When it comes to station wagons, America is pretty tough to beat for crafting the ultimate version of a family hauler. The Europeans refined the concept by making wagons entertaining to drive in addition to hauling more cargo than a sedan, but the Big 3 made long-roof models that could cruise for days in quiet, air-conditioned comfort. This 1985 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser is probably the least frequently seen of the three wagon siblings from GM, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $8,500.
When I lived in Rhode Island, I had a neighbor in the town of Warwick who owned each version of GM’s big-body, three-row cruiser. He clearly had an affinity for the model segment and drove each one regularly. However, he always bemoaned the fact that the Oldsmobile had lost its grill at some point on the passenger side and that it was a surprisingly hard part to come by (or perhaps he wasn’t looking that hard.) Regardless, it made sense considering you see the Chevrolet version of the same model far more often than you see the Olds or the Buick variety.
Another reason this wagon stands out is for the color scheme. Fern green wasn’t exactly a popular color in the 1980s (it did, however, explode in popularity in the 90s), so to see a domestic model in this shade of paint with the interior to match is a rare combo indeed. The seller notes it has some typical headliner sagging to deal with, but a competent upholstery shop should be able to remedy that pretty quick. The Olds also comes generously equipped with power features, cruise control, and working A/C.
Mileage is on the low side at 58,000 and the seller also claims it was never used in winter. Considering it’s listed for sale in Syracuse, New York, one of the harshest places on earth for a vintage vehicle (or a new one, for that matter), it’s impressive that a previous owner took care to keep this Oldsmobile off the road in the months when the highway department coated the town in salt. It doesn’t get much more nostalgic than an old wagon, so give this Olds a look if you’re on the hunt for an estate-bodied cruiser that will cost pennies to maintain.
Gorgeous, that’s how the family traveled before minivan’s swamped us. Surprisingly no tilt but i do see the numerals for the semi automatic a/c that was the hallmark for olds. This is a nice example that needs a good detailing inside and a new set of floormats. A nice cleaning and a can of black spray for the air cleaner and engine compartment will bring this one to spec.
Yes – a few odd option boxes that weren’t checked: tilt wheel, split front seat, and the roof rack, Gorgeous, and rare, color combo.
It’s also woodgrain-free, there was a high take rate for that on these midprice-brand big wagons.
These cars used to be everywhere in it’s day. I hope it finds a good home where it’s well preserved and enjoyed for what it is.
I have an 87 in blue, I haven’t driven it in 12 years.
If I can not get this one. Would you like to sell yours?
Not right now. It is dry stored and has only 72,000 miles on it. This was supposed to replace my 87 square box Caprice but I love the darn Caprice and it gets really cranky if I don’t drive it. I guess it is afraid it will not be loved or it is jeleous of the other cars…lol
In Canada at least, it was 4 siblings of GM wagons as we also had the Pontiac Parisienne along with the offerings from Oldsmobile, Buick and Chevy.
Be still my heart! I’ll be the guy doing 60 in the right lane. These huff and puff trying to keep up at today’s speeds.
Install a proper dual exhaust system and that will solve your problem. These things were all geared for fuel economy. They are just loafing along at 60 miles per hour.
Jack, you are spot on! I had a good used ’81 Caprice sedan & having a set of duals installed made a big difference for sure.
Right on Jack! Some shorty headers would be even better and would add minimal noise to the system.
I went to college near Syracuse 78-80 and everyone that owned a decent car had a winter beater too. Most beaters had huge rust holes and were driven from October till the last snow. It doesn’t surprise me that someone kept this, it’s a beautiful specimen. GLWS
2.73 gear std issue. The good Dr Olds offered a livelier 3.08 and 3.23 ring and pinion ⚙️
Add a 3.23 and a dual exhaust 🙌🏁 😎
Be a great cruiser, came with 4spd OD autoloader trans.
Had a 83 D88 . That was one of the best running vehicles I’ve ever owned. Seriously, maintenance was it. Never had a single issue with it. Had the 5.0 Olds in it 4bbl. Bought it new. People call the crap now days innovation,but think back, those were the best cars and trucks over my lifespan, good mileage to boot. Nothing but recalls these days.
I suppose the replacement issue with the split grille pieces was that Olds changed their detail texture almost every year, a pro-forma holdover from the days of soaping the windows for the new model year.