For Sale: 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser Station Wagon

"There were a raft of changes to the Vista Cruiser for 1970. The wagon received a slightly chunkier look up front. But what made the 1970 car more interesting was the engine options. Buyers had been able to choose the 310 horsepower, 350ci version and a 400ci big block too, but then from 1970 to 1972, GM offered a 365 horsepower, big block 455ci V8 as the top engine. That's right, a '70s wagon with 365 horsepower and around 500lbft of torque." Hotcars.com

For consignment, a 1970 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser station wagon showing 53,394 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This cruiser is appropriately named as it easily cruised across the country and drives great on the highway, according to our consignor. But of course, the now legendary Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is just as cool when simply parked!

Exterior
Well, of course it's gold!Its original color, Burnished Gold, now presents in two stage application for a time when earth tones were more popular than silver is today! But it wouldn't be a family wagon without the woodgrain applique on the entire lower half of the car; so epic, so period and such an homage to woodie wagons of the early part of the century. And while the front retains the familiar face of A-bodied Oldsmobiles, it's the profile that is now worth the price of gold, the groundbreaking raised roof with tinted tempered glass that provides an aerodynamic dome that allows for stargazing on those long family trips, and sunlight through the elongated windows for road games during the day. The vertical tail lights split wide, riding the corner of the back while the dual opening tailgate presents the Oldsmobile logo in a woodgrain panel. 15-inch Oldsmobile Super Stock II wheels are on board here in gold and body trim and the window reveals shine with polished metals. Imperfections include chips, inclusions, spots of rust near an edge, evident lead filler, a scratch, deglazing of roof window, edge wear, surface rust and light pitting on bumper and a rusted scuff and scratches on both bumpers, surface rust and corrosion on rocker panels, and flaking plating on bumper tailgate handle.

Interior
Saddle vinyl with button ornamentation, stitched pattern and bright trim adorn the door panels with the armrest of the driver showing wear but all others presenting nicely. From there, it's a massive front bench, a 70/30 split in the second row, and a front facing third row, abbreviated by the inner walls and wheel wells. They're all in saddle vinyl and looking good as it was redone in the 90's. A four spoke steering wheel is a step beyond pedestrian and so is the tach mounted to the side. Beyond that, faux burlwood frames the GM standard circle gauges and clock up ahead, along with nickel faced lever panels and other switchgear. There's an updated AM/FM/Cassette radio and a twin gauge pod added to the dash, along with a bungee cord in lieu of a glove box knob. The brown carpet looks good on the floor and the headliner is in good shape. The way back shows some use and the rear seat can be folded down for additional storage.

Drivetrain
Here we find a period correct 455ci with 3 2-barrel carburetors, backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission routing power the 12 bolt rear axle with 2.73 gears. The engine bay presents in driver quality appearance and the block and valve covers are bright gold.

Undercarriage
Driver quality here with plenty of soot, residual oil, and typical surface rust. Dual exhaust travels through stock style mufflers before exiting out back and coil springs are found front and rear with a 4 link assist in back. Brakes are configured as power discs in front and power drums in back.

Drive-aAbility
The big V8 and its three carburetors fire up and we roll this legendary wagon onto the test loop where it performs well. We are on 30 year old tires so keep it short and find the right rear window does not work from the master switch on the driver's door. But that's the only thing not working and we can't wait to get this one on the showroom floor. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

Yep, no cell phones or DVD players to keep us busy, just the sun, sky, and celestial attractions to keep us busy. This was the ultimate family car, great for vacations or carpools to school. It was cool in 1970 and about 10 times cooler today, primarily because of its limited run and relative scarcity. This is a great example. We don't expect to be here long.

348650M197353

3-Oldsmobile
48-Vista Cruiser
65-Station Wagon, 3 Row Seating
0-1970
M-Lansing, MI Assy Plant
197353-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 70 34866-1970 Vista Cruiser 3 Row Station Wagon
BDY LAN298698-Lansing Body #
TR 309-Saddle Vinyl Bench
PNT 58 58-Burnished Gold
11C-3rd Week November

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!