8 of 50: Denise: 1965 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser

Substance, collectibility, timeless style, utility, and skylights! What’s not to love about the Oldsmobile’s classic Vista Cruiser? While the second generation of Olds’ family truckster was popularized by mind-altered teens on That ’70s Show, the first is a bit cleaner, a bit classier and just as cool in its own way. It’s a GM A-body so there will be plenty of space but it’s not as huge and wallowy as a traditional “full size” car which is even more massive. Find this 1965 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser here on craigslist in Goodwell, Oklahoma for $9500 or best offer.

For less than $10k this Cruiser seems to be a heck of a deal. Paint looks decent (although white tends to hide all sins), it seems complete, un-wrecked and cared for. It even has air conditioning.

The VC is equipped with a 330 cubic inch (5.4L) Rocket V8, and a two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Purists would keep it stock but we’d be tempted to drop in a modern LM7 5.3L or a nice used LS1 and an overdrive-equipped modern auto trans for freeway cruising, but keep the original drivetrain in the garage to retain the original value.

The interior in this one is claimed to be all original, which is pretty miraculous considering that this a 48-year-old people hauler. The light blue / dark blue metallic color combo looks great and that bench seat is just waiting for some action…and the back seat too..

We couldn’t post Denise without a shot of her trademark four skylights which give rear passengers a nice view of the trees, stars, sun, flying squirrels, quad-copters..etc. GM’s bean counting executives were even nice enough to allow inclusion of rear sunshades to cover them up when desired.

This feature is part of Daily Turismo’s birthday celebration of 50 cars in 24 hours..