Lot 167

Open Roads, June 2021

1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon

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$60,500 USD | Sold

United States | Jackson, Mississippi

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Chassis No.
16985358
Documents
US Title
  • The last of the Buick woodies; believed to be one of just 1,830 built for 1953
  • Comprehensively restored to show-ready condition to show-ready standard
  • 322 cubic-inch overhead valve V-8 engine with Dynaflow automatic transmission
  • Optional power steering
  • Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels with wide whitewall tires

This 1953 Buick Super Estate Wagon is believed to be one of only 1,830 Super Estate Wagons built for 1953. The highly attractive wood bodies for the wagons were handcrafted by Ionia Body Company of Michigan, who which had been performing their craft on Buick automobiles since 1949. A limited-production woodie wagon, it carried a staggering $3,430 price tag when new, making it the most expensive variant of the Buick Super line.

For 1953, the redesigned Buick Supers were offered with an all-new and entirely modern 322 cubic- inch, valve-in-head V-8 engine entirely developed and engineered by Buick Division. The new V-8 was rated to produce up to 170 horsepower for on Supers equipped with the Dynaflow automatic transmission-equipped Supers, such as the example offered here. The popularity of the redesigned bodywork with the new V-8 engine proved spectacularly popular, with sales increases for the Super line of over 40 percent seen year-over-year. The combination was short lived, however, and 1953 proved to be the last year of wood- structured station wagons. Buick was ultimately the last to change to all steel wagon bodies in 1954, making this exceptional wagon a stunning end of an era.

This magnificent Super Estate Wagon, previously part of the noted Bryan Frank Collection, offered here has received a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration, and presents in what appears to be show-ready condition. Special attention was given to the exceptional black paintwork, highly polished wood work, and extensive bright work. It is fitted with highly attractive Kelsey-Hayes Chrome wire wheels with wearing wide whitewall tires. For a ride befitting the marque, the wagon is fitted with independent front suspension, optional power steering, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.