In 1964, the Jetstar I was introduced to fill a niche in the Oldsmobile lineup—one that might not really exist, as things turned out.

When the 1964 Oldsmobiles were officially launched on September 24, 1963, there was a new base model in the full-size line, the Jetstar 88. But we’re here to talk about a rather different car with a similar name that was also new for ’64, the Jetstar I (note the Roman numeral I on the end). While the Jetstar I was officially part of the midrange Dynamic 88 line, this new model shared much with the Starfire, Oldsmobile’s luxury sport coupe—most notably, a distintive roofline and concave rear glass that was also shared with the Pontiac Grand Prix.

The similarities between the two Oldsmobiles also included a sporty attitude, bucket seats and a console in the cabin, and the most powerful Rocket V8 in the catalog with 394 cubic inches and 345 hp. Both were full-sized performance sport coupes, in a nutshell. But there was a significant difference in the price: $4,128 for the Starfire versus $3,592 for the Jetstar I. Olds now had a direct price competitor with the Pontiac Grand Prix at $3,866, it’s often noted.

The Jetstar I’s lower price was enabled in large part by subtracting a number of standard features:  While automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes were included in the Starfire’s list price, on the Jetstar I they were extra-cost options. When it was fitted with similar equipment, much of the Jetstar I’s apparent price advantage disappeared.

While the higher-priced Starfire was also available as a convertible ($4,742), the Jetstar I came in a single flavor, a hardtop Sport Coupe. Also, the Starfire featured leather interior trim, while the Jetstar was all vinyl, and it and sported less exterior bright metal, too. With all their similarities and differences, the Starfire and Jetstar I sold in surprisingly equal numbers in ’64, around 16,000 for each. It’s reasonable to conclude that the two cars probably ate up each other’s sales volume. Back in 1962, when the Starfire stood alone, nearly 42,000 were sold.

When the full-sized Oldsmobiles received new exterior sheet metal for 1965, naturally the Jetstar I followed along (below). Mechanical updates included the division’s new 425 cubic-inch V8 in 370 hp tune, while the Turbo-Hydramatic replaced the old Roto Hydramatic as the automatic option. However, sales amounted to only 6,552 cars for ’65 and the Starfire I was dropped at the end of the year. With the Cutlass 442 in the lineup and the Toronado on its way, Olds now had a surplus of upscale two-door coupes, it seems. The Jetstar 88, meanwhile, continued for one more season when it was replaced by the Delmont 88.