Vehicle Description
1976 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Station Wagon
The Custom Cruiser nameplate was introduced by Oldsmobile in 1940,
as the division introduced formal names for its vehicles for the
first time, introducing the flagship Custom Cruiser 90. For 1941,
the model line was offered with both inline-6 and inline-8 engines,
with Oldsmobile renaming it as the Custom Cruiser 96 and Custom
Cruiser 98. For 1942, the Custom Cruiser 96 was dropped, leaving
the 98 as the flagship Oldsmobile. Dropping the Custom Cruiser name
after 1947, the 98, (later renamed Ninety-Eight), remained on the
C-body chassis through its 1996 discontinuation. For the 1971 model
year, General Motors reintroduced full-size station wagons to
Oldsmobile, (for the first time since 1964). In place of the
previous Fiesta nameplate used for Oldsmobile station wagons, the
division revived the Custom Cruiser, slotting it above the A-body
Vista Cruiser wagon. Sharing a body with the Buick Estate and
Pontiac Safari ,(Grand Safari), the Custom Cruiser was slightly
longer than Chevrolet Impala/Caprice station wagons.
Prior to downsizing the full-size Custom Cruiser the following
year, the original owner ordered this car with the works. It is one
of approximately 12,269 units built with both 3rd row seating and
woodgrain applique on the huge long sides. Obviously knowing full
well that the factory was shutting down the line very soon to
retool for the smaller 1977 version, this car was one of the last
large Custom Cruisers off the line and most likely one of very few
still surviving.
Exterior
Believed to be the original exterior paint, it is in very
well-preserved condition, with just a few chips, some dulled areas,
and road rash particularly on the lower panels behind the wheels.
As noted, the car is finished in what appears to be the factory
application of Buckskin and the expansive application is only
broken up by the wood applique panels on the sides, making it
another rare feature. The chrome all around including the roof rack
are as nice as it gets. A nifty clamshell rear window and door
opening closing makes loading a full sheet of 4x8 plywood a breeze
with nothing to get into your way on the threshold. The door goes
down and the window disappears into the roof. Just the curved
greenhouse style glass on this car is worth the price of
admission.
Interior
A swing of any of the 4 doors reveals seating for 9 passengers, can
be folded flat to throw in whatever, and then some. The faux
leather seats, carpeting and floor mats are in very nicely
preserved original condition throughout the interior. The door
panels present with wrinkling of the stitched vinyl and cracking of
the padded armrests. Brushed aluminum inserts hold the power window
and lock toggles as well as the driver's remote mirror joystick. A
sprawling 30/70 split bench stretches from front door to front door
with the driver's 30% section being powered. Another split bench
resides in the 2nd row and just behind in the "way back" is a 2+2
style bench seat providing even more seating room. The wood
applique faced dash is all original, has no cracks or chips within
the applique and presents as very clean. A carpeted cover protects
the dash topper that has already succumbed to UV rays and shows
cracks peeking out from under the carpeted topper. The car has A/C,
a factory clock and the original AM radio is in place as is the CB
radio. Toggles for the electric clamshell rear glass and door are
in dash central and actuating them is quite a sight to witness as
the rear sectionsmove independently into the body. Lightly faded
and soiled carpet floods the floors of all 3 rows, and a tight tan
headliner hangs above.
Drivetrain
Ordered with the 455ci V8 complete with heavy duty electrical
components, an oil cooler and heavy-duty radiator this engine is
incredible for being original and never out of the car. A single
4-barrel carburetor is atop the big 8, and a TH400 3-speed
automatic is bolted on the back of the mill. A 10-bolt and 2.73
gears are on this rear configuration. All correct and all looking
fab with just the right amount of patina and age.
Undercarriage
Slight surface rust mostly from bottoming out and a little from age
is present but nothing remarkable. Heavy duty shock absorbers for
the independent coil spring suspension up front, and leaf springs
on the rear, all in ship shape and working beautifully. Power disc
brakes upfront and power drums are saved for the rear. Factory
style single exhaust allows the big 455 cuber to exhale
efficientlyand effectively.
Drive-Ability
Talk about a smooth cruiser, this car can compete with the best of
the smooth riders. As with all the weight, and length, it turns
well, lumbers a bit, but it's a 9-passenger wagon with lots of HD
add ons. Nice acceleration, plenty of power to pull into moving
traffic, and brakes are very grabby (in a good way). We noted a few
frowns on our drive but nothing detrimental. The power windows,
while operational are a bit slow, the clock didn't keep time and
our ears were alerted to a few exhaust leaks.
Big big Detroit iron, possibly at its largest as the gas crisis was
on its way out like a jailhouse on wheels, and this size was going
to go by the wayside the very next year. Lovingly cared for and
tended to as needed with original paint and room for 9. Suburbia
never looked so good.
3R45T6X190482
3-Oldsmobile
R-Custom Cruiser
45-Station Wagon, 3rd Row Seating
T-455ci V8 4bbl
6-1976
X-Fairfax, KS Assy Plant
190482-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 76 3BR45-1976 Custom Cruiser Station Wagon, 3rd Row Seating
BDY X248870-Fairfax Body #
TR 640-Doeskin Vinyl
PNT 65L 65U-Buckskin
05C-3rd Week May
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.
