Buick introduced its Estate Wagon as part of the Super series in mid-1940, reportedly at the urging of a wealthy Californian who informed Buick management that the only reason she did not own one was that she required a station wagon—which they did not build. While the Estate Wagon would remain available in Buick’s lower lines for the next seven years, one was not available in the most prestigious Roadmaster series until after the war in 1947. At $3,249, the Roadmaster Estate Wagon, beautifully bodied by Hercules, was the most expensive and prestigious Buick of the year. No “family hauler,” it was essentially a coachbuilt automobile designed for the country homes of the wealthy, as the “estate” name aptly indicated.

Only 300 of the initial Roadmaster Estate Wagons were made. The previous owner of the example offered here believed it to be one of only four fully restored examples known to survive; while this has yet to be confirmed, it is certainly one of very, very few extant, and one of fewer restored to this standard. A ground-up restoration, it was completed in 2009, with new body woodwork by the masterful craftsman Glenn Redding of Ocala, Florida. The body was finished in factory-correct Royal Maroon Metallic, contrasting beautifully with the rich maple and mahogany, while the interior is a striking combination of red leather and Bedford Cord.

Following its restoration, the wagon was displayed at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance in 2008, and at the Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles in 2009. It was thereafter acquired by the present owner and has been well-maintained in his own select collection.

Buick described the 1947 Roadmaster as “the Master of the Road . . . in Performance, Style, and Beauty,” and this spectacular Estate Wagon is no exception. With limited production when new, and only a handful of restored survivors known, it will be among the star attractions of any Buick Club of America or AACA meet at which it will appear in its new owner’s hands.