Having been a staple at Buick dealers since 1940, the Estate took a snooze after 1964, not to return until 1970. This absence provided the Sport Wagon an opportunity to serve as the sole luxury-oriented station wagon in the Buick lineup during this period, which was the corporate equivalent of the popular Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, featuring those cool skylights on the roof to help pass the miles faster for the rear occupants. This 1969 model here on Craigslist is said to have been hibernating in a barn since 1982, with the seller determined to pocket $4,500, or back into storage it goes until he can restore it himself. If this one’s your dream wagon project, it’s located in Clatskanie, Oregon, and please join us in thanking reader Curvette for finding it and sending in the tip!
Probably the best news outside is that this Sports Wagon is pretty much complete, with most of the trim still present, including those portholes in the fenders to let everyone know you’re behind the wheel of a Buick. The only items I spotted missing are the red lenses from the quarter panels and the top part of the grille, along with the factory wheels. Fortunately, the seller is adamant that there is absolutely no rust, so while the sheet metal is likely solid, there are a few sections that will need to be ironed out. I’m a bit torn on whether I’d respray the body in the same color, which was well-liked for the time, or if choosing something a little more exhilarating might make me happier in the long run.
As a youngster, I remember that a roll of gray duct tape was often on my Dad’s shopping list when he went to K-Mart, as it was once considered a fix-all for just about anything. Somebody in the Buick’s past had the same mindset, as the faithful stripped adhesive has been used to mend the front seat and one spot on the headliner. However, aside from some wear or a spill in the far back of the cargo area, the remainder of the interior appears to be in good condition overall. The rear sun visors for the top glass are missing, but most of the other components inside are still present.
The 350 was available with a 2 or 4-barrel carburetor in 1969, and fortunately, this one’s equipped with the larger unit, according to the sticker on the air cleaner. It would be nice to find a 400 in the bay, which would have provided a satisfying 345 HP to haul the family around, but the 350-4 was rated at 280, not a bad number for long-distance travel either. The motor isn’t running, but the seller states it will still turn, and also claims that it was operating when the vehicle was parked. With some bodywork and mechanical tinkering, this could turn into a fun cruiser, and I’m feeling the positives outweigh the negatives on this 1969 Buick Sports Wagon. What do you think?
It’s a cool wagon for sure. I like seeing them fixed both ways, stock or modified and hope this gets back on the road. No rust is a huge bonus.
And Mike, to comment on the roll of duct tape. I’ve often referred to Duct Tape as “A roll of 50,000 mile extended warranty ” lol.
I enjoyed your write up. Thank you.
You and my late father would have gotten along very well! Thanks for reading!
Lol. Thank you for the compliment Mike. And thank you for all the work writing. I know it takes time to research and get everything together and I truly do appreciate it. And I’m sure theres a lot of people here who would agree.
100%
I’ve joined the 21st century, and have replaced the tried and true duct tape with the more modern Gorilla Tape for my seat recovering needs. It just sticks better on the tractor seats in the cold weather!
I need to try Gorilla Tape. But I was very disappointed with some duct tape. They have an 800 number that I called because it did not stick well at all. It turned out that I had bought the “Basic” Duck brand, evidently a down grade from the old fashion tape. They mailed me the “regular” Duck tape. It is better but not great. Maybe they make one to compete with Gorilla?
We’ve seen rougher models go for $6000-there was one that was not as nice as this one sold in Maine about this time of year for $15000. A little TLC will really make this good looking wagon (a favorite model year besides).
Someone should grab this and get it straight then leave it as is. Heck, it’s even got the stock radio still in it!
That’s Buick’s version of the Olds Vista Cruiser, without the fake wood trim. Look out for those little windows, if they don’t leak now they will as the roof rusts. This one almost looks like it’s been auto-crossed. Big wheels and a lift? It’s not even a beater with a heater in its present condition since it doesn’t run.
Seems like a pretty fair price if it truly is rust free. If someone is going the modified route they won’t care if it doesn’t run. It looks complete, which matters on cars which aren’t common, tracking down missing parts will get expensive quickly especially if you factor in shipping. I’d be surprised if a buyer doesn’t come along relatively quickly.
Steve R
Zero rust is always a plus but the passenger side is going to need some metal work. Was it put in the barn after an accident? Still a cool wagon and you could just get it running in a safe condition and drive. Good conversation piece at cars and coffee.
The seller admits he has never heard the car run. After a maintenance-free 43 years making this car reliable and roadworthy can be a task.
Being rust-free appears to be a selling point until the amount of body work is considered. The two forward doors look OK but below the beltline all the other panels need some massaging. Some serious panel beating will be required.
If I was in the market I’d keep looking.
27 years ago I had one of these with a 400 and swapped out the goodies from a California GS to make a GSportwagon. Wish I still had it.
looks solid and a fair price. shame its so far away. buy it lose the ghetto wheels put some factory 15×7 rally wheels on it clean it up and cruise it
I had 68 and 69 2 door hardtops. I don’t remember the 69 having vent windows.. Are the wagons different OR am I loosing it ??
Yes, wagons and 4dr sedan versions of the 69 Special still had vent windows. They also had “exposed” wipers (not under the hood), and consequently different wiper switches than cars with “depressed park” wipers. So many cars had small details that you learn (sometimes the hard way) and only come into play once you have one of these cars.
Very tempting price for someone with solid metal skills to work on the passenger side. Two other things …1) lower the stance a bit and put on some Buick mags with redline tires, 2) add more duct tape to the seats to create a symmetrical stripe.
mom had a 68-sport wagon 400 4bbl. That I used to borrow for the drive in thank God that cars can’t talk
VERY nice had I not found my super2022 Bronco Wildtrac THIS would be great for me as is.
concealed wipers were an option on all A bodies 68-72. i have changed them over on a few cars as look much cleaner
I had a 1970 Olds Vista Cruiser that I loved (except for the MPG!) I got plenty of compliments on it and wish I could have kept it.