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1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser: A Testament to American Luxury Wagons

The 1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser stands as a majestic testament to the era of full-size, luxury station wagons. Born from the esteemed assembly lines of Oldsmobile, a division of General Motors, this vehicle was introduced during a time when space, comfort, and presence were the benchmarks of automotive excellence. Notably, the Custom Cruiser was Oldsmobile's first entry into the burgeoning station wagon market in over a decade, marking a significant pivot in the company's model lineup.

Design and Innovation

With its long, sweeping lines and commanding silhouette, the Custom Cruiser's exterior styling was both stately and functional. The prominent front grille, adorned with the iconic Oldsmobile badge, conveyed a sense of grandeur that was matched by few. Inside, passengers were greeted with an interior that spoke volumes about the quality of materials used; plush seating, woodgrain accents, and an expanse of space enough to comfortably seat up to eight individuals.

Technologically speaking, the Custom Cruiser was ahead of its time with features like an available power tailgate window that retracted into the lower tailgate. Color options ranged from subtle to vibrant, with popular choices including Antique Pewter and Sienna Brown. Body styles were limited to one—the quintessential station wagon—but options like third-row seating made it highly versatile.

Historical Significance

The 1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser not only marked Oldsmobile's reentry into the station wagon segment but also showcased GM's commitment to luxury and innovation within this utilitarian class. Its design cues and features influenced subsequent models and solidified its place as a paragon among American wagons.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood lay a powerful Rocket 455 cubic inch V8 engine that propelled this sizable vehicle forward with surprising alacrity—achieving 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds—a remarkable feat for its size. The Custom Cruiser's ride quality was smooth, absorbing road imperfections with ease while providing a quiet cabin experience. Drivers often praised the V8's low-end torque and the car's ability to cruise effortlessly at highway speeds.

Ownership Experience

The Custom Cruiser served many roles—from a daily driver for large families to a show car for classic enthusiasts. Its maintenance and reliability were typical for its era; straightforward mechanical components made it relatively easy for owners to perform repairs themselves. However, given its age now, finding parts can be more challenging.

Fun Facts

This classic wagon has had its share of limelight with rare editions like the "Vista" roof option offering skylights over the second-row seats. While not known for setting speed records, it has held its own in terms of sales within its category during its production years. Criticisms often centered around fuel economy—a common issue for vehicles of this size during that period.

Collector's Information

Today, the value range for a well-preserved 1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser can vary significantly depending on condition and originality. With production numbers estimated in tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands like some sedans of the era, they're relatively rare finds in today's market. Values have been appreciating slowly over time as enthusiasts seek out these unique examples of American automotive history; prices can range from $10,000 to upwards of $30,000 for pristine models.

Conclusion

The 1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser is more than just a classic vehicle; it is a symbol of an era where luxury and utility merged seamlessly in automotive design. Its legacy endures among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of style, comfort, and performance—a true icon in American automotive history.

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Body Cushion Kit. 28 piece set.-BCK 5Body Cushion Kit. 28 piece set.

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high-BN 1Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high., with 7/16" I.D. Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Front Stabilizer End Repair Kit-BNK 21Front Stabilizer End Repair Kit. 22-piece set for two stabilizer bars. Contains all rubber bushings, washers, bolts and nuts, enough for one front end. Set

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Front Molded Door Seals-LM 16-GFront Molded Door Seals. For 4-door sedan and wagon, with RWD. Each is 138-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Rear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD-LM 16-G/WRear Molded Door Seals. For 4-door wagon only, with RWD. Each is 127-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Trunk Liner. Loose weave-M 23Trunk Liner. Loose weave. Black with scattered white threads. 54" wide. Sold by the foot

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Brake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861-RP 2-EBrake Master Cylinder Cover Seal. Replaces OEM #5470861. 5" X 2-1/2". Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber-RP 8Oil Filler Hole Cap. Made of rubber. Fits a 1-3/16" to 1-1/4" hole. Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Seat Bumper. Made with steel core like original-SB 62-ASeat Bumper. Made with steel core like original. 1-1/2" long, 7/16" thick. Two used per car. Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Front door window stop bumper. ’70-’81 GM passenger cars-SB 70-AFront door window stop bumper. '70-'81 GM passenger cars. Dense rubber. Replaces OEM# 9810036. Each.

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Fuel Door Bumper. 7/8" high, 5/16" O.D. Each-SB 81Fuel Door Bumper. 7/8" high, 5/16" O.D. Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Dash and Firewall Grommet. Single-hole type is for one wire-SM 101Dash and Firewall Grommet. Single-hole type is for one wire. Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D-UM 1600-100Unbeaded Door and Trunk Lock Gasket. 1-3/16" O.D., 7/8" I.D. Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel-WF 205Quarter Window Reveal Molding Clip. Made of Steel. 1-3/8" X 11/16". Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons-WF 208Rear Window Reveal Molding Clip. For Station Wagons. Made of steel. 5/8" x 3/4". Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 211Rear Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 15/16" X 3/4". Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 223Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1/1/8" X 3/4". Each

1972 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel-WF 224Windshield Reveal Molding Clip. Made of steel. 1-1/4" X 3/4". Fits many models. Each