Before the minivan took the world by storm in the mid-eighties, station wagons were still the hot commodity during the previous decade for transporting large families, whether across town or cross-country. While these were a practical choice, most weren’t known for their high-performance capabilities, nor did they offer very much of a fun factor. This 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass wagon here on eBay has been transformed into something that excels in both categories, with the owner confident it’s ready to be driven home, no matter how far away you may live. This one’s in Wayne, New Jersey, and comes with a buy-it-now price of $39,995. However, the seller is at least open to the idea of negotiation, as there’s also the opportunity to make an offer.
It’s always a plus when there’s a story to accompany someone’s vision, and this wagon’s got a good one. The tale here goes that an Olds dealer named Jim Stohlman owned one of the largest dealerships in Virginia, and he also happened to be a fan of muscle cars. Back in 1980, shortly after Jim acquired this 1972 Cutlass wagon, a rusty ‘70 model 4-4-2 was brought to his shop. A decision was made to remove the 350 and automatic from the wagon and install the 455 and 4-speed from the 442 in the bay instead, where the combo still resides today. It’s proven dependable as well, as the seller claims this cool station wagon needs nothing, and is ready to take the family to any vacation destination they desire.
More background here is that the wagon was a fine specimen to begin with, as it was originally a solid and rust-free example that Jim located in California. Once a deal was made, he brought the auto to his dealership in Virginia, with the body only having one repaint back in 1980. It’s obviously had a great deal of care since then, as the body appears straight and the finish is still shining 45 years later. The factory hood has been replaced with a W-25 Ram Air component, and 442 badges have been added to the appropriate locations.
The interior remains in nice condition, with a 442 steering wheel added to the column. The driver is also adorned with a restored Rally Pack instrument cluster, which includes a Tic Toc Tach, but the most beautiful features for me inside are the clutch pedal and Hurst shifter! Just about everything here seems to have been done right, and I’m curious to see if the marketplace will support the asking price of nearly $40k. What are your thoughts on this 1972 Cutlass-turned-442 station wagon? How much would you be willing to spend to have this one in your garage?
Looks like a nice wagon. I could’ve done without the 442 emblems (and the Hurst Equipped emblem too, but at least that should be a stick on and can come off easily), but other than that, I don’t mind the 442 grille and the car appears to have been built thoughtfully. I would like to see undercarriage pics but it should make for a fun ride, albeit a bit expensive.
If this was a Vista Cruiser I’d be all over it.
My thoughts too. Love that glass moonroof but in a way it looks sportier without the moonroof.
…I was thinking the same….
One very sharp 👌 and cool 😎 wagon.
4sp, 455, Dr Olds approves 👍🏁
If you want to take the wife, kids and family dog to Disneyland and do it fast, here’s your rig! The ad is complete with lots of pics, except I can’t see where they would tuck the tic toc tach.
Any suspension/steering upgrades? The era was full of mushy-riding and scrape-the-doorhandles cornering dreamboats. I think the stock suspension here is guilty unless proven innocent.
I saw this wagon when I went to buy parts from him. He does have suspension upgrades, rear sway bar & I think front tubular arms & coil-overs etc. I think he painted frame with Por-15.
How do I bid??? or??? This is just about what I’m looking for. I wonder if my 20 12 2 door short bed Silverado would be enough of a trade with added $$$ to make this deal??
Frog: no bidding but one can offer less than the 39k and see what he counteroffers.
If you truly want to buy it, the red “here on eBay” link is tapped. Cool, no doubt, but $40k? Gotta wonder about that.
Looks to be done right by starting with a Cutlass Cruiser rather than the extra large Vista Cruiser. I like the overall vibe. White and Saddle fits in with the era. Running through the gears makes it all the better.
Can’t love this car enough. Conceptually it’s brilliant, and the execution looks first rate. Loved the torque of the 455. GLWTS, wish I had the cash free to offer a bid.
I bought my first car (a used ’70 Cutlass Supreme) from Stohlman Olds in 1983. At the time he owned a VERY nice gold ’70 W-30 convertible. Does anyone know whether these 116″ wheelbase wagons had boxed frames like the Vista Cruiser? I’m guessing no, but with the torquey 455 and 4 speed it would be nice to have the extra rigidity.
Cool wagon! I wonder what the weight difference is between a Cutlass wagon vs a Vista Cruiser?
Love the front plate!
The interior is a turn-off for me. It should be black, to match the stripping on the outside.
I would also like to know more about the build of the engine and parts chosen.
The linked article said the drivetrain came out of a rusted out ’70 442, so a good starting point even if it was left stock.
Nice car. Bucket seats and a console would be my only adds.
I bet Joe Padavano will chime in, I’m sure he knows this car. I was assigned to Ft Myer in 1973, just north of Stohlman Olds. I had a 69 442 convertible at that time, the start of a long string of 442’s. Spent a lot of time and money at the parts department, and drooling over his gold 70 W30 in the showroom until they closed. My office overlooked Stohlman Olds.
This is an extremely cool car and appears to be done correctly, but I’m just not sure if it is 40K cool. That being said, I will not be surprised if the seller doesn’t get pretty close to the asking price. Really nice car.
Seller claims that this is a clone. Must have been something in his/her imagination that they were making a duplicate of.
Sure, a make believe 442 wagon. Personally, I think it’s a cool idea.
i like visa wagons better / but still
…I was thinking the same….
JOE BRU, I forgot this is a 4 speed , with my NAM wounds I need an autimtic but this on is sooo sweet.