During the 1970s and 1980s, the Custom Cruiser was the station wagon equivalent of a cross between the Delta 88 and Olds 98 in terms of trim. This 1983 edition would be on par with the full-size Chevy Caprice wagon, complete with fax wood paneling. The seller is the car’s second owner and bought it more than 10 years ago from the estate of the original party. It’s got its share of bruises and bumps, but runs good for the age, thanks to low mileage. Located in Wilkes-Barre-Pennsylvania, this big Oldsmobile is available here on eBay where the current bid is just $2,275 with no reserve.
While some styling updates the Custom Cruiser (not to be mistaken for the Vista Cruiser) was downsized in 1977 to be more fuel efficient (the seller agrees, saying this car gets at least 17 mpg in town). They would be quite popular with wagon buyers and more than 25,000 of them were sold in 1983 alone. The seller adds that this example was garage-kept until three years ago (we assume it’s been outside since). It was a one-owner transport car for its first 30 years and had 37,000 miles when the seller bought it (he/she has added 6,000 since then). It’s fully loaded with most of the common options of the 1980s.
Besides a brand-new battery, we’re told the following work has been done sooner rather than later: new muffler, brake lines, tires, radiator, and some engine seals that had begun to leak. So, the vehicle runs and drives great, though it’s not the most beautiful thing to look at. The list of stuff that needs attention includes a new headliner (it’s really got a bad case of the droops), plastic bumper fillers, and you’ll want to prevent some surface rust from becoming more than that. Also, you could deal with aged “woodgrain” and attend to the paint, if you’re so inclined.
Besides being able to amply carry six passengers, there’s a concealed storage area in the back where a third seat might otherwise have been if so ordered. But some of the rubber gaskets around the windows have started to leak, so you may want to search for a new gasket kit. With its original 307 cubic inch V8, the next owner should be able to get a lot more miles out of this old wagon. As long as it will fit in your garage.
I can safely say, these cars were driven once by many,,on their driving test. Most had a car waiting for the big day, and it was so much easier to take moms Olds wagon. Before minivans, that probably replaced this, these were the cars that did it all. 5 digit odometer, this old horse has a lot of miles. They became the vehicle of choice for demo derbies, that ironically mom took the kids to in the new minivan, few full sized wagons survived. With a freakin’ Hyundai costing almost $34 GRAND, makes this a transportation no-brainer. Only 7 bids tells me, most are going to opt for that new Hyundai, for a mere $32,000 more, what’s the fuss?
The simple reason is MOST people do not have the ability to keep a simple vehicle like this road worthy. You then have stigma of the ” old car”. A no brainer to me as use an 87 Caprice daily that has 260k on it and has served me without any major issues since 1999. Even though the car looks and runs like a 2 to 3 year old vehicle, we still get little quips from the snoots at my son’s school. I smile and chuckle to myself being free of the car payment debacle. This allows for so many freedoms that folks just don’t get. P.S I have a low mileage wagon like this one in blue stored away incase the Caprice has to have any major operation. I learned at a young age you could have 5 cars insured and registered for what I new one cost. I was made fun of for driving 59 Chevies and Cadillacs around in the 80s when they were pennies. I smile to myself also when I walk through the building plus no one knows where you are in an old car. I like the off star option. Ride on veteran cars.
Mom had an 85 and Dad an 86. People today are enamored with horsepower figures in the 300 to 400 range. Our Custom cruisers made due with 140hp and did fine unless you wanted to pass on a curvy 2 lane. The 260 ft/lbs of torque did more work than the 140 hp did. Smooth,quiet and good ol’ body on frame that even survived one of Dads more aggressive 2 lane passes just before Stover MO when he passed a slower driver just before a creek overpass that had the road rising up before the bridge that was maybe 60 ft long. We were airbourne the entire length of the bridge,although not more than a ft off the ground the entire length. We came down with a boom and a cloud of Dads cigarette ashes/butts in the large ashtray. I dnt expect too many Custom Cruiser owners could make the same claim
Did you mean an 88 and 98 ??? lol
Most of us understood him to be mentioning the model years of his parents’ Custom Cruisers… (lol)
I knew someone who had an ’88 98.
Buy it, drive it and keep up with the repairs. Repair any rust, repaint as you wish. Bet you could even find a body shop capable of emulating the wood grain decals in paint.
When the 307 inevitably gives up the ghost, this is a great candidate for the 94-96 LT1 or an LS crate engine. I have known several people who had these 307 Oldsmobile engines. Let’s just say it’s not as reliable as the earlier engines, except for the Diesels. Nothing can be that bad.
Your dad is up there among the heroes. Maybe only a foot up there, but up there. Mad props.
Tin worm inhabited.
My neighbor in Richmond, Texas was a ford dealer. He told me to go order any Ford and I had to only pay $100.00 over. I ordered a Country Squire and I sat with the list of options and checked every one. I ordered it in Bittersweet and this color went good with the wood grain. I often had heavy loads and the air suspension option was great for what was often a 1500 lb. load. I had this wagon in various parts of Mexico and all over Texas delivering casting samples and foundry patterns. I also purchased a Crown Vic in silver with a dark blue top. This was also well equipped, but I passed on the leather.