I guess it would be fair to describe me as a Station Wagon convert. I never understood these vehicles, believing that owners bought them out of necessity to accommodate growing families. However, having had several as company cars in the past, I now appreciate the attraction of these vehicles. They offer excellent versatility and are often more comfortable and engaging than vans or SUVs. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Lothar… of the Hill People for spotting this fabulous 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. It is a solid old beast that would make an excellent project candidate for the entire family. The seller has listed it here on Facebook Marketplace in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Their asking price of $6,500 makes this V8 Wagon undeniably affordable.
When many people reflect upon the vehicles featured in the National Lampoon’s “Vacation” movies, the first one to typically spring to mind is the horrendously ugly Wagon Queen Family Truckster. However, this 1970 Vista Cruiser is identical to the vehicle traded by Clark Griswold, and that would eventually find its way to the crusher. It features Bamboo paint and the glass roof panels that define the Vista Cruiser. This beauty is a fairly solid old beast, with the seller admitting there are some floor patches. However, that appears to be the extent of its problems beyond areas of surface corrosion. It would definitely benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but it appears that the grinder and welder won’t receive a workout during that process. That would make it ideal for someone seeking a hands-on project that could involve the entire family. The faux woodgrain is as tired as the paint, although one of the many vinyl wrap companies that have flourished during the past few years could address that problem without breaking the bank. The first owner didn’t choose the optional Dual-Action tailgate but did equip the vehicle with a set of SS III wheels.
Powering this Vista Cruiser is the legendary 350ci “Rocket” V8 that sends 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque to a 12-bolt rear end via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. It also appears that the new owner will benefit from power assistance for the steering and brakes. Acceleration will be fairly modest by modern standards, but that wasn’t the primary focus as Oldsmobile developed these vehicles. The aim of the game was to produce a Wagon that was comfortable, versatile, and spacious, and that would cruise happily on the open road. This Vista Cruiser ticks those boxes and is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. There are no interior shots, making it impossible to determine the condition, if restoration is required, or how it is equipped. We know that it features Dark Brown vinyl upholstery and that it doesn’t benefit from the versatility of third-row seating. Beyond that, we’re flying blind.
The 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is one classic that lost ground in 2024, although the fall in value was only very minor. However, these classics still consistently sell for over $20,000 if they are in good condition. That figure can climb significantly if the vehicle is pristine. Our feature Wagon doesn’t fall into that category, but there is no reason why it couldn’t with a spot of TLC. If you have been searching for a classic Wagon to park in your garage, could you be tempted by this Olds?
Hangin’ out, down the street, the same old thing, we did last week,,,one of my all time favorite shows, was That 70s Show. Eric had a ’69, but if you graduated in the early 70s, that show was spot on. As expected, my old man was very similar to Red Forman. They never said the actual city, Point Place was rumored to be Whitefish Bay, a suburb of Milwaukee, and of course the irony of that show, Red gave Eric the car and was laid off from “the automotive plant”( I suspect AMC) and drove a Toyota. The “car” was always the center of attention, and we could all relate to that.
“That 70s Show” is what immediately popped into my head as well seeing this Vista Cruiser. Like a lot of other guys of a certain age I knew all those characters in real life.
I loved Red’s comment to his neighbor Bob when questioned about the Toyota: “The last time I was that close to a Japanese machine it was shooting at me!
All we needed Howard. 🍻
Not sure that I agree with the author’s premise of not much work with a grinder and welder will be needed looking at the lower body. If next caretaker is planning on a proper repaint, the Vista is going to need fender and quarter patches at a minimum. If the floors have been patched, who knows what other surprises you’ll find up close during inspection.There are a few spots on the driver’s side frame rail that look concerning in the pics. Judging by the 71> sport mirrors and the body color painted SSIII wheels (which technically would’ve been SSII painted argent grey in 1970), I would assume this Olds has received at least one repaint at some point. Needs a lot of work, but for the right price, and as long as someone is doing the work themselves, could make for a fun project. Tough to find some pieces for the Vistas though.
The fender and quarter patches are a piece of cake compared to the rust in the Vista window channels. In addition, a bunch of the Vista glass is delaminating as well. Good luck finding good Vista glass… too bad, I’ve always liked these. The jeweler in the village I grew up in had a 67 light blue metallic with buckets, console and 4 speed, and the SSl wheels, such a cool car!
A/C compressor and hardware missing. Rust bucket location. PASS on this one.
If 350cu.in, the motor should be gold. Red motors were 68/69 455s and I think some earlier 425s? Like to know more about that the engine in this whale
cool ride. had a few when they were plentiful. no pics of the roof around the glass. judging by the butch work on the floors most likely the roof glass area in need of work as well. better have deep pockets to bring this up to speed
The 64-72 Vistas are notorious for pinchweld rust around the roof windows. My “rust free” 64 from Reno had significant rust when I pulled the stainless from around those windows. There are no patch panels, other than the front fenders that are common with Cutlii.
Can you say “Restomod”? Sure you can! I’d want to look under the carpets and see how well those floor patches were done. If I find that the floor patches are old license plates pop riveted into place instead of clean metal, properly welded, look out! The rocker panels look like they need work, also. As others have noted, the metal around the roof glass that gave these cars their name can also be a problem. While this could be a “fun family project”, it could also turn into a money pit, fast. Unless I had either the time, tools and skills (read: professional body tech or trade school project), or very deep pockets (and I don’t), I’d have to pass.
If I bought this, drug it down to New Mexico, advertised as a life long local.
You all would be hopping a plane to come and get it for 3 times what I paid.
The reality is; a vast majority of rust free originals have been harvested by the East Coasters years ago.
15 years ago every third house had a 50+ year old car in the yard. Now? Few and far between. Those for sale; the people want a butt load.
Of the 25 I have, only 5 are locals, still have rust, just not as bad as those from the northern tier states.
During the 70’s and 80’s, numerous Vista’s sacrificed their roofs and were grafted onto custom vans.
Lothar submits the best BarnFinds.
~Org of the Bog People
You are correct, the 350 in 2 or 4 barrel(s) form are gold.