Oldsmobile Cutlass station wagons, such as this 1969 example, make regular appearances here on BF. And it’s a bit surprising as the total production was light with only 8,700 copies produced – lasting Olds quality I guess. This one’s a bit banged up and not without its foibles, but it appears to get up and go, so let’s look it over. Bruce J found this subject car for us; it’s located in Perrin, Texas and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,500, OBO.
Oldsmobile Cutlass wagons came two ways in ’69, the glass roof paneled Vista-Crusier, with a 121″ wheelbase, and a standard Cutlass wagon, such as our subject car, which rides on a shorter 116″ between the wheels stretch. This standard Cutlass wagon was only available in six-passenger form while the V.C. was available, with or without, a third seat.
The interior is a bit unusual in that the back seat seems to have fared worse than the front – at least based on all of the visible blue duct tape. The carpet is badly faded or is missing completely, the headliner is having problems, the door panels are mismatched and the cargo area is showing a lot of deterioration. The dash topper is likely running cover for a split dash pad.
The engine is listed as a 350 CI V8, the standard version being 250 gross HP, and the optional variant pulling 310; which one is in place is not disclosed. The seller mentions that the new for ’69 Turbo-Hydramatic 350 three-speed automatic transmission is in place but the instrument panel shift indicator is correct for a Jetaway, also known as a Super-Turbine 300, a two speed automatic that was in its last year of use – a further inquiry would need to be made. The seller claims, “Will cruise 80mph all day long” and there is a listing embedded video show this car doing exactly that.
The exterior shows us all of this Cutlass’ warts. It is said to have rust in all of the usual places but that can be a lot of territory on a GM A-body from this era. The seller suggests that the front and rear floor pans could use replacement as they have been patched. The finish, which is mostly faded, is an amalgam of old paint and some respray. The seller mentions that he has extra front fenders and a 1969 front clip (you astute Cutlass experts will realize this car is adorning one from a ’68), along with some interior parts included in the sale. Capping off the exterior are Super-Stock wheels, which ironically were not an available option, according to Oldsmobile’s ’69 sales brochure, on a station wagon. Regardless, they’re a nice inclusion.
As suggested, “Drive it while you fix it…“, that’s definitely doable if a project like this is something that you’re angling for. I see possibilities here, how about you?
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