The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser was a station wagon that was built over three generations from 1964 to 1977. They were introduced on February 4th off 1964 and were based on the Oldsmobile Cutlass / F-85 model. The first generation, produced from 1964 through 1967, pioneered a unique raised roof with split skylight that began over the second row of seating. When introduced, the Vista Cruiser was one of three station wagons being offered by Oldsmobile (the others being the F-8 and the full-sized Dynamic 88 Fiesta). The Vista Cruiser became the division's largest station wagon in 1965, when the full-sized 88 wagon was no longer offered.
In 1968, the A-body car line was given a major restyling. The split skylight was replaced with a one-piece unit. Another redesign occurred in 1970, although they continued to closely resemble the prior year's models.
The third generation of the Vista Cruiser began in 1973 and would continue until 1977. GM had completely redesigned the A-body intermediate platform and the separate wheelbase used by the Buick Sport Wagon and the Vista Cruiser was no longer offered. Instead, all A-body wagons rested on a 116-inch sedan wheelbase. The Vista Cruiser was now a wood-grained version of the new Cutlass Supreme station wagon. Inside, there were three rows of seating with the third row being rearward facing.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016
