The Sport Wagon was often overshadowed by Oldsmobile’s equivalent, the Vista Cruiser. Both had a raised roof with extra glass and skylights over the cargo and second seat area. They were produced over three generations (1967-72), although the later models lost the special roof treatment. This 1969 Buick Sport Wagon looks like a solid survivor that may only need some TLC. Located in Crystal River, Florida, this Buick still sports vintage license plates and is available here on craigslist for $10,500. We appreciate Pat L. bringing this tip our way!
As the Vista Cruiser was a Cutlass under the skin, the Sport Wagon was a Skylark. The second generation arrived in 1968 featuring a weeping “S-shape” side sculpture and the wagon’s roof was changed from a split main skylight to one with a single-piece skylight over the second-row seat. Only the Sport Wagon of the Buick intermediates could be ordered with a third back seat. While Oldsmobile sold 33,387 Vista Cruisers in 1969, Buick produced 20,670 of their versions, attesting to better marketing on the part of Oldsmobile.
From all indications, this 60,000-mile Buick could be an original wagon. The white paint has been touched up but presents well except for a touch of surface rust on the raised roof. The glass above is in good condition, and we’re told it doesn’t leak. The tailgate and window are inoperative and will need some attention, but the seller has the parts needed to raise and lower the glass. A set of brand-new tires are on all four corners plus the spare.
This Sport Wagon is powered by a 350 cubic inch V8 paired with a TH-350 automatic transmission. The interior is nice, but the dash pad is cracked as are the side panels in the cargo area. This Buick comes with the optional third seat which went into about 60% of all Sport Wagons that year. And it also has bucket seats up front, making it truly a “sport” wagon. In Good condition, Hagerty estimates the resale value for one of these transports to be $9-10,000, so the seller has priced this one in similar territory.
First thing to go would be the Ford Tempo front seats. Otherwise a very cool car!
Seems like a pretty good wagon for the money. It may need a few things freshened up here and there but overall, it’s in good shape. The buckets look like a transplant as Stevieg pointed out, but I’d probably keep them. They look pretty good and buckets are always better than a bench seat. I’d lose the raised white letter tires; thin line white walls would look better.
“I’d lose the raised white letter tires; thin line white walls would look better.” Mounted upon Buick Rally wheels! :-)
I don’t know where those bucket seats came from, but I’m 99% sure that fabric isn’t from 1969.
Neighbors growing up had a ’69 Buick wagon, 6 passenger, like this. Bucket seats were not offered on the Buick Sportwagons; and no velour fabric offered for the year. Vinyl only for wagons, much less velour on the first two rows, but vinyl for the 3rd. Obviously, these seats were nicely re-upholstered at some point. Sport Wagons had vinyl wood trim on tailgate and above belt line. Can’t image a 3-row Wagon was ordered in Florida WITHOUT AC
Nice Buick! My only concern would be if the bucket seats were installed correctly.