Rarest of the Big 3: 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser – Sold?

March 29, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Rare this, rare that, rare everything: you’ll find yourself in good company here if you’re as tired as we are at every car of a certain age being called “rare.” But in some cases, it’s justified, especially when talking about the third-generation B-body wagon made by Oldsmobile. Among the three models offered between Chevrolet, Buick, and Oldsmobile, examples like this 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in Northern Idaho for $24,500 are indeed seen far less frequently than its corporate siblings – but does that make it rare? Comparing that price against the Hagerty Price Guide confirms the private seller has the Custom Cruiser priced above the “Concours” rating for a 1993 Chevrolet Caprice Classic wagon, which is pegged at $20,300.

The range of estate wagons offered by GM in the early and middle 90s represented the pinnacle of the company’s long roof offerings. As the end of production grew near, the General made the spacious Grandma-machine into a bit of a hot rod, adding the 5.7L LT1 engine into the mix. Earlier models like this Custom Cruiser made do with a less-powerful 170 horsepower mill, which was shared across the wagon lineup. The key differentiating factors largely came down to the grills, with each brand getting its own fascia. The Oldsmobile was definitely the most eye-catching with the egg crate grills sitting on either side of a center panel with the Olds logo. The Custom Cruiser also got a unique wheel design that was reminiscent of the “sawblade” wheel used on the early 90s C4 Corvettes. Of course, a spacious interior with a rear-facing third-row seat came standard.

The MotorWeek RetroReview YouTube Channel features a 1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser as part of the show’s GM update for 1991:

Now, the seller does spend a fair amount of time hyping up how rare this Olds is. And to an extent, I can get behind this sentiment, as I always notice them when I spot a genuine Custom Cruiser once in a blue moon. I know they’re hard to come by, but there’s actually one in my old neighborhood that I stop in and “check on” on occasion – so certainly not impossible to see them in the wild still. The seller’s Oldsmobile has low mileage, with just 67,000 noted as being on the clock. The cosmetics are strong and the interior appears to be in mint condition. The seller notes it comes with all books and manuals – even the window sticker – but that the Oldsmobile will still need some fine-tuning, which comes as a surprise considering the asking price. The wheels apparently need re-finishing and a rear “brake adjustment” is noted as being necessary. The asking price is all the money for one of these, especially without the LT1, but the seller could be right that it’s one of the best surviving examples of a real-deal Custom Cruiser. Good luck with the purchase if it catches your eye!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1991 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Station Wagon For Sale

RARE GM GEM…THE RAREST OF THE 90’s WAGONS

Roadmaster Wagon’s are around as are the Caprice Wagon’s

But the Olds Custom Cruiser is the rarest of the three!

Completely original and unmolested…67k Actual…runs smooth and quiet

5.O Liter LO3 V8 Fuel Injected…4 Speed automatic…RWD…A/C…Original window sticker, manuals,

brochures, pamphlets etc…all power options…have the original set of 4 factory 15 inch

alloy cast stock rims. The factory alloy rims are in need of re-surfacing and have wear

due to age. I put on very attractive stainless wheel covers with stock 15 inch rims which

are on the car now…am/fm stereo w/cassette player. Original window sticker lists everything

this car has standard and options. A little minor TLC here and there otherwise NICE as is!

When was the last time you saw a 91-92 OLD’S CUSTOM CRUISER ?.

One that is in the condition as this total original time capsule is with just 67,000 miles.

Excellent condition throughout and rust free. Garaged all its life and well maintained. .

Original Dark Maple Metallic with dark maroon velour interior.

Everything works right down to the cold A/C. Has the usual undercarriage surface road patina.

Needs brake adjustment in rear and axle seal. Floats softly down the road.

Chevy, Buick, or Oldsmobile: which estate wagon is your favorite?