Buick introduced its Estate Wagon model midyear as part of the Super Series in 1940, reportedly at the urging of a wealthy lady who informed Buick management that the only reason she did not own a Buick was that she required a station wagon—which they did not build. While it would remain available in lower lines for the next seven years, a “woodie” wagon was not offered in the most prestigious Roadmaster series until 1947.

Designated the Model 79, the wood-bodied Roadmaster Estate Wagon was one of Buick’s more expensive models for 1953. Its premier status and supreme functionality made it perfect for both cruising the big city for a night on the town or driving country roads with family and friends to the summer home. Accordingly, just 670 of these exclusive Roadmaster Estate Wagons were produced, compared to the more commonly found Buick Super wagons of which nearly three times as many were built in 1953.

This stunning ’53 Buick Roadmaster has benefitted from a show-quality restoration, with the original wood beautifully refinished. The car features a driver’s side-view mirror and rides on Goodyear wide whitewall tires mounted on Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. It is powered by Buick’s 322 cu. in. “Fireball” V-8 engine which is paired to a Dynaflow automatic transmission. The car is equipped with power steering and brakes. The interior is nicely trimmed in a two-tone tan and white and features a dash compass, clock, and Sonomatic radio.

Buick described the 1953 Roadmaster as “perfectly at ease with casual clothes…equally so at white-tie-and-tails affairs.” With limited production when new and very few known surviving examples, it will be among the star attractions of any Buick Club of America or AACA meet at which it will appear in the new owner’s hands.