A question that I am not sure how to even ask...

My first reaction is you've got lots and lots of sludge in the top end not allowing oil to drain to the crankcase.

Oil back then was not like today's detergent oils so sludge built up easily. I wouldn't even run it, just take it out and rebuild the engine. That sludge will eventually dislodge and bad things will happen.

Yep, exactly what will happen....seen it happen with late model stuff too.
This vehicle is a 1998 model with only 180,000km (approx. 112,000 miles) on it......did an oil change, and then it wouldn't get oil pressure because the pick up was blocked off.
Probably only ever had 4 or less oil changes in it's life.