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Versions | |
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1964 - 1967 | |
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The first-generation Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser featured a split skylight over the second row of seats. In 1964, the Vista Cruiser was one of three station wagons offered by Oldsmobile, the others being the F-85 built on the same wheelbase as other F-85/Cutlass intermediates and the full-sized Dynamic 88 Fiesta. From 1965 to 1970, the Vista Cruiser became the division's largest wagon as Oldsmobile did not offer a station wagon in the full-sized 88 series and the intermediate F-85/Cutlass were also offered during each of those years on the shorter wheelbase. Engine offerings in the Vista Cruiser paralleled other Olds intermediates with a 330-cubic-inch (5,408 cc) V8 offered from 1964 to 1967 with ratings from 210 to 320 horsepower (160 to 240 kW) depending on year. Transmission offerings included the two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission and two rarely equipped manual transmissions including a three-speed column shift and a four-speed floor shift. Related cars: Buick Special, Buick Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Chevelle, Oldsmobile Cutlass, Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac Tempest | |
1968 - 1972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Second generation
Overview
This generation was a major restyling of the GM A-body car line for 1968 and replaced the split skylight with a one-piece skylight, while also stretched the wheelbase from 120 to 121 in (3,048 to 3,073 mm). From 1968 to 1972, a 350-cubic-inch (5,700 cc; 5.7 L) V8 became standard with a larger 400-cubic-inch (6,600 cc; 6.6 L) V8 from the 442 muscle car optional in 1968-1969 and a 455-cubic-inch (7,460 cc; 7.46 L) V8 available from 1970 to 1972. The transmission offerings for the Vista Cruiser through the years included one of two automatics-the two-speed Jetaway (1968) or three-speed Turbo Hydramatic (1968-72), or very rarely, a standard three-speed manual with column shift or optional four-speed manual with floor-mounted Hurst shifter. In 1969, the "Dual-Action" tailgate was first offered, as standard equipment on the three-row models and as optional equipment on the two-row models. In 1970, a redesign reshaped much of the exterior sheet metal, making the edges and curves sharper. Although it closely resembled the 1968-1969 models, and is essentially considered to be a second-generation car, many of the body parts were no longer interchangeable with the earlier second-generation cars. The dashboard was also completely redesigned. (The GM Skywagon Club recognizes the 1970-1972 models as "Generation 2a") For 1971, Oldsmobile brought back the full-sized Custom Cruiser wagon on the 98 chassis utilizing GM's disappearing clamshell tailgate, but the glass-roofed Vista Cruiser continued until 1972. A small number of (1972)) Vista Cruisers were modified by Hurst Performance, then based in Warminster Township, Pennsylvania for support car duties at the 1972 Indianapolis 500 and equipped with 455-cubic-inch (7,460 cc; 7.46 L) Rocket V8s along with the official pace car, a 1972 Hurst/Olds, also powered by a 455 V8. Two are known to survive as of 2012, a press car and a medical director's car. As of 2012, the medical director's car is owned by a relative of Ray Harroun, the winner of the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Related cars: Buick Special, Buick Sport Wagon, Chevrolet El Camino, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, GMC Sprint, Oldsmobile Cutlass, Pontiac Grand Prix, Pontiac Tempest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1973 - 1977 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Third generation
Overview
"Colonnade" styling and frameless door glass increased side window area, which came at the expense of the model's distinctive skylights. In place of the skylights came an optional pop-up sunroof over the front seats. Engine offerings during this period included a standard 350 cubic-inch Rocket V8 or optional 455 cubic-inch Rocket V8 through 1976. For 1977, the 455 was replaced by a 403 cubic-inch Rocket V8. The three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment on Vista Cruisers during the 1973-77 period. Related cars: Buick Century, Chevrolet Chevelle, Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Cutlass, Pontiac Le Mans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In popular culture | |
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Table of contentsVersions
1964 - 1967
1968 - 1972
1973 - 1977
In popular culture
Further reading