Thanks to Charles H for sending a link to this beautiful 1968 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser for sale here on eBay with a BIN price of $21,900 (offers accepted.) Since the seller has the original window sticker, we know this car was sold originally in Lenoir, North Carolina at Bush Oldsmobile, where the original price, with fairly extensive options was $4,879.90.

Amazingly, according to the seller, a dealer specializing in collector cars located in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, this Vista Cruiser has mostly original paint and the pictures seem to back up that claim.

The wood grain is in incredible condition, and the car shows only 86,832. In addition, it appears the interior is all original and also in nearly perfect condition.

As the dealer states, it’s pretty much in “unbelievable condition.” I’ve been a member of the Oldsmobile Club of America since 1977 and have looked at quite a few Vista Cruisers – this is one of the most original of this year and model I have seen.

While the body and interior are original, the dealer claims that thousands of dollars have been spent making sure the mechanicals are perfect, and therefore the car should be fully driveable and (we hope) completely reliable. You can call the dealer for a list of the work done. The pictures show a very clean 350 engine. It’s not stated whether the air conditioning is functional.

This is a pretty nicely optioned Vista Cruiser. 1968 was the first year of the new Olds body style that ran through 1972 and helped the Cutlass to become an American icon.

Vista Cruisers were first offered in 1964, along with the Buick Sport Wagon with a raised rear roof and roof skylight windows, and this model, offered with either seating for six or nine, proved to be extremely popular.  Through 1970, the Vista Cruiser was the largest wagon Oldsmobile manufactured and in 1968, Oldsmobile sold 22,768 three row 9 passenger Vista Cruisers.

This example features the SS I factory “mag” wheels, which are very attractive, but are not original to this car (the window sticker says it came with deluxe wheel covers.) While it is certainly pricey, this car stands out for its overall originality and mechanical condition.

Vista Cruisers from this era are relatively common, but station wagons were usually driven hard and abused by the families that owned them, which certainly makes this one very desirable. What do you think it’s worth? Regardless of price, this is a very attractive car.

If you like these cars, there’s a fantastic story from Car and Driver magazine from July, 1968 that is a must read here. Oldsmobile put together an awesome fire-breathing 455 big block equipped Vista Cruiser, and C&D took it for a ride. Big fun.

I for one am ready to hop in this car and load up my family for a road trip. If someone wants to get this for me for my next birthday, that is.