Buick built 8,226 Roadmaster Sedanets, Model 76-S, for domestic sales and 66 for export during the 1946 model year. The Sedanet featured popular fastback styling and “Airfoil” fenders first introduced in 1942. This marked the first time that a major American car had front fenders sweeping the entire length of the body until they met the leading edge of the rear fenders. In addition, Roadmasters were equipped with standard fender skirts that gave the car an incredibly sleek exterior. Power came from Buick’s 144-hp 320-cu. in. “Fireball” straight eight in this, Buick’s top-of-the-line motorcar for 1946.

Erhardt H. Kraft of New Braunfels, Texas, explained in a letter of the subsequent owner of this car that he placed an order and deposit with the Krueger Motor Company in 1941 for a 1942 model Roadmaster. But due to the involvement of the U.S. in WWII, automobile production was cut short for the model year and Mr. Kraft did not receive his car. Four years later, on Christmas Eve of 1945, Kraft received a call from the Krueger Motor Company informing him that “his new car had arrived at long last.” Kraft had forgotten that he had ordered the car! In addition, he received interest on his deposit. He picked up the car on 2 January 1946, driving it sparingly during his ownership.

Many years later it was acquired by Texan David Taylor, an aficionado of original cars. Remarkably, the odometer reads just 4,734 miles, believed to be from new. Wearing an older repaint in Carlsbad Black, it benefits from some chrome re-plating. At some point in its history, it was “modernized” with a 1947 grille, emblem, and steering wheel; 1948 hood ornament and “Roadmaster” script to the front fenders; and 1948 back-up lights. While no longer 100 percent original, the car is an incredible time capsule that would be a welcome addition to any collection of unique and interesting automobiles.