I must confess that I like US station wagons, especially those from the 1950s and 60s.
And here are my favourites.

1955 Pontiac Safari
The Chevrolet Nomad maybe the icon, but its Safari twin has a longer wheelbase, bigger and more powerful engines, and the Nomad’s styling.
This is a coupe with wagon practicality. Perfect!
1957 Buick Century Caballero/Oldsmobile Fiesta
One year after American Motors released the first four-door hardtop wagon, GM launched its alternatives in Buick and Oldsmobile sheet metal.
These twins were the forerunner of the luxury SUVs you see today.
At home at the hardware store or outside a 5-star hotel. I can’t choose between the Buick or the Oldsmobile.
The Olds’ brochure just exudes American 1950s optimism, while the Buick is understated elegance.

1957 Mercury Voyager two-door hardtop
This is a re-run of the Chev Nomad/Pontiac Safari package of coupe style and wagon usability.
Just roll down those windows and enjoy the benefits of a hardtop’s all-round vision.

1964 Chrysler New Yorker
The USA’s last four-door hardtop wagon (shared with Dodge).
It’s shape might be a little fussy but it is the last of the breed.
An end of an era, as they say.

1964 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
If you can’t have a four-door hardtop wagon, then the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is the next best thing.
Built on a stretched intermediate chassis (120 inches) the third seat faces forward (in other three row wagons, the seat was sideways or backward facing.)
The raised roof line and vista window idea originated from the GM built Greyhound buses and observation cars on trains.
The Vista Cruiser has a lesser-known twin, the Buick Sportwagon.
A gold 1969 Vista Cruiser featured on all eight seasons of the TV show “That 70s Show.”
At the end of the series Wilmer Valderrama, who played Fez, bought the car for $500.
And so, my overall favourite?
It is the Chrysler New Yorker .
Who could go past the last four-door hardtop wagon built in the USA?
Then again, a Vista Cruiser would be so cool.
David Burrell is the editor of retroautos
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