1949 Buick Roadmaster for sale in Cleveland, Ohio

$129,900

Stunning restoration by Bob Turnquist of Hibernia Auto Restorations, and possibly the world€™s finest €™49 Roadmaster woody. Low-mileage rust-free car with 100% original wood. One of perhaps 15 remaining. Judging from the mileage and condition, this wagon was never a daily driver, but perhaps a seasonal vehicle at someone€™s summer cottage. It was formerly owned by Robert Turnquist, owner of Hibernia Auto Restorations (and whose initials remain on the front doors), and as such has been treated to a complete, frame-off restoration to the very highest standards. In 2003, it received its AACA National First Prize, followed in 2004 by a Grand National First Prize, a very rare award that few vehicles are able to achieve. Today it remains in virtually the same condition, with only very light signs of use evident, and is quite possibly the finest of the 15 or so known to exist. Of note, the wood is 100% original, merely refinished at the time of restoration but not removed, disassembled, nor replaced. Old-growth timbers such as these simply do not exist anymore, and the difference in the grain of the wood, particularly the lovely honey-colored maple structure, is striking. The steel bodywork was restored to concours standards and wears a luscious coat of Royal Maroon paint that shows just the right amount of metallic and a spectacular shine. The current owner has spared no expense in maintaining the car at its current level, and offers that there is probably $40,000 worth of chrome on this car alone. Inside, both seats are finished in burgundy leather with correct French seams and only slight stretching as evidence that the car has been driven. Light gray sisal carpets are a great choice, offering both durability and ease of maintenance with a more upscale look than a plain rubber mat, and I would like to point out the wonderfully finished door panels, whose veneers offer a very nautical stripe pattern. All the gauges were fully restored and remain functional, and the mileage shown is authentic. Both the radio and clock are being serviced as this is written, and will be 100% functional when the car is delivered to a new owner. In back, the cargo compartment is as nicely finished as the rest of the interior, offering a flat load floor with the spare tire and tools stowed underneath. Buick€™s 320 cubic inch straight-8 was highly refined by 1949, offering almost endless reserves of torque that are as smooth as an electric locomotive when paired with the optional Dynaflow automatic transmission. Fully rebuilt and fitted with such upgrades as insert bearings and a neoprene front seal, the engine starts quickly and easily using the accelerator-pedal mounted system, a Buick tradition. Detailing is exact, from the Buick Turquoise paint and correct decals, to the various labels found throughout the engine bay. A fresh wiring harness, fully rebuilt accessories, and a massive radiator ensure reliability and excellent results in judged show competition. The chassis is as Buick delivered the car, with satin black components throughout. There is absolutely no sign of rust or patch work on the floors, which have been painted satin black but not hidden under a layer of undercoating. A brightly polished stainless steel exhaust system is perhaps a bit of over-restoration, but it gives the big straight-8 a muscular idle and a smooth hum that suggests great power at work with little effort. Braking is sure and steady, and it rides on correct 8.20-15 BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires with Buick hubcaps. Stunning in execution, exceptional to drive, and with an impeccable pedigree, this is perhaps the ultimate Buick wagon. With no excuses, it is a quick wipe-down away from competitive showing, and few other vehicles can attract a crowd better than this massive, beautifully finished woody. A top-of-the-line machine that richly deserves its place as the finest station wagon General Motors ever built. For more information and 100 additional photos of this extraordinary woody, please visit

Year:  1980 or older
Miles:  50 000 - 54 999

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