Drive While You Fix! 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass
Oldsmobile Cutlass station wagons, such as this 1969 example, make regular appearances here on BF. And it’s a bit surprising as the total production was light with only 8,700 copies produced – lasting Olds quality I guess. This one’s a bit banged up and not without its foibles, but it appears to get up and go, so let’s look it over. Bruce J found this subject car for us; it’s located in Perrin, Texas and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,500, OBO.
Oldsmobile Cutlass wagons came two ways in ’69, the glass roof paneled Vista-Crusier, with a 121″ wheelbase, and a standard Cutlass wagon, such as our subject car, which rides on a shorter 116″ between the wheels stretch. This standard Cutlass wagon was only available in six-passenger form while the V.C. was available, with or without, a third seat.
The interior is a bit unusual in that the back seat seems to have fared worse than the front – at least based on all of the visible blue duct tape. The carpet is badly faded or is missing completely, the headliner is having problems, the door panels are mismatched and the cargo area is showing a lot of deterioration. The dash topper is likely running cover for a split dash pad.
The engine is listed as a 350 CI V8, the standard version being 250 gross HP, and the optional variant pulling 310; which one is in place is not disclosed. The seller mentions that the new for ’69 Turbo-Hydramatic 350 three-speed automatic transmission is in place but the instrument panel shift indicator is correct for a Jetaway, also known as a Super-Turbine 300, a two speed automatic that was in its last year of use – a further inquiry would need to be made. The seller claims, “Will cruise 80mph all day long” and there is a listing embedded video show this car doing exactly that.
The exterior shows us all of this Cutlass’ warts. It is said to have rust in all of the usual places but that can be a lot of territory on a GM A-body from this era. The seller suggests that the front and rear floor pans could use replacement as they have been patched. The finish, which is mostly faded, is an amalgam of old paint and some respray. The seller mentions that he has extra front fenders and a 1969 front clip (you astute Cutlass experts will realize this car is adorning one from a ’68), along with some interior parts included in the sale. Capping off the exterior are Super-Stock wheels, which ironically were not an available option, according to Oldsmobile’s ’69 sales brochure, on a station wagon. Regardless, they’re a nice inclusion.
As suggested, “Drive it while you fix it…“, that’s definitely doable if a project like this is something that you’re angling for. I see possibilities here, how about you?
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Comments
This is a 1968 Cutlass, you can differentiate from a 1969 by the location of the turn signals between the headlights. I know all Cutlass lovers see this immediately. The rear twilight’s were horizontal and not vertical like the following years. Loved my 1969 Cutlass S, bought it for 500.00 and sold it for the same amount 2 years later. Should never gotten rid of it but we can all say that. It was a great car.
I pulled the trigger too fast, my apologies to everyone, I deserve some grief, didn’t read the entire write up.
No worries Vance!
Anyway, here’s an image of the title and it, and the VIN state it as what’s claimed, a ’69.
JO
The VIN is a 1969 VIN. The front sheet metal swaps between 68 and 69, so this car has had the nose changed. That implies accident repair. The engine in the photos is the 250 HP 2bbl motor. The shift indicator belies that this has the two speed Jetaway trans (it is NOT a Powerglide).
“The front sheet metal swaps between 68 and 69, so this car has had the nose changed” Yes, I know that, the seller stated that in the listing and I reiterated it in the post.
The shift indicator (PRNDL) belies the Turbo 350 claim and confirms the existence of the two-speed gearbox (and yes I know it’s not a Powerglide).
JO
Or there was a transcription error applying for the title, and that first 9 should be an 8. We don’t get a picture of the VIN that would be visible at the base of the windshield. Because why age the look by swapping the whole front clip?
That seems like a huge stretch.
Besides, in the driving video, you can see the steering column placed ignition switch/lock, a ’69 feature that didn’t exist in ’68, right along with the front seat headrests, another ’69 feature.
JO
Headrests were an available option for the 1968 model year, but you are correct about the steering column ignition lock.
In 1994 I learned to drive in the Buick version of the same year/style wagon. Power nothing, 1-speaker AM radio, dealer add-on AC, though the Powerglide had been swapped for what I guess was a Hydramatic. Boiled over easily in the SC summers. Was a bear to stop, though not hard to steer with the huge wheel. I would love to have that car back — green 1969 Buick Special wagon, was a worthless (though mostly running) old derelict when I donated it in 2000.
I see A/C ,power steering and power brakes on this Olds..
Man, that’s a lot of cracked-up bondo on this beast. And checking out the Facebook ad, some pretty holey rockers. And I’m not talking about christian music.
This is one crispy critter. Hard pass.
I’m back tracking here but the next car in the barn finds list is cheaper & solid & the top variant which this one is not so be a AMC hater & I’ll go for the better car cheaper everytime !
$2,416.03- That is the price that comes to mind. And then just drive it the way it is. Somewhat rare but too far gone to sink the bucks into. They are cool no doubt about it, and with a 350ci V-8 you can’t go wrong. Did someone mention a 2-speed transmission? Mmmm. Well a 2-speed automatic is either a collectible because of it being a 1969 model or it’s an Achilles heel. Not sure. But I do think it would make a fun cruiser, for anybody. Just not $4,000+ fun. Best of luck to everyone involved in the sale.
My dad bought a new 68 Olds wagon white.and woodgrain.in 68..good vehicle..it had the 350 Olds and turbo.350….it drove well and ac.power steering..for a 68..it was fairly loaded..it would float down the interstate..nice car..r
I had a 69 Vista Cruiser paid 150 bucks for, We beat the daylights out of it. Wouldn’t die. Stole the engine out and stuck it in My Lemans.
Guess I’m putting my age out there when I can remember seeing these things at the demolition derby every summer this one somehow managed to survive that fate this one needs a frame off restoration but will make a good project for someone
I applaud the front clip swap to a 68. It was always better looking than the 69 that looked like just a bean counter cost cutting
Doesn’t matter what year it is anyway as the car has been sold. Ta da!
I just looked and this car is still available
Check out the steering wheel alignment (or lack thereof) in the driving video. About 40 degrees out of whack driving down a straight road.
Eh.. I’m a railway carman/welder.. Looks like a fun project. Not sure how much of that car’s life has been spent in TX. We know it hasn’t been it’s whole life. Patching that Olds is a “walk in the coal yard”. I clean my rusty metal off with a quick swipe of the torch. Typical GM suspension wear and tear. No problem, all are that way. Inexpensive to replace.
ANYWHO…. Looks like a turbo LSX Cruiser to me. Those old wagons are more handy than people give them credit for. I’d rock it for about a $2k or less buy in… Not a penny more tho. A topside marine paint job and call it good for a daily driver in nice weather.
The front clip is off a 67 the 68 69 had a nose piece in the center if I remember right
Sorry, but you don’t remember right. The 1967 sheet metal is completely different.