In some circles, the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is a classic station wagon because of its raised roof and unique skylights. It was built between 1964 and 1972 on a mid-size platform. However, Buick sold the same type of period transporter called the Sport Wagon, using the same roof treatment. This second-year edition looks good, but the seller is short on presentation here on Facebook Marketplace. Located in Batavia, Ohio, you can take this styling people mover home for $16,000. Thanks for another interesting tip, “Ted.”
Besides the unique roofline, the Sport Wagon rode on a slightly longer wheelbase than its other Buick contemporary, the Skylark wagon. Production covered three generations and ended with the “Colonnade” redesign for all of GM’s intermediates in 1973. The Sport Wagon enjoyed its best sales year in 1965 (when the seller’s wagon was built) at more than 28,000 units.
This wagon looks solid though the photos could be better. The two-tone paint seems like it may be a redo though the six-passenger interior looks original. We don’t know the mileage of this Buick or if any major work has been needed over its 60-year lifespan. A 300 cubic inch V8 resides under the hood (no pics), and it’s paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. The only mechanical issue is that the air conditioning compressor needs to be replaced.
We’re told this is a “get in and drive it anywhere” type of car but a little more convincing is needed. For example, what about the tires? Are they date-coded versus having a sufficient amount of tread? You don’t want to show up in Ohio to drive it home only to have to leave it in a nearby garage getting a list of things sorted out.
Classy looking long roof. Love the two tone.
If the air conditioning compressor needs to be replaced then more of the AC system does as well due to contamination from the compressor failure. Not to mention the 60-year-old AC hoses if still original.
My family owned a 67 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser which was similar to this with the same Super Turbine 300 2 speed tranny although ours had a 330CID V8. Comfortable especially on the annual vacation trips from Florida to Wisconsin. Ours was prone to rust along the top windows even though it was garage kept, simonized regularly ( who remembers Vista Simonize?) and we only washed it with plane water, no soap. Still the lacquer paint shined as if it had a clear coat. It was hard on Transmissions, u-joints and rear wheel bearings but still a fun solid car. Wish I had bought it from my folks before they traded it on a Mercedes diesel during the energy crisis of 1973. Highway fuel economy was in the 14mpg range. This Buick is a beauty!
How difficult would it have been to step back and have the entire car in the photos?
I know , right?
Could it be he was on the edge of a cliff? LOL!
LOVE Buicks and this one is a classic. A similar olds beat my 54 Buick in a car show
forgot to ask about the about the mileage
worth every penny,love the style ,,cheaper than lot of wagons out there
Very fine wagon, wish I knew the milage I’m quite interested.
Well the listing is quietly marked as “pending” so you probably missed this one…???
PENDING???? as in sales pending???? what is the mileage?
Still very interested, BUT WHAT IS THE MILAGE??? I keep asking.