When Car and Driver reviewed the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser in July 1968, it had the gumption to call it ‘tight’. Though it was comparing it to the Plymouth Fury, all two metres wide of it.
The Oldsmobile was less than three inches narrower, but longer at a serene five and a half metres.
The Winter Wagons display at the Scramble on Sunday 8 January will need to make some space…
Made by one of America's oldest car makers, one of the defining characteristics of the Vista Cruiser is the roof. Vast amounts of glass offer, well, vistas, up and across. Its three rows of passengers could gaze out to horizon over those long American car journeys, being pulled along by a big V8. A full 7.5-litre big if you specced it.
Powerful but perhaps not made to go fast.
Naturally, three-speed auto was the transmission of choice, generally the Hydramatic that replaced the familiar Powerglide, but column-shift manual was available. But unpopular, even then.
The Vista Cruiser survived three generations, launching in 1964 and ending production 13 years later in 1977. The second generation is picked out by its full-length rather than split skylight, complete with sun visors.
In more recent years the Vista Cruiser enjoyed a brief cult stardom as the car of Eric Forman in That 70s Show. Because, perhaps, 70s cruiser wagons don’t get more 70s than an Oldsmobile Vista.
You’ll find a 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser on the Winter Wagons lawn at the Scramble on Sunday 8 January. You won’t be able to miss it…
