1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass

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