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Two For One: 1965 Oldsmobile Vista Cruisers

Two for one automotive deals are often a great way to get enough extra parts to complete one of the cars as a project. These early Vista Cruisers aren’t that common to see anymore, and the main wagon seems like a decent car with a big heart.  The second wagon needs work, but is complete. Out of the pair, you could certainly have one nice wagon. All of this fine cargo space is offered for $8,500. Check them out here on craigslist out of Seattle, Washington.

Packing a 455 cubic inch V8, an automatic transmission, factory air conditioning, and disk brakes, the main wagon has a lot going for it. Although factory equipped with A/C, there are a few parts missing. This wagon is currently a driver and is reported as starting every time, and stopping on a dime. This is great information to have, but there are a few mechanical needs for this wagon. The seller has listed a few things he will do to this wagon is he decides to “keep it.” On the list of things he would fix he would install a new dual exhaust, repair the gas gauge, install the factory fan shroud, and lastly tune the carburetor. A small list, but certainly a few things to take into account upon purchasing.

The Vista roof is absolutely amazing, as the view on a road trip certainly offered a lot to the young riders on long road trips. Forget in car dvd players, and cell phones, there is plenty to see on the roads of America in this classic wagon. Although there aren’t any detail specific interior shots of the main wagon, the seller mentions that the previous owner had the seats reupholstered in flat black material, but that the door panels retain the original material pattern. The door panels are described as being in average condition, and the remainder of the interior looks to be in fair shape. Examining the exterior, again we are met with a lack of  detail specific photos of the rust on the 455 car. Although the seller claims the majority of the rust is in the doors, and the tailgate. If that is the case, this frame and shell sound fair, and perhaps the door and tailgate off of the other car are in better shape. There is no mention of any rust on the actual body or frame, but the seller did mention that two of the sky view windows leak. Hopefully the leak hasn’t gone unnoticed for a while where rust, and mold may have formed in the interior.

Appearing like a twin, this wagon has been parked quite a while. One of the windows is removed, due to some fairly serious rust. The sky view windows looked to have held some moisture and the roof it crispy on this one. Despite the roof rust, the rockers and quarters look pretty darn good on this wagon. Also the doors and tailgate seem fair. This wagon has a red interior that is a bit sun bleached, but looks to be complete. If it wasn’t for the rust concerns on the roof, this wagon would be a nice condition survivor for sure.

Wagon number 2 is powered by a 330 cubic inch V8 and is backed by a 2 speed “Jet-a-way” transmission. Described as having sat for who know how long, it is unclear what the condition of the drive-train is. Needing a fair amount of roof work to be a viable car again, unfortunately wagon number 2 will likely be a parts car, unless someone really has the skills and passion to revive this wagon as well. Early Vista Cruisers aren’t all that common, and this is a great entry into a rare wagon(s) for the die hard wagon enthusiasts. Would you jump on this pair of Olds’ wagons?

Comments

  1. Avatar DAN

    Wagon number 2s motors intake, top valve cover looks like been on fire…..?

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  2. Avatar John M.

    The wagon with the 455 engine is worth keeping on the road but the one with the rusty roof is better off as a parts car. Even both the very best metal fabricator & body man in the country wouldn’t want to take on the job of fixing it.

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  3. Avatar AMCFAN

    The 455 is incorrect as most would know. Get the block numbers to determine desirability and letter on the head will tell you a lot. All 455’s are not a plus like the 72-76 smog units.

    The 65 would be a cheap entry level car but the price isn’t cheap here. Not sure what the seller is thinking. Roof rust is common even on the coupes and hardtops. It is fixable if the car would merit a restoration and up to the individual.

    Two cars for one money is great when you are close. Cross country deal means you have to double your costs to ship. Most likely isn’t worth the effort even though the parts car has an original 330 which has a steel crank.

    If wanting a classic Olds wagon the 68-72’s can’t be beat and have a stronger resale when you grow tired. The 64 and 65’s don’t have the same mass appeal but are still for the most part a good car.

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  4. Avatar Will

    Seems like a great price for two cars, even if one can only be a parts car. Here’s the ad archive http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=1965OldsmobileVistaCruiser

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  5. Avatar Tom

    Count me out…as soon as I see a bolt on s-10 m/c, rust repaired with spackling putty, I see no future except for parts…

    Like 0
  6. Avatar brian m Member

    Restomod. As stated earlier, the 455 is from something else since the biggest Olds engine in 65 was 425 and not available in the Vista Cruiser. The 400 in the 442 was the biggest F85 engine. Not sure if it was available outside of the 442. Disc brakes are a nice upgrade but not available in 65 even as an option. I have always liked the 64/65 F85/Cutlass. Had a 64 that burned a valve somewhere in Nevada in December 68 at around 120+ crossing the country during a permanent change of station move while in the AF. Couldn’t afford a $300 valve job but could afford $90.20 monthly payments on a new Chevelle wagon. Still crave my Cutlass, sniff!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Tom

      Brian, I hear you about driving thru NV…were you talking about 120 mph, or 120 degrees F ? I hit both during my south west drive way back when…I remember the steering wheel getting so hot, I had to keep my hands in the same position because the rest of the wheel was too hot to touch! It didn’t help that the signs would say “120 miles before next service station”…ouch!

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  7. Avatar Skip

    The VistaCruisers have always been a favorite of mine. My standby ambulance service bought a ’65 model that had been built as an ambulance and it was a fast runner. Still miss that thing to this day.

    Something I just spotted today in the parking lot here at the library where I have computer privileges. It was a huge Sprinter motorhome and on the back it said “Vista Cruiser”. I almost fell over. My question would be: Did the Sprinter people have to buy the rights from GM to use the Vista Cruiser name? This is the only one of those big Sprinters I’ve seen like that.

    Like 0

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