1951 Buick Roadmaster Series 70
Estate Wagon

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Description

(SOLD) Classic Showcase is pleased to offer a truly unique and amazingly preserved American automobile, the Buick Roadmaster Series 70 Estate Wagon.Thought to be one the most sophisticated Estate Wagons of its day, this 1951 example is one of just 679 Estate Wagons that were built on the Roadmaster Series 70 chassis; and while there are other 1951 Buick “woodies” in existence, few (if any) can claim this example’s incredible presentation, maintenance history, and colorful backstory - all of which contribute to its unique charm and aesthetic.

The Buick was originally ordered by a French gentlemen and delivered to the South of France, where it was first sold and then registered on October 13, 1951; a French “carte deGrise” (i.e. registration document) indicates that the car was indeed first registered in that country in1951, with it later being acquired in 1955 by a gentlemen who is believed to have taken it to Cameroon for use on his property there. Later during his retirement, he moved to the South of France and took the car with him. After his passing the Buick was sold to an enthusiast in London who used it to drive to polo matches and other special events.

Many years later, the Buick’s most recent owner had seen the car in London and fell in love with it; and after numerous rounds of negotiations over the course of several years, the most recent owner eventually acquired the car in 2006 and brought it back to the United States – for the first time since being exported in 1951! The car is in very solid condition; the inner mahogany veneer inserts are in fine order, the interior retains all its original upholstery, including on the folding third-row rear seat, the paintwork on the dashboard, and even the original visors, headliner, and rubber floor mats. In addition, the wagon is full of patina and retains many “souvenirs” of its well-traveled life, such as a ‘Nerva’ roof rack (made by Ollivier of Paris), a tinted Perspex sun visor (made in Lisbon), rope grab handles and a coat hanger, and grille badges from France and Cameroon. It is accompanied by a small file of service records, as well as a 1955 Buick instruction manual in French.

Today, the car stands in good running and driving condition, and our team has scheduled a comprehensive servicing to the Buick for the Fall of 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a truly unique piece of American automotive history!

History

At the end of 1930 Buick adopted an all eight-cylinder range that would carry it through to WW2 and beyond, its products of the immediate post-war years, like those of major rivals, being revised 1942 models. The first significant styling changes arrived in 1949, and then in 1950 the 'bucktooth' range was introduced, so called because of its bold vertical grille bars. The following year saw this styling device revert to less exaggerated proportions. In 1951 the Buick Estate Wagon was the only car In General Motors' line-up that offered real wood body construction as opposed to simulated wood-style trim. It was available on the mid-price Super and top-of-the-range Roadmaster chassis, the latter being powered by a 320.2cu in {5.2-litre) 152.bhp engine.