Your Grandparents’ Olds: 1987 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 55K Mile Survivor – SOLD!

September 22nd Update – While updating our Wagon Wednesday database, we confirmed the granddaughter of the original owner deleted her Craigslist ad, so we’re calling this Custom Cruiser “Sold!”

While most Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Station Wagons we come across feature simulated vinyl woodgrain clad quarter panels, it’s always refreshing to find a low mileage survivor-quality example eschewing that option.  Our latest example of that is this 55K original mile 1987 example listed recently on Craigslist in Schaumburg, Illinois where the granddaughter of the original owner is currently hoping for $8,500.  Checking the NADA Guides Classic Car Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has their Custom Cruiser priced well above the current “Low”, “Average”, and “High” retail value range of $1,829, $5,009, and $7,080, respectively.  We also note a similar low-mileage 1985 example we first featured in August (the “True Bradymobile” post featured here) started out with an $8,000 asking price and remains unsold with the current ask now at $6,200.

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:

While we like the low mileage survivor quality of this Olds, the presence of both a front and rear trailer hitch gives us pause.  You’ll need to confirm with the seller what exactly her grandparents moved and trailered with this Olds as those low miles could turn out to be of the “Severe Duty” type.  That nuance aside, 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:

“Hello,
We are selling our grandparents 1987 Oldsmobile 88 Custom Cruiser. Its a 1 owner, garage kept, and non-smoker. It has 54,000 original miles, it has a V8 5.0 engine. It has a 3rd row for sitting, sits up to 8 people. Cold A/C in great condition. Asking $8,500 or best offer.

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