Block
139 pages – Print Quality – Download in PDF
$15.95 CLICK HERE To Buy
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size
| B Twilight Teal | |
| C Provincial White | |
| D Sapphire Blue | |
| E Nocturne Blue | |
| F Teal Frost | |
| G Willow Gold | |
| K Ocean Turquoise | |
| M Cinnamon Bronze | |
| N Flambeau Burgundy | |
| P Silver Green | |
| R Scarlet | |
| S Jade Gold | |
| T Ivory | |
| V Juneau Gray | |
| W Silver Beige | |
| X Buckskin | |
| Y Saffron | |
| Z Peruvian Silver | |
| 900 Ebony Black |
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars – What’s It Worth?
Related valuations for the 1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Current Market Values
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts
Mid-Size Oldsmobiles were all new for 1968 with new long hood, short rear deck “Coke Bottle” styling. V-8 engines were redesigned as well, with the small block moving up to 350 CID and the 400 CID receiving the full size car’s long stroke and a reduced bore to keep it at the allowed size. Two door models sat on a quite short 112″ wheelbase while 4-doors and wagons were on a 116″ version.
442s were now their own line with unique body numbers and trim. The W-30 performance engine returned albeit with a highly radical camshaft for manual transmission models. The automatic versions were not available in this year. Also new was the small block performance OAI – the W-31. The Turbo 350 three-speed automatic was available for all F-85s and Cutlasses, and the 442’s T-400 no longer received the “switch pitch” torque converter.
NOTE: Vista Cruiser was considered a special separate model line and is not covered here.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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In a clever attempt to get around the 400 CID limitation on mid-size cars, Oldsmobile and Hurst made an agreement to allow George Hurst to fit the 455 CID V-8 in a 442 chassis and rebrand it as the Hurst/Olds. 515 of these monsters were built. See the AMA Specs Sheet HERE and the Brochure HERE and the PR Announcement HERE.
The W-30 package was as an option on coupes and hardtops. The new “under bumper” OAI scoops were more efficient and the path to the carburetor was better. The camshaft released in September, was very radical at 328° with 108° of overlap, making it a difficult street machine with auto transmission. For more info, see the 1968 442 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
A strange option was made available this year, Option L-65: Turnpike Cruising. It replaced the Turnpike Cruiser of 1967 by offering a 2-bbl carbureted 290 HP lower compression 442 engine with auto trans only. For more info, see the 1968 442 AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – W-31: The Little engine that Could!
How the “economy” V-8 from Oldsmobile became a race legend.
About the 1968-1970 Oldsmobile W-31
Lots of people think the “Ram Rod” 350 CID V-8 was spawned from the outstanding success of the power plant’s 330 CID version in the 1964 442. And while it certainly perked up the ears of the hot rod crowd with its outstanding performance in Oldsmobile’s version of mid-size muscle, it soon was relegated to making Cutlasses and F-85s perky. When the 400 CID V-8 for the 442 arrived, all attention went to the 400 CID big block.
Olds engineers were quite proud of the 330’s ability to make some good HP and wind up without throwing a connecting rod. Other than that, it seemed like the motor would be a sidebar, no matter what they thought.
Meanwhile, the world was going race car crazy in the 60s and a many new race series were spawned, most notably in the SCCA, with American V-8s in whatever race chassis you could scare up – from European to backyard babies. These series started with 5 liter (302 CID) then then a 6 Liter (366 CID) limitation. Stock blocks were required, but modifications were unlimited, except for sophisticated aftermarket cylinder heads . . .
Read the Rest HERE.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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F-85 – For 1968, however, a two-model F-85 Series remained, the club coupe and 4-door sedan. Power came from either a Chevrolet I-6 or an Olds 350 CID V-8. Standard equipment consisted of: dual master brake cylinder; four-way flashers; padded dash; backup lights; chrome hubcaps and seat belts. Interiors were available in either cloth or vinyl. Standard tire size was 7.75 x 14.
Cutlass – Olds Cutlass four-doors for 1968 were labeled Cutlass models, while the two-doors were called Cutlass “S” models. The completely new styling package was part of the 1968 Olds intermediates. Standard Cutlass equipment included: dual master cylinder; four-way flashers; energy-absorbing steering column; padded dash; backup lights; full fiberglass hood insulation and DeLuxe steering wheel. Interiors were done in either vinyl or cloth. Standard tire size was 7.75 x 14 inches.
Cutlass Supreme – The ultimate Oldsmobile mid-size luxury for 1968 was the three model Cutlass Supreme Series. No six-cylinders were offered in this line and a slightly more powerful version of the new 350 Rocket V-8 was standard equipment. Other regular features were: dual master cylinder, four-way flasher, backup lights, side marker lights, seat belts, new high-performance starter, fiberglass hood insulation, and DeLuxe steering wheel. Upholstery was either in vinyl or cloth. Standard tire size was 7.75 x 14 inches.
442 – In 1968, the 4-4-2 was accorded series status. Standard equipment included all Cutlass items plus: heavy-duty springs; stabilizer bar; special shock absorbers and wheels; special emblems; hood louvers; paint stripe; special tires and a high output engine. Upholstery could be ordered in vinyl or cloth. Standard tire size was F70-14.
You can see more details on the 442 package by viewing the Sport Models Brochure HERE.
Hurst/Olds – Consider the Hurst/Olds an automatic transmission 442 with a 390 HP 455 CID V-8. There were some other unique features: 455 CID engine with W-30 cylinder heads and 1967 W-30 camshaft, OAI system, Hurst Dual-gate Shifter, G70 x14 tires, special silver/black paint scheme, and unique badging, inside and out.
You can see all the special equipment in the package by referencing the AMA Specifications Sheet HERE and the Hurst/Olds Press Release HERE.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 155 HP 250 CID I-6
- 350 CID V-8 250 HP
- 350 CID V-8 310 HP
- 350 CID V-8 325 HP W-31
- 400 CID V-8 290 HP 442 AMT
- 400 CID V-8 325 HP 442 AMT
- 400 CID V-8 350 HP 442 SMT
- 400 CID V-8 360 HP 442 W-30
- 455 CID V-8 390 HP H/O AMT
- NOTES
Base 6 cylinder – All Transmissions: In-line six cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.530 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.50:1.
Horsepower: 155 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 240 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 33° 30′, Lift 0.388″ (intake), 0.388″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester BV one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7028057 (automatic) 7028014.
Base 8 cylinder – All Transmissions: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 355 @ 2600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.435″ (intake), 0.435” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7028156 (automatic) 7028157; (w/air conditioning) 7028154.
Optional High Compression 8 cylinder – All Transmissions: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 310 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.435″ (intake), 0.435” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4-barrel (manual transmission) 7028250 (automatic transmission) 7028254.
Optional W-31 OAI 8 cylinder – Manual Transmission: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 10.50:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Valve springs: Special high strength 218 lbs. open pressure.
Valve head size: (intake) 2.003″- 1.990″; (exhaust) 1.629″- 1.619″.
Camshaft timing: Intake 308°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap 82°, Lift (intake) 0.474″, (exhaust) 0.474”.
Induction: Forced Air (OAI)
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel (manual transmission only) 7028255.
400 CID Option L-65 (Turnpike Cruising) – Automatic Transmissions: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.870″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 425 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 262°, Exhaust 274°, Overlap 48°, Lift 0.440″ (intake), 0.440” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel GC (automatic transmission) #7028251.
400 CID 442 – Automatic Transmission: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.870″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 440 @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 278°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.430″ (intake), 0.432” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel (automatic transmission) #7027156.
400 CID 442 – Manual Transmission: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.870″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 440 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 286°, Exhaust 286°, Overlap 58°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4MV (Quadra-Jet) 4-barrel Model 7028251.
400 CID 442 W-30 –All Transmissions: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 400 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3.870″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 360 @ 5400 RPM.
Torque: 440 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 328°, Exhaust 328°, Overlap 108°, Lift 0.475″ (intake), 0.475” (exhaust).
Induction: Forced Air (OAI)
Carburetor: Rochester 4MV (Quadra-Jet) 4-barrel Model 7028254.
NOTE: There are listings for an Automatic transmission W-30 in some factory materials. In those materials the camshaft listed is that of the optional 278/282 camshaft. NHRA did not recognize this engine which assumes Olds did not manufacture this version.
455 CID Hurst/Olds 8 cylinder – Automatic Transmission: V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 10.50:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 500 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 308°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap 82°, Lift 0.474″ (intake), 0.474” (exhaust).
Induction: Forced Air (OAI)
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel (automatic transmission) #7028251.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All 2-door: 112 inches; all 4-door : 116 inches.
- Overall length: All 2-door: 201.4 inches; all 4-door: 205.6 inches.
- Front track: All: 59 inches.
- Rear track: All: 59 inches.
- Standard tires: 7.75 x 14 2 ply; optional 7.75 x 14 4 ply; 205R 14 radial.
- Optional tires 4-4-2: F70 14 standard; 7.75 x 14 2 ply optional; 205R 14 radial optional on Turnpike Cruising
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – W-31 Production
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- F-85 Club Coupe – 38
- Cutlass Club Coupe – 674
- Cutlass S Holiday Coupe – 30
Total Production – 742
NOTE: Check out our Article: The 1968-1970 Oldsmobile 350 CID W-31 V-8: The Little Engine that Could! HERE.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1
- 400 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1
- 400 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1
- 400 CID V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.20:1 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Jetaway 2-Speed: Low – 1.76:1, High – 1:1, Reverse – 2.49:1
- Turbo Hydra-matic 3-speed: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1
- Maximum Stall:
I-6: Low Angle – 2.75:1, High – 1..95:1
350 V-8 & Turnpike Cruiser: Low Angle – 2.20:1, High – 1..80:1
400 V-8: 2.30:1 Fixed Stator
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
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- I-6 SMT: 2.78:1; Optional 3.08:1
- I-6 AMT: 2.78:1; Optional 3.08:
- 350 CID 250 HP V-8 SMT: 3.08:1;
- 350 CID 250 HP AMT: 2.56:1; Optional 2.78:1;
- 350 CID 310 HP V-8 SMT: 3.08:1
- 350 CID 310 HP AMT: 2.78:1
- 400 CID V-8 3-speed SMT: 3.23:1
- 400 CID V-8 4-speed Wide Ratio SMT: 3.42:1
- 400 CID V-8 4-speed Close Ratio SMT: 3.91:1
- 400 CID V-8 AMT: 3.08:1;
- 400 CID V-8 Turnpike Cruising Turbo Hydra-matic: 2.56:1
- 400 CID V-8 W-30 4-speed Close Ratio SMT: 4.33:1
- 400 CID V-8 W-30 AMT: 3.42:1;
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NOTE: For more powertrain information, you may access the 1968 Oldsmobile mid-size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE and the 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Specific AMA Specifications Sheets HERE
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Power Train Options
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- Three speed manual column-shift transmission was standard on all models except 442.
- The Hurst/Olds option – consisted of special Black and Silver paint, special handling package, and a special 455 CID V-8.
- Three speed manual transmission with floor shift was standard on all 442s, Three-speed manual floor shift transmission was optional on all F-85 and Cutlass ($84).
- Jetaway automatic transmission ($195 for I-6, $205 for V-8).
- Four-speed manual floor shift transmission ($184).
- 350 CID 310 horsepower V-8 engine ($34).
- 350 CID 325 horsepower W-31 V-8 engine ($250).
- 400 CID 290 L-65 horsepower 442 Turnpike Cruising V-8 engine Cutlass Supreme & 442 only ($237).
- 400 CID 325 horsepower automatic transmission 442 V-8 engine
- 400 CID 350 horsepower manual transmission 442 V-8 engine.
- 400 CID 350 horsepower manual transmission 442 W-30 V-8 engine 442 only ($264).
- Positive traction rear axle ($42).
- Available rear axle gear ratios (depending on axle case fitted): 2.41:1, 2.73:1, 2.78:1, 2.93:1, 3.08:1, 3.23:1, 3.42:1, 3.90:1, 3.91:1, and 4.33:1
NOTE: For more options and information on power teams, see Oldsmobile SPECS sales booklet found HERE.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($360).
- Bucket seats ($68).
- Clock ($17).
- Courtesy lamps ($6-$12).
- Cruise Control ($61).
- Floor mats ($7).
- Headrests, for Bucket Seats ($52), for bench seat ($42).
- Outside mirror, remote-control ($9).
- Outside rear view mirror ($5).
- Power antenna ($29).
- Power brakes ($42).
- Power disc brakes ($105).
- Power door locks ($44-$68).
- Power seats ($70).
- Power steering ($95).
- Power trunk lid ($14).
- Power windows ($100).
- Radio, AM Deluxe push button ($70).
- Radio, AM/FM ($134).
- Rear speaker ($16).
Rear window defogger ($21). - Rocket Rallye Pack instruments ($84).
- Seat shoulder belts ($23).
- Sports console ($58).
- Stereo tape player ($134).
- Tilt steering column ($42).
- Tinted windows, all ($37).
- Tinted windshield ($25).
- Trunk release ($14).
Two-speed wipers and washer ($23). - Two-tone paint ($31).
- Vinyl roof ($95).
- Wire wheel discs ($74)
- Wheels Super Stock ($89).
NOTE: For more options and information, see Oldsmobile SPECS sales booklet found HERE.
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1968 Oldsmobile Full Line Prestige Brochure
1968 Oldsmobile Sport Models Brochure
1968 Hurst/Oldsmobile Brochure
1968 Oldsmobile W-31 Introduction Press Release
1968 Oldsmobile 442 & 442 W-30 Announcement & Photos
1968 Hurst/Oldsmobile Introduction Press Release
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Print Ads
1968 Oldsmobile W-31 Print Ads
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Oldsmobile 442 AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Hurst/Olds AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Oldsmobile Super Tuning Guide – All 442 and W-Series
1968 Hurst/Olds Dual Gate Service Bulletin
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1968 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 Cutlass W-31 and Hurst/Olds Road Test – Car Craft Magazine
1968 Oldsmobile 442 – Performance Car of the Year – Cars Magazine
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 Road Test – Cars Magazine
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 Part One – Hot Rod Magazine
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31 Part Two – Hot Rod Magazine
1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1968 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible
The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible retained its popularity with the new body style. 5,142 reached customers.
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Holiday Hardtop
The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Holiday Hardtop was always the most popular 442. This year, 24,183 standard 442s and 373 W-30 models were sold.
1968 Oldsmobile 442 Sports Coupe
The 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Sports Coupe was the choice of serious racers due to its lighter weight. 129 W-30s were produced and 4,282 standard models were delivered.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Holiday Hardtop Sedan
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Holiday Hardtop Sedan was the upscale 4-door hardtop. 15,067 found buyers.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Holiday Hardtop
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Holiday Hardtop was the most deluxe two-door this year. It resonated with the buyers as 33,518 were sold.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Town Sedan
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Town Sedan was the most upscale 4-door sedan in the line, with 5,524 reaching customers.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Convertible sat just beneath the 442 version in price and performance. 8,495 six cylinder and 13,677 V-8s were produced, a solid total.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Holiday Hardtop
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Holiday Hardtop was by far the most popular mid-size olds this year. 2,863 I-6 and 59,577 V-8s were sold.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Sports Coupe
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Sports Coupe sold well with 7,344 and 14,586 I-6 and V-8 models delivered, respectively.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Holiday Hardtop Sedan
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Holiday Hardtop Sedan also was a direct competitor to the Cutlass Supreme version. The I-6 version was not popular with only 1,305 delivered, bit the V-8 version found 25,994 buyers.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Town Sedan
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Town Sedan was a less popular 4-door choice due to its competition from the Supreme line. Only 265 I-6 models and 7,839 V-8s left the factory.
1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Station Wagon
The 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Station Wagon was the only regular-sized Cutlass wagon. Only 354 I-6 models were sold, but 9,291 V-8s found buyers,
1968 Oldsmobile F-85 Town Sedan
The 1968 Oldsmobile F-85 Town Sedan was the entry level 4 door in this year’s mid-size line. 1,847 I-6 and 3,984 V-8s were sold.
1968 Oldsmobile F-85 Club Coupe
The 1968 Oldsmobile F-85 Club Coupe was the base level 2-door mid-size Olds this year. It sold well with 4,052 I-6 and 5,426 V-8 models delivered.