True Bradymobile: 1985 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 54K Mile Survivor -SOLD!

Update – We’re busy updating our database to accurately reflect the status of every car we’ve featured since starting GuysWithRides.com.  This ride may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

September 14th Update – The private seller just lowered their asking price again by another $200 to an even $6,000.

August 29th Update – We confirmed the seller replaced their original listing with a duplicate new version containing a revised price of $6,200.  That’s a further reduction of $300 from what they asked just one week earlier, so there are signs the seller is motivated to move their wagon.

August 24th Update – while preparing for our latest edition of Wagon Wednesday, we came across an updating listing for this Olds Custom Cruiser along with a price reduction to $6,500.  With the price finally falling within the NADA retail value range we’re hopeful the sellers will start to see some traction.

August 7th Update – earlier today, the private seller of this Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser we first featured July 29th opted to lower their asking price to $7,250.  Unfortunately, that is still above the NADA value range, so we’ll continue watching to see whether this Olds sells.

True wood-bodied station wagons had long been replaced by simulated vinyl woodgrain steel examples by the mid-1980s.  However, that didn’t stop Oldsmobile from continuing to market to “Traditional” buyers with such cars as this 1985 Custom Cruiser.  Originally listed in July 2020 on Craigslist in Ansonia, Connecticut with only 54,000 original miles, the private seller (who calls their station wagon a “True Bradymobile”) is currently asking $6,000 which is down $2,000 from the original $8,000 ask.  Checking the NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has their Custom Cruiser priced above the current “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $1,740, $4,800, $6,809, respectively.  However, we note that prices of these RADwood-eligible wagons are on the rise, especially in low mileage, survivor condition such as this example.

Oldsmobile redesigned its second-generation Custom Cruiser station for 1977 as part of GM’s downsizing program for all B- and C-Body full-size cars that year.  In the redesign, the Custom Cruiser shed 14 inches in length, 11 inches of wheelbase, and up to 900 pounds of curb weight.  The new wagon saw a change to a lighter weight two-way tailgate replacing the complicated and heavy clamshell design of the prior model.  Wagons such as this example also share the same full-coil spring suspension as their sedan counterparts, rather than the multi-leaf springs found on 1971-76 Safaris. The current caretaker is quick to point out his Custom Cruiser is always stored indoors and never taken out during the winter months, thus the body and interior remain excellent.  Oldsmobile continued selling this model largely unchanged, save for trim and minor powertrain updates, through the 1990 model year.

If you want to get a sense of how much Oldsmobile continued marketing the Custom Cruiser to “Traditional Buyers,” watch this 1984 training video we came across on YouTube:

We like the low mileage survivor vibe this Custom Cruiser gives off and the fact it can serve dual duty as either an Antique Automobile Club of America (“AACA”) Preservation Class candidate or a cool RADwood alternative to a minivan. Either way, good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Beautiful 1985 oldsmobile custom cruiser station wagon. 2nd owner. 54,000 original miles. Very good condition. Power windows, door locks and ac!!!!This is a true gem and has been called by collectors as a survivor car as they never made it to this age in such great condition, it was usually used as the family
vacation car but not this one!!!! We have taken this to car shows and everyone loves it. A true bradymobile!!!!Everything works. Newer exhaust front to back. Newer battery. Headliner is new. Original burgundy velour interior seats with the back 3rd seat facing out which also folds down for tons of storage. Never been smoked in. New cd player and radio but also have original radio. 8,000 or best offer
no scam emails for someone to pick up
this is for pickup personally cash only email through craigslist or call with name and number
203 231 2777“

Do you have a Custom Cruiser story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!