There is no doubt that time and the elements can be kinder to some vehicles than to others, and while it hasn’t been as unfriendly as it could have been to this 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser, it has still inflicted its share of damage. Barn Finder local_sheriff has really had the radar going strong for us lately, so thank you so much for referring the Oldsmobile to us. You will find it located in Stockton, California, and listed for sale here on eBay. The BIN price has been set at $3,450, but the option is there to make an offer.

It’s a bit hard to know where to start with the Olds because there’s plenty to talk about. Starting with rust, the owner says that there is some present in the floors, along with the rear pan. He suggests that all of these will need to be replaced. It also looks like the lower quarter panel on the driver’s side has been patched at some point, with rust also showing in the bottom corner of the front door on the same side. The Baroque Gold paint is showing the signs of age, and a repaint will also be on the cards. The wood-grain is also looking very tired, and at least one piece of the distinctive top glass has some pretty severe cracking.

Once the next owner has tackled the panels and paint, it will be time to look inside the vehicle and to once again compile a long list of work that is going to be required. The dash and pad look quite good, while the vehicle is fitted with factory air conditioning.  But then things go downhill in a real hurry. The seats are going to need new covers, the doors will need new trims, while the floors will need new carpets. I guess that while we’re at it, we might as well add new trims in the back, and a new headliner should also go onto the list. I mean, come on, it isn’t much…if you say it fast. The fact is that in reality, we’re talking about replacing virtually every piece of interior trim. It’s a lot of work, but on the plus side, the car will look brand new once it’s done, which it effectively will be.

If you’ve been holding your breath for some good news, then I can finally provide some. With a 350ci V8 engine, TH-400 transmission, a 10-bolt rear end, power steering, and power disc brakes, the Oldsmobile is said to be in top mechanical health. The owner says that the car runs and drives and that the motor appears to be strong. It sounds like the next owner will need to spend little on the mechanical components of the car. This is a blessing because it looks like there is going to be plenty to spend elsewhere on the car.

The list of work that is going to be required to return this 1972 Vista Cruiser to pristine condition might seem overwhelming, but the big question is whether it is justified in this case. It’s worth considering that classic wagons are continuing to grow in popularity, and this is a trend that shows no signs of slowing. Therefore, there is a pretty good chance that values will also continue to increase. Today it is virtually impossible to find a nice ’72 Vista Cruiser for under $24,000, so you have to wonder what prices they will command in another 5-years time. With those sorts of potential values and a BIN price of $3,450, this is a restoration project that would seem to make a lot of sense.