The 1940 Buick Super Estate Wagon, part of Buick’s Series 50, is an iconic vehicle from the pre-World War II era, blending luxury with utility. It was known for its elegant styling and practical features, making it a desirable model for affluent buyers of the time. Wood-bodied construction, often referred to as a “woody” wagon, with meticulously crafted wooden panels made from maple and ash. The Steel front fenders and hood has a stylish, streamlined design along with the iconic Buick waterfall grille. Wide doors for easy access to both front and rear passenger areas. The split rear tailgate designed for easy loading and unloading of cargo. The Luxurious interior appointments, including high-quality upholstery and trim with seating for up to eight passengers, with three rows of seats. Ample cargo space with rear seats that could be folded down or removed to increase load capacity. The Dashboard has a full array of gauges, including speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and ammeter.
Specifications
Engine:/Transmission:
- Type: Inline-8 (Straight-8)
- Displacement: 4.1 liters (248 cubic inches)
- Power Output: 107 horsepower at 3,400 RPM
- Type: 3-speed manual transmission
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 121 inches
- Length: Approximately 204 inches
- Width: 75 inches
- Height: 68 inches
Chassis and Body:
- Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR layout)
- Body Style: 4-door station wagon with wooden body panels
Comfort/Convenience/Safety and Innovation:
- Dual windshield wipers for improved visibility.
- Optional heater and radio for added comfort and entertainment.
- Robust suspension system designed to provide a smooth ride even on rough roads.
- Hydraulic drum brakes for effective stopping power.
- Beam axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs for a sturdy and reliable ride.
- Shatterproof glass for increased passenger safety.
The 1940 Buick Super Estate Wagon remains a highly cherished by classic car enthusiasts for its combination of luxury, utility, and craftsmanship. Its distinctive wooden body and elegant styling make it a standout example of pre-war American automotive design. The Super Estate Wagon exemplifies Buick’s commitment to quality and innovation during this era, offering a blend of comfort and practicality that appealed to families and individuals seeking a versatile yet stylish vehicle.
Some of Buick’s most iconic design features, including waterfall grilles and portholes on the hood, originated with the 1949 Roadmaster models, including this Roadmaster Riviera Convertible.
The 1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera Convertible is a classic American car known for its luxury, style, and advanced features for its time. This model was part of Buick’s post-World War II lineup and showcased significant design and technological advancements.
The Roadmaster Convertible combination of a powerful straight-eight engine, advanced Dynaflow transmission with wraparound bumpers for a sleek look, large, rounded fenders, a spacious streamlined body with sweeping lines and a distinctive front grille made this model a beautifully designed car. The Chrome accents and trim, adding to the luxurious appearance.
The interior with spacious seating for five passengers and high-quality leather upholstery. The Stylish and functional dashboard with easy-to-read gauges. Heater and defroster for improved comfort in various weather conditions. Power windows, which were a luxury feature at the time. Ample legroom and comfortable seating arrangements and optional AM radio for entertainment.
Specifications
Engine/Transmission:
- Type: Inline-8 (Straight-8)
- Displacement: 5.2 liters (320 cubic inches)
- Power Output: 150 horsepower
- Type: Dynaflow automatic transmission (introduced in 1948)
- Gearbox: 2-speed automatic
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 126 inches
- Length: 215 inches
- Width: 79.5 inches
- Height: 62.2 inches
Chassis and Body:
- Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR layout)
- Body Style: 2-door convertible
- Hydraulic-operated power convertible top.
Comfort/Convenience/Safety and Innovation:
- Dynaflow automatic transmission for a smooth driving experience, eliminating the need for manual gear changes.
- Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels for effective stopping power.
- Independent front suspension and coil spring rear suspension for a smoother ride.
- Sturdy body-on-frame construction for durability and safety.
- Signal lights and a reliable lighting system for improved visibility.
The 1949 Buick Roadmaster Riviera Convertible is celebrated for its blend of performance, luxury, and innovative features. It marked Buick’s return to peacetime production with a focus on elegance and comfort. The Roadmaster nameplate itself is iconic, representing Buick’s top-of-the-line offerings during this era.