Seldom remembered as an automotive wagonmaster, Buick offered station wagons from 1940, and earned the distinction of building the last wood-bodied American wagons in 1953, a great distinction for this uncommon Series 50 Super Estate Wagon. Of the 488,755 units produced by Buick in the 1953 model year, only 1,830 of these impressive wagons were built. In factory literature recognizing their 50th year, titled “Buick’s Greatest Cars in 50 Great Years,” the Estate Wagon shared the same page as their highly anticipated Skylark.

Promising a “scintillating life on wheels,” a favored way to go for ease of country living or town travel was this magnificent motorcar. The limited edition Estate Wagon was also billed as being equally at ease when going to the golf club in casual attire or fitting in at a white tie and tails affair. The prestige of the wood bodied cars of this era remains in place to this day.

Already distinctive with its distinguishing grille, sweeping brightwork and signature VentiPorts; the Super Estate Wagon Model 59 bodies have the high class, beautiful woodwork of the Ionia Manufacturing Company (Ionia, Michigan) sourced bodies.

Frame-off restored, this exceptional black example has a primarily red with white accented interior. Powered by the 322-cid, 10-hp Fireball V-8 engine, it features a Dynaflow automatic transmission, power steering, heater, defroster, clock, directional signals and Buick AM radio among the conveniences. A 12-volt electrical system is employed and the chromed wire wheels and Firestone wide whitewall tires further add to the understated sportiness of the model.

With so few built and with certainly less remaining, this provides a wonderful opportunity to begin or expand your woodie or 1950s collection.