1977 Olds Vista Cruiser Station Wagon For Sale CA

This 1977 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser Station Wagon represents the Rocket Division’s interpretation of GM’s intermediate-size “Colonnade” wagon body. Stout pillars and frameless door glass were hallmarks of the Colonnades, which were developed to cope with federal rollover standards that never materialized. Besides occupant protection, GM used computers to select springs that would deliver the desired compromise between good handling and a compliant ride. Olds’ factory literature said: “Deep down, Vista Cruiser has a get-tough policy that wagon owners love.”

According to the seller, this is a “one California-family-owned Vista Cruiser wagon.” The “owner’s parents purchased the car new,” he says, and it “still retains the original California ‘pink slip’ title.” Today, the wagon is “rarely driven,” so it’s being offered for sale. The odometer registers 81,445 miles, but the seller feels it “rolled over” after covering the first 100,000 miles.

POWERTRAIN
A 350-cu.in. OHV “Rocket” V8 powers this Oldsmobile. Its cylinder block and heads are made of cast iron, while a Rochester four-barrel carburetor supplies fuel and air. When new, the factory rated the engine at 170 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The seller believes the engine to be original and remarks that it “starts right up.” A “new carb and ignition” were “installed in January 2023,” he says, going on to mention that it has “no leaks.” Power is sent to the rear axle via a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, which “shifts fine, without issues,” in his view.

EXTERIOR
The seller says, “The car received a repaint in 1997,” which he feels is “holding up fairly well for its age.” Based on the provided photos, it would appear the wagon is finished in evenly applied Buckskin Metallic, which retains moderate gloss. “There are some chips noticeable. One dime-size chip in the passenger’s-side front/top fender. The rear passenger’s-side door was backed into in the past. It was repaired but not aligned properly so that the door cannot be opened from the outside for some reason but can be opened from the inside easily,” he says. Photos seem to show some deterioration of the paint finish on the rear plastic filler panel between the bumper and the body of the wagon, below the tailgate. The glass is “all good,” in the seller’s view, while rubber weather seals are “showing their age in places.” The seller says, “There is a section of rubber missing on the driver’s side door.” Photos seem to indicate that the body side molding on the rear passenger’s-side quarter panel is misaligned and that there may be some overspray on the tailgate weather seal. Panel fit between the hood and the top of the front fascia appears inconsistent. There is “no visible rust,” according to the seller, and exterior lighting is said to function.

INTERIOR
The seller feels that the Oldsmobile’s tan vinyl seat upholstery is “showing wear from age.” Photos appear to confirm his observation. The car retains its “original carpeting, which is worn,” and there is a “rip in the driver’s side by the door,” he says. Photos appear to show deterioration of the dash pad and cargo area trim panels. The wagon’s gauges are all described as working properly, while the factory-style AM/FM stereo turns on but only receives static. The dome light, heat, and air conditioning are said not to work. The “manual windows function properly, except the back passenger’s window rolls down but is difficult to get back up,” says the seller.

CHASSIS
This Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is of body-on-frame construction with independent front suspension and a live rear axle. According to the seller, the suspension system is in good order. “New shocks were installed in May 2022,” he says. Underbody photos appear to show only superficial corrosion. The vacuum-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes were “checked and work properly,” according to the seller. The wagon’s power recirculating-ball steering is described as “not displaying any undue lack of precision,” having been serviced as required.

The car appears to have a set of 15-inch steel wheels with full-width wheel covers bearing an Oldsmobile logo. The tires appear to be 235/70R15 Hankook Mileage Plus II whitewalls, of an unspecified age. DOT date codes are not visible in the provided photos.

DOCUMENTATION
The seller states that this vehicle will provide a clean and open California title for the proper transfer of ownership of this vehicle. This 1977 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is being presented as a one-family-owned California car. The car will be sold with documentation of repairs carried out and a recent California emissions (smog) certificate.

For additional information please phone Dave Henry at 805 705-4924