Vehicle Description
1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
At one point in America's automotive history, the station wagon
defined the typical modern, middle-class family. For more than 40
years, we trusted it to get us where we needed to go, to haul what
needed to be hauled. And when it finally petered out, the station
wagon left an indelible imprint on the future of automotive design.
Station wagons in America bring to mind the gas-guzzling behemoth
glorified in movies like National Lampoon's Vacation; the unsexy
byproduct of American families' summer road trips; nightmares to
teenagers and the rite-of-passage to middle-aged parenthood.
For consignment, a project car if you will. Plenty of invasive rust
around all the edges, lower doors, and lots of areas of peeling,
chipping, and touchups that are not matching. The interior has been
ravaged by time and will need a redux.
Exterior
Citation Bronze covers the steel panels which have surface rust
virtually at every turn on all edges. Fit and finish as to gaps is
decent with slight misalignment of panels. Chrome is delaminating
itself of chrome finish and also has dimpling. Matching 15-inch
Olds super stock wheels are noted on all 4 corners. Lots of steel
to pay attention to. Glass is good. A roof rack is present as is a
working sunroof.
Interior
Someone left a honey badger out of its cage and it was able to
spend time inside the front seat of this car. Actually, time has
worn off the saddle colored vinyl of the front split bench with an
armrest in the middle. 2 count 'em 2 more rows of seats will allow
this car to accommodate 8 comfortably, however if its kids you are
hauling, make it 9. This includes the rear facing 3rd row, which as
kids was used to harass the car behind you making funny faces and
interacting with those behind you. All these seats fold away, and a
massive carpeted flat area can haul the goods if need be. The
plastic interior panels are scratched and scraped, and the original
dash shows wear, with wood applique, and chromed trim that has
corrosion. Carpet has some spotting and is a gold color.
Drivetrain
Definitely the money shot on this car, with its gleaming fully
restored 455ci V8 which is original to this car. An Edelbrock
Torker II Intake, and Quadrajet carb all in near perfect and shiny
condition. TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is present behind
the engine, and a 10-bolt rear is on back.
Undercarriage
The main frame and rockers appear to have been restored to
structurally sound and nicely painted black condition. Floorpans
are in great shape, and the only issue noted is there was a slight
hit right behind the passenger rear quarter panel, and the
undercarriage has pulled away as a result. Power discs upfront and
power drums on the rear, and a new Magnaflow exhaust (dual) is seen
working its way rearward.
Drive-Ability
Despite its exterior and interior flaws, this car runs beautifully.
It starts quickly, has great acceleration, and drives and rides
very smoothly. All working components are there, and it is a great
family cruiser.
I can see the appeal of a large wagon as such for the large family,
especially one that spends time together, (like we used to) going
on trips, and adventures all together. This car gives one the
ability to do so. It will need some TLC on the cosmetic department,
but it is all still there, and a great drivetrain to work
around.
VIN Decode
3J45U4D144328
3-Oldsmobile
J-Vista Cruiser
45-4 Door Station Wagon, 3 Row Seat
U-455ci V8 4bbl Dual Exhaust
4-1974
D-Doraville, GA Assy Plant
144328-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
ST 74 3AJ35-1974 Vista Cruiser 3 Row Seating
BDY D92137-Doraville Body #
TR 969 A63-Saddle, Split Bench With Arm Rest
PNT Citation Bronze
06D-4th Week June Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
