1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire Coupe Reserved Parking Fridge Magnet
1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire Coupe Aluminum Parking Fridge Magnet
Oldsmobile certainly had its eye on the future and anticipated the coming popularity of turbocharging by offering its new Jetfire. The Oldsmobile Jetfire was based on the brand's F-85 compact two-door hardtop, but with an added bonus under the hood. The F-85 Cutlass's 215-cu.in. V-8 was retained, but the engine was fitted with a Garrett turbocharger that relied on "Turbo Rocket Fluid" to prevent the 10.25-compression V-8 from detonating. In the days before piezoelectric knock sensors, this blend of high compression and forced induction had the potential to end poorly for inattentive drivers. Oldsmobile's Turbo Rocket Fluid was a mixture of distilled water, methanol and a corrosion inhibitor, and today we'd recognize the system as fluid injection, used in high-performance engines to cool the combustion chamber and prevent preignition. For motorists in 1962, it was the stuff of science fiction, helping to deliver impressive acceleration on demand as long as the Turbo Rocket Fluid tank was topped off. Run it dry (and ignore the indicator), and the turbocharger was bypassed to prevent potential engine damage. Road tests of the day showed a zero-to-60 MPH time of less than nine seconds, on the way to a top speed of 110 MPH. In its own brochure, Oldsmobile described the car's performance as "nothing short of spectacular," with "exceptional" low-end acceleration and "downright sensational" thrust "from there on up." Though the Jetfire was innovative for its time it lasted just two years in the market. Oldsmobile sold 3,765 Jetfires in 1962 and 5,842 in 1963, but problems (many of them owner-related) plagued the car. A frequent owner complaint was "lack of power," and a trip to the dealer would reveal that the owner had run the Turbo Rocket Fluid tank dry. More conservative owners didn't drive the car hard enough to generate boost (and thus lubricate the turbo's compressor shaft), leading to frozen turbocharger assemblies over time. Ultimately, however, the complexity of safety mechanisms tied to the fluid injection system helped seal the Jetfire's fate. In response to these problems, General Motors offered Jetfire customers a deal in 1965. At no charge to owners, Oldsmobile dealers would remove the complex turbocharging and fluid injection system and replace it with a four-barrel carburetor and conventional intake and exhaust manifolds, solving many of the reliability and performance issues that had plagued the car. Because most owners jumped at this opportunity, finding a Jetfire model with its original Turbo Rocket V-8 and turbocharger assembly on the market today, in any condition, is particularly challenging. The 1962-1963 Oldsmobile Jetfire was undeniably ahead of its time, even if its buyers weren't. In the 1980s, turbocharging would re-emerge as a viable technology, and today's turbocharged engines operate seamlessly, to the point where some owners may not even realize their vehicles are turbocharged.
Make room on the fridge and show your passion for your 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire Coupe. It deserves a reserved "parking spot" in the middle of the other magnets. The magnet is 2” x 3” (77 x 51 mm) and is quality made of .045” American Aluminum that will not fade or break. It has rounded corners and a 1 inch square magnet in the back. Stick it to anything you'll like, on your fridge, workbench, toolbox, or man cave board. The colors are brights, vibrant and contrast beautifully. For any car guy, this is the ideal gift to add style and show their pride, even in the middle of the kitchen.
Available in: One color style only
- Made of 0.045” (1.14 mm) Durable Aluminum Material
- Size 3" x 2" (76.2 mm x 50.8 mm)
- Water-resistant & easy to clean
- 1” backer magnet for adhesion
The image is permanently infused into the aluminum that will not crack, fade, chip, or peel (we do not use stickers or decals).
- Made in USA
