The Vista Cruiser actually was a cool car. Based on the Cutlass platform, it looked good and, depending how it was equipped, could perform very well. Options included the Oldsmobile "Rocket" 455 V8 and a 4 speed manual with a floor mounted shifter. (I don't know what engine the car my dad brought home that weekend had in it, but I know it didn't have a floor mounted 4 speed. I'd have remembered that.) If you knew what boxes to check on the GM options list, you could, for all intents and purposes, create a station wagon version of a 4-4-2. How cool is that? (Even a fiberglass "performance" hood, complete with hold-down pins, was available from Oldsmobile.)
One of the other neat features of the Vista Cruiser was the tailgate. It opened two different ways. You could drop it down like a regular tailgate, or open it from the side like a door. When you used it in "door mode" a little piece of the bumper stayed attached to the door, exposing a built-in step that made it easier to get in and out of the cargo area.This Vista Cruiser appears to be in very nice condition. The 350 V8 was rebuilt 8000 miles ago. The seller says the body is rust free.
Located in St. Petersburg, FL, click here to see the eBay listing.The starting bid price for this Vista Cruiser is over $13,000.00. That's very high and I would expect this car to be pretty close to perfect for that kind of money.
If perfection doesn't matter to you, or you don't mind a project, cheaper ones can be found. There is 1971 Vista Cruiser with a 455 in it listed on Craigslist for $3000.00. The seller unfortunately gives little information and included just 2 pictures.Click here to see the ad.
