1963 Cadillac Vista Wagon

Looks like a Cadillac Vista Cruiser.
One of two custom built...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cadillac-Ot...ce7f77ac0&item=261589793472&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

 

I will say it looks real sharp and clean! Not exactly practical IMO considering you can tell there is no opening tailgate, hope that rear window at least rolls up and down.

 

I dunno, It almost works for me but the way the roofline slopes down and the fin goes up kind of looks funky.

 

now that is one good looking mix of cars

 

I really Like it, but I also am wondering if there is any rear access, you would think they would show a picture of it opening if it did. I think I will ask the seller.

 

I'd have to agree with Tedy on this. Cool looking car, but just about worthless as a wagon if you can't access the cargo area from the outside.

 

There is no opening tailgate but the rear window goes into the tailgate.
On the plus side you can haul 4X8 sheets of plywood in the rear cargo area and under the hood.

Also it is at a small airport because you are able to land small planes on the hood when the regular landing strips are busy.
Great looking wagon. John Wayne may have touched this wagon when he picked his up.

 

I would rather have the Piper in the background.

mike

 

I like it it! The fact that the tailgate wont open is not that much of a concern these days because I think this car has gone well past its practical stage but no doubt it would have been a real PITA when it was new though.

Also as far as the styling goes, this is much better looking than some of those 70's Caddy's that have popped up on this forum from time to time. I especially like the way the roof line follows the original upper door frame line and also the way the fins begin to hide the chrome pf the rear side windows, it is bit like you know they are still there, but the fin is now making a real statement.

Nice composite imho.

 

I like the warrior, but give the little 152

 

I agree. Nice design by the builder, in spite of not having a usable tail gate.

 

My opinion: John Wayne was a Pontiac guy. All his station wagons were Pontiac's except possible one.... purportedly a International 'War Wagon'. They were customized by Barris and had a "clamshell top" at the FRONT of the car to clear his 6'4" frame and, some say, his hat. I contacted the seller and he stated that he only claimed the boasting of John Wayne's ownership was by a small' placard' in the manual. No real proof.
I researched the body builder (Medford Body Co.) and they are not listed amongst the 1,000's of coach builders in the USA. In fact, I found NOTHING on them anywhere so, it leaves one to assume it is a body shop build. Its a 1963 Cadillac with at best, a 1964 Vista Cruiser shell adapted to the back.
Some of you folks don't like it. I do... but, the tailgate would be useless for large object like saddles etc. which I pointed out to the seller. The 'flag' on the door is not of John Wayne's ancestry. It's a Hungarian flag. Wayne (Morrison) was Scottish and Irish. The undercarriage is impressive for its age. I asked him to also post pix of the rear cabin. Didn't. The color appears to be a Cadillac color of that vintage I think 'Bolero Red' but, the AC repair is seldom 'just a charge' and with R12 would be $800, R-134 alot more due to upgrade. I think, if this was built by Hess & Eisenhardt, ASC, or a real Coachbuilder it would be a real keeper. Definetely, a unique ride. Looks like SOMEBODY like it to reach $23,000+ today (still hasn't hit reserve!)

 

Seller added.................


On Sep-11-14 at 07:09:42 PDT, seller added the following information:


There is no operable "tailgate" The very large power rear window operates and stashes into the "tailgate".
There is a bank loan on the vehicle and it may take several weeks to obtain the title from the bank.
I reserve the right to end this auction early as this vehicle is for sale locally.


I have no idea how it works in the USA but in BC where I live the last time I bout a car that the bank still owned from a private seller because of a loan, the payment had to be certified cheque from my bank made out to the bank that holds the loan. Then and only then you would get a clear title and it all happened in one day.......... not by the sounds of this = "Pay me and I'll deal with it" I personally wouldn't bid on it because of this, but as I mention... I don't know how this works in the USA, but still... WHY would this take several weeks?


.

 

Title Question

Observed the same. The title would not be 'clear' if liened in the USA. The only way to cover your arse would be to send the deposit and not pay the balance until he could provide the 'clear title'. That way you don't end up with a potential lien on the title and a seller absconds your money. There are a few classic car loan companies that loan money but, can easily take up to a month to release the title. Most banks would release the title immed. within a day or two unless it is an (what we call) an 'air title' that is computer generated (in our case) in Tallahassee. Those take longer to process. Sometimes weeks. The other thing do do is make the seller provide a 'copy' ofthe title to see whether this was a SALVAGE or REBUILT title (car hit in rear and rebuilt) in which case the car is worth very little for resale.
The good news when a seller claims 'clear title' and its not- it's a good way to get out of the deal if things start to smell bad. Just my humble opinion.

 

Not sold at $23,656...