The Ultimate Station Wagon - 1973 Olds Custom Cruiser
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- I was the short-term caretaker of this fantastic 1973 Olds Custom Cruiser. I received lots of interest and comments on a simply grainy video I made of the car a few years ago. So this is the expanded story of how I bought this car and returned it to the road after decades of storage.
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In early 1980, we had come back to the U.S. after spending 2 1/2 years overseas. My parents had to buy one of these to get to my dad's next U.S. Air Force duty station. I remember it was incredibly roomy and very comfortable inside. It was gray/silver with the red velour interior. Thanks for the video. I've been fascinated by older full size wagons ever since, regardless of make.
That is a beautiful car! I love station wagons.
Out of the 71 - 73 Olds wagons to me the 1973 model is the most exhuberant model of all three. Im impressed how an Idaho car was in such good condition. Cant believe you sold her.
I used to get a ride to school in a 1976 Olds Custom Cruiser Wagon. Fully loaded. Beautiful car. The rear rode a bit firmer than I would have liked but, it came in handy when it was fully loaded with people. It had the same self leveling rear suspension that the 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood had but, a little firmer.
Hey Wayne,
Did you have the same cool mustache, goatee and shades back then?? Lol
We had the 76 Pontiac version.. it was a Grand Safari, completely loaded and also had the load leveler air shocks. It didn't quite ride like the Cadillacs and sedans because these wagons has leaf spring shocks. I learned to drive on ours in 1977. Passed my driving test, and commuted to a local college in that car for 4 years!!
Stay Cool Brother!!
@@kevinlynch1227 Thank you. They were great cars. Gas was so cheap that no one complained except with the time it took to fill up the 28 gallon gas tanks! They were the perfect vacation cars too. I learned to drive in my mother's 1971 Monte Carlo. :)
Hey Wayne!!
You're welcome! So funny, in 1975, my parents helped my older brother buy a 1973 Monte Carlo. It was a GREAT car and I drove it occasionally, and to the Proms! His was maroon with white interior an a half white vinyl Landau roof. Had a 350 but was fast!! Huge long hood! Ran on regular leaded fuel! The girls didn't love it but I was happy with the Grand Safari because it was the sportiest of all those wagons and had the 455 4 bbl, & Pontiac Rally II Rims.
Back then, gas was under $1 for premium unleaded which was required. Otherwise the car would "put" away or put out!! (stall) lol
The Monte and the larger sedans had a bigger fuel tank then the large wagons which only had 22 gallon tanks, so 20 bucks filled the tank. Today it would be upwards of $70.
The reason the tanks were small was because the glide away tailgate took up space under the car so the tank had to go vertical, inside the left rear quarter panel. That wagon was eventually turned over to me! I drove it for 20 years, kept it dent and rust free and garaged. Should have kept it forever!! Thanks Bro, Happy New Year!!
@@kevinlynch1227 Those were the days! My uncle used to let me take his 1974 Pontiac Catalina out sometimes. It had the 400 C.I. engine. I used to think how fast that car was ---- at the time! I remember the air conditioners were better back then. They weren't "temperature-sensitive" like they are now so the compressor ran continuously while on high. It would get so cold that my teeth would chatter and I would start to shiver. Then, I'd turn it down. None of the newer cars will allow the interior to get that cold.
They rode better too!
I'd rather deal with a slightly bouncy front end and have a softer ride than deal with the stiffer springs that we now have. They were nice on a long trip. Just set the cruise at 70 MPH, throw in a Frank Sinatra tape, and float away!
The seats were more comfortable too! The seats are hard as a rock on the newer cars! I have a 2019 Cadillac XTS, a 2012 CTS4, and a 1995 DeVille. The seats on the 1995 are better on a long trip. I'm looking to buy a 1976 Fleetwood this coming Spring if everything goes as planned. It has just 50,000 miles on her. It is a very pale yellow with a matching leather interior which is like new. In my opinion, it was the ultimate long distance cruiser.
Hey Wayne
So Cool. Love talking with Ya. I got on a roll and forgot to ask about your Mom's 71 Monte. My neighbor had one in green. What color was yours/hers? Can you also tell me a about the 74 Catalina? Sedan, Coupe, Color, interior, vinyl roof?? We had a 71, 4 door Catalina Sedan in Aztec Gold which was a mix between gold and brown. It had a 350 2bbl. They traded it in for a 76 Grand Safari. The 71's were the only cars with those air vent louvers built into the trunk lids and ours leaked a bit. It was a bad design so they got rid of them in 72. The 74's were the last year for leaded fuel and then in 75 everything used unleaded. The 74's were also the only year that you had to buckle the seat belt before the car would start and people were up in arms so they discontinued that in late 74 and totally for 75. Loved the 74 Catalina, I can picture every inch of it perfectly!
Thanks Wayne Man!!!
Excellent, great and definitely outstanding job on the work, cleaning and detailing on that Antique, Classic Vintage 73 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Wagon. The interior came out spotless and the exterior came out beautifully well. The buffing & polishing of that exterior came back magnificently magnificent. Take a bow my Brother take a bow my hats 🎩 off to and two thumbs 👍🏾👍🏾 up as well. It just so happens I am a Antique, Classic and Vintage Fully Sized Beach Wagon/Station Wagons Fully Equipped, Fully Loaded Fully Powered especially when they came with the Big Block 4BBL V8 Power Plants under the Hoods with Dual Exhaust Tail Pipes. From all the Big 3. That Buick Electra Estate & That Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser from between the years 1970 & 1976 Drove, Handled & Road just like the Caddie, if not even better. Don’t get me Chrysler Town/Country Top Of The Line & The Mercury Brougham Grand Marquis LS Park Lane Wagons, because to me they damn sure were in a Class all by themselves. To this very day I still would choose and pick all Big 3 Antique, Classic and Vintage Fully Sized Beach Wagons/Station Wagons over these so called with all due respect SUV’s any day date and time.
Sincerely Yours Truly
Ivan I J🤵🏾🧔🏾👍🏾👌🏾👏🏾👔👖🧢🥾👞👟🕶👓🧢🎩🕶👓
Beautiful Blast from the Past.
Indeed it is! Thanks man.
Beautiful car.
Hey Chris. You should have kept her but I understand you were onto another project!
I learned to drive in 1977 on our 76 Pontiac Grand Safari which was completely loaded. It was kept in the garage and in mint condition for 20 years and became mine. I stupidly sold it and eventually started to miss it. I went looking and found a 76 Caprice Estate (georgious, no dents no rust.. mint interior) in the same maroonish color with wood and the red interior. It is my pride and joy!! It isn't completely loaded but has all the important options...Bumper strips and guards, tinted glass, roof rack, 3 seat, power tailgate, locks, cruise. AC and stereo. Thanks for the video and bringing her back to life. Sorry to hear the new owner repainted it after all your hard work. It looked Awsome Brother!!
Very nice car, I love the old wagons.
IMHO, that is the ultimate GM wagon. Gorgeous! Back when makes had individual
...style.
WOW! Thank you for sharing your story! I love these GM clamshell wagons!
I was driven around in one of these in my childhood (kind of a creamish, goldish color???) I loved every second of it! I always claimed the "back back" seat.... I am currently driving my children around in a Toyota Sienna All wheel drive and I have grown to love this van, kids love it too....
When I was a kid, my dad got this EXACT year car as a company car. Ours was a red, 1973, with woodgrain and red interior with a 455 engine. We only had it 2 years because he turned it in for a new 1975 blue Olds Vista Cruiser with woodgrain.
Wow, now that's a totally cool and very generous company car. Thanks for sharing!
Kudos my man. You did an excellent job. The paint you restored is beautiful, to say the least. The best part about this is, you really had something there. A true one of a kind, unique survivor. I wouldn't trade that for 4 60's Chevys. Again. Great, great job.
.... Peace.
A family would have been glad to get this brand new. Makes the long haul a pleasure. Give it Flite Fuel from Phillips 66.
My friend's Dad had one of these, neat, you take 1st gear up to around 70MPH, hit 2nd gear,....this all takes a lo of time mind you......all for about 8 MPG. Wouldn't pass up those memories for nothing.
I enjoyed this video being a old car enthusiast.
Thanks for bringing her back so nicely, sure hope the new owner appreciates the amazing time piece they have...
Thanks. I just wish I had the foresight a few years ago to capture some video of this fantastic car. She drove just like a four year old car would drive and was a pleasure. I heard from the next owner that he decided to repaint the car, which really, really shocked me. That factory paint was pretty sharp and was one of the defining traits of this original car. It was worth saving instead of painting over. Oh well, I guess. -Chris
Thanks for taking the time to put this together and share it with us! Very nice wagon!
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video on the Olds Custom Cruiser. I appreciate that and your comment too! -Chris
What a b-e-a-utiful restoration, Chris!! U rock, young man 😁🤣😃😉
Nice - mom had the same custom cruiser whilst dad had the 98 Regency Sedan
Growing up my parents ordered a new one of these in 73 in Metallic Green... my Mom drove it to work until the late 80's and then sat until like an idiot I had it hauled off to the junk yard in the late 90's.. I wish I hadnt as i would have restored it.. I was a stupid kid and didnt realize what a great car it was
What's done is done how many people scrapped these cars then bitch when they can't find one
@@kyboy5 OK Captain obvious ! STFU and let the adults speak punk
1973 was the last good year for full size GM vehicles. That is a beautiful and functional Wagon. You did a great job repairing her.
Thanks for checking out my '73 Old wagon and for your comment. I'd love for one of the manufacturers to bring back the BIG wagons instead of building more SUV's. I'm certain there are folks like me that don't want another SUV and won't drive a minivan either, but need three row seating for their family! -Chris
@@hullinger Have you seen the Buick Tour X? I know it's nowhere near the same size but it's nice to see a Wagon again. Wagon sales have been rising in the last few years, it's still small but nice to hear IMHO.
Dated April 12, 2019 for reference.
WOAH I THINK I REMEMBER SEEING THIS CAR ON CRAIGSLIST (im in idaho)
Glad to see it got a good and propper refresh from ya!
Insanely amazing! My parents bought a doppleganger of this car (same cranberry red paint, woodgrain paneling, Olds hubcaps) new in 1973. I believe it was the most expensive or second most expensive station wagon (after the Chrysler Town & Country, perhaps) that year. Living in the rust belt, I do recall that it rusted around the rear lock, and as it later had electrical problem, I attribute water leakage at that location for fouling the electrics.
Unfortunately, it was off the road about 1989, and scrapped in 1990 prior to ever being able to experincing driving it. It looked rather baroque compared to the other GM clamshell wagons, but of course everything old is new again, and I would love to be able to fix that vehicle up and drive it.
Spent lots of time in one of these when it was brand new, except it was light metallic green. My best friend's Mom had one and we got to use it at night. My friend would turn over the air cleaner cover, so when you tromped on that 455-4V engine, it roared and heads would turn!!!! Some of the looks we got were hilarious!!! You could also watch the gas gauge drop too!!! If the wagon wasn't available, we had his Dad's 73 Olds 98 Coupe. Turned the AC cover over on that one, too, just for the noise. Gas was still cheap. Both cars were "fully loaded" versions. Thanks for the trip back to fall 1973+ !!!
My gr8 aunt had the Buick version with believe it or not a 455 2bbl. She would haul some 9 + her ppl on behemoth. But, anyway you,sir did an AWESOME, BEAUTIFUL, OUTSTANDING JOB on this wagon.
Congratulations....👍👏🇺🇸
Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!
This was my fathers first ever NEW car , it was solid blue , it was a beast ... 9mpg highway ..LOL
No, sorry, it was 8 mpg....LOL....winding out 1st gear to 70 mph before maybe shifting into 2nd gear...HUGE GAS TANK in it.......
Thank you for that we had a 1972 Kingswood a lot of good Memories going cross country in the 70s in that car thanks for sharing
my first car was a 1970 Olds Vista Cruiser which ( actually it was my 5 foot tall Moms car!) which had a 455 v8 dual exhaust ...we used to put down the back window so all the wonderful exhaust woud come in the car....five kids no seat belts...my baby brother in a wicker basket and of course my dad smoked chesterfields.all the time.....i think i popped wheelies in that wagon!!..god i love cars...my dad had a cutlass convertible but i didnt get to drive it as much!
It really did clean up nice!
Thanks man. This wagon was beautiful and an amazing survivor. Thanks for checking out my video on her. -Chris
My dad had an Oldsmobile Station Wagon with a 455 engine. It was pretty fast on the take-off, but when you got going about 90-100 mph it felt like it floated down the road. However, even at 17 or 18 years old I knew that thing was bad news if you had a crash in that car at 100 mph. With all that weight at that speed it felt like you were driving a 5000 lb sled down a ski hill. With all that momentum going forward the slightest turn could be disastrous and flip you. It was like driving an unstoppable force.
Wow what a Beauty!!
I would of Never Sold her
Now that's a Cream puff
Great job keep her original!!! 👍
Oh, Lord, that was great. My fantasy cars to own are a 1972 Imperial LeBaron sedan (which I did own in 1979 and stupidly sold in 1981) and a 1972 or 73 Custom Cruiser. Both of which I look forward to parking on Manhattan streets. Thank you for posting.
Hey, thanks for the comment. I wished I had taken video of the car while under my ownership however that was before I had the foresight to record such a thing. So, all I had to share is a slideshow. Obviously we both have an affinity for large cars (Imperial and Olds CC). My last time in NYC I was in the Washington Heights area and had to pay extra for parking as the Chevy Traverse I was in was considered 'over-sized'! Hah, try one of these instead.
@@hullinger My grandparents purchased a 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser brand new and had until it was traded on a brand new 1979 Plymouth Volare wagon.
@@carlstclair-it8ij
They were supposed to trade UP-not DOWN! 😂 But I can only assume they down-sized in wagons, as a Valaré was a much smaller wagon. 👍
These were great cars!
That’s a thing of beauty!
Hey, thanks for checking out my video and for your comment. I agree that my videos should be longer. Every time I do an upload I'm surprised by how short they are; typically in the 2.5 - 3.5 minute range. I work at keeping up the pace to maintain interest. I'll also tell you that I hate, hate how videos from some others take so long to 'get on with it'. It's almost like they're fabricating and drawing out the process before the crescendo. Anyways, thanks for the comment and I'll work on it. -Chris
I agree, keep the videos relatively short and too the point...
Short is good.
@@broadmere6792
That's what my wife said! 😂😅😢
455 C.I.D, 250 h.p, with 375 lb. ft. of torque, with a THM 400 three speed auto.
better than any suv today
You should see the 1972 Mercury Marquis wagon.
Very cool wagon
Very nice clam shell!
Great JOB!
Sweet looking Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser. It's a shame that you sold it after restoring it and driving it. It'd make an awesome family car, even today. I've always GM cars of the early 70s. My favourites are Oldsmobile and Buick. :)
Hi there Jason. Yah, that wagon was fantastic. She looked wonderful and drove like it was only a four year old car. Smooth, quiet, refined and effortless. Where we lived at that time, I didn't have a garage so I knew I couldn't keep any old car that I had. Because of that I made a commitment to myself to only keep the car for a year. That way it wouldn't get rusty or musty from sitting outside all the time. I've been doing that now for a few years even though we've moved to a bigger house with a garage. Man, that wagon held all six of use easily and very comfortably too. The third row was easy enough for an adult to get in and out and sit normally too. Just a great car before SUV's took over the world. Interesting fact about this Custom Cruiser, it weights 5,340 pounds. Once you add a full tank of gas and my family of six the weight increases to 6K pounds. When I was shopping for tires I found most tires maximum weight capacity is 1500 pounds each. That meant we would have been driving on tires at their very limit. I had to search extra hard to find tires in the proper size with a thin white wall that had the extra load capacity. -Chris
That's a good idea, to drive the car a lot, make sure it's being used. I hope whoever bought the Oldsmobile also loves it and takes care of it. :)
I remember that disappearing rear gate!
As a kid my parents had a 1971 Custom Cruiser in dark forest green and then a 1976 in yellow. My dad liked the 71 better because it had more power.
Clamshell gate was troublesome.
Gorgeous
Yes, we know! You got the Clamshell (Olds) Wagon. Fixed it up and sold it! Now you're crying in your beer, because you sold it. He finally got his beloved Clamshell Wagon. SOLD!!!!
No offense but you should of keep her. Dam× she was gorgeous😍 1 of a million. I never seen that design on any car or wagon in my life and I seen lots of cars on the internet.
Did that have the 455 in it?
Yeah, that Custom Cruiser had a 455. But, by 1973 the compression was so low that it only pumped out 225 horse. Regardless, even at 5300 pounds she still did really well. Accelerated nicely and cruised easy at 70 MPH. It's amazing how liquid smooth and effortless those BIG engines are. -Chris
Horsepower was down but emissions controls don’t affect torque. That beast still had somewhere around 350-400 ft/lbs tq. It may not have accelerated very quickly due to emission detuning, but it could still pull a tree stump out of the ground
Where did you sell it to??
My dads was Yellow and Wood grain.
Verry nice car , i'm french , but ils to dificut for have this car in France , Can you help ?
We had a 1974 one of these, white with the same maroon/cranberry interior as this one. It barely fit in the garage.
cool I had a 84 cruiser
I would’ve kept it
ANY IDEA WHERE IT HAS GOTTEN TO?
Thanks for checking out my Olds Custom Cruiser video. I appreciate your comment. I had sold this car about 5 years ago for $9500. It went to a dealer in FL who had it repainted and listed on his website for something like $16K. The car was sold about one month afterwards. The last time I saw this wagon was about 3 months ago on eBay where that owner was wanting mid $20K's for the car. I don't know if it sold. -Chris
New to the channel, please make your vids a little longer
Is this custom cruiser for sale?
Hey man, thanks for checking out my Olds Custom Cruiser video. I enjoyed that car for about a year before selling her. She sold pretty easy too! I got $9500 for this time capsule but the new owner ended up repainting her. Kinda broke my heart too. -Chris
You sold your 1973 Imperial LeBaron! Did you ever see or own a Corvair Spyder or Corsa! This station wagon was the most expensive wagon made as far as regular production cars go! Oldsmobile was one step behind Cadillac and Cadillac didn't have any clamshell wagons!
Hey man, thanks for checking out my Olds wagon video and for your comment too. And yeah, I've owned a Corvair! In fact, I have a Corvair Greenbrier, which is their minivan version of the Corvair. I've even made a bunch of videos of the van, which are on my channel to. Jump over to the "Video" tab on my channel and check them out. -Chris
@@hullinger yeah, you're sitting in it in the beginning of this video! An old friend of mine had a 1964 Corvan that he customized when we were 16-17 years old! I had a 1971 Imperial LeBaron 4 door back then, Tawny Gold, black top and tan interior with the rear heater/defroster and the sure brake system! It had everything except for the sunroof! Old cars and old music, I never grew out of!
Wow u should of kept that
Andre, I wish I could keep all of the great cars and that I've had. The problem is garage space and this huge bucket-list of cars I want. When I had this Olds I didn't have a garage. You can see some of that in the snow pics of the car. Where the garage once was is now a playroom for the kids. So I figured that if I only keep the car for a year than it won't rust and deteriorate and the new owner can take better care of it than I can. I get to buy another great car on my list and keep moving and learning.
The Buick Estate Wagon was better than the Olds Vista Cruiser or Custom Cruiser!!!
I would of paid you good money for it.
Check out the wagon in this video......ua-cam.com/video/al-2rmaQMQ8/v-deo.html
❤good for🚨 ambulance💉 & funeral⚰ services📿
Thanks for the video and for bringing back some great memories!