1969 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser - 400CID - Aztec Metalic

Price: - Item location: Rogers City, Michigan, United States
Description:

1969 Oldsmobile Other

1969 Vista Cruiser 400CID.Aztec Metallic paint in good condition.No rust, except in bottom of rear (third seat) foot well. For the lovers of big engine station wagons this is a classic.Dad was a collector and had an eye for cars with lasting style.He was also a driver's education teacher in a small northern Michigan town making him one of 4 or 5 teachers preaching careful and slower driving to 15 year old wannabe drivers.His Corvette probably holds a record for the lowest average speed of any Corvette.I expect he was as gently on this wagon.

He apparently purchased this car from someone in New Mexico (there is a White Sands military base sticker and sun bleaching to upholstery) sometime in the 1980's when he was in his 60's.I am told by folks around town that he used the car to assist elderly members of the town, his church and his clubs who no longer drove, to get functions, medical appointments etc.He apparently stored this car as soon as it snowed didn't bring it out again until the roads were safe to drive on, i.e. free of salt.From receipts I have seen, for many years the car was stored in a rented locker year starting in 1999.The car seems to have shifted between lockers until I found it in 2014.

This car has approximately 106,000 miles.The 400 CID engine with four-barrel carb runs strong.In 2014-15 I used this car as a summer backup car when I was visiting.Recently I had the ignition wiring, plugs and battery replaced. The engine wants to get up and go, although the shocks say no.I think it is a bit more boat-like than original.A manual choke was added at some point.

While the car has been in Michigan car for thirty years, it is without salt damage.Rusting is found in a small area in rear underdeck compartment (for passenger feet in 7 passenger version which this is not).The tailgate just goes down - not the optional two way gate.Rocker panels and doors are clean.Minor body defects are a couple of dents the rear bumper.Internal bending in the rear underdeck compartment indicates there has been damage to the rear which has been repaired. I will share additional pictures that will show that sign of prior damage.Rear window needs some work.Checked the motor and it works.I will leave it to the new owner to reassemble.All parts are included as shown in pictures.

Interior upholstery is solid - no rips, split seams, or worn through spots.Upholstery shows signs of sun bleaching that are significant.Door panels are in good condition.The plastic panels covering the door posts are crumbling (also sun damage).Floors and rear decking are solid.Carpet needs to be replaced throughout.

All tailgate parts including chrome pieces for tailgate and screws have been retained.

Radio does not work and the cover to the ashtray is missing. Hairline crack in forward "Vista" window.

With a little cleaning and putting the floor mats in place and you would look sharp on the road.For those wanting the inside as sharp as the outside, new carpeting is needed.