This Imperial Blue Roadmaster wagon is not only one of the prettiest wagons, but also one of the best. The wood entirely original, there are no patches in the floor, no replacement body panels, nothing. They started with an extremely good car when it was comprehensively restored about 15 years ago. It’s extremely straight and very well preserved throughout. The color was changed from the original code 52 Verde Green to code 53 Imperial Blue. The dramatic contrast…
This Imperial Blue Roadmaster wagon is not only one of the prettiest wagons, but also one of the best. The wood entirely original, there are no patches in the floor, no replacement body panels, nothing. They started with an extremely good car when it was comprehensively restored about 15 years ago. It’s extremely straight and very well preserved throughout. The color was changed from the original code 52 Verde Green to code 53 Imperial Blue. The dramatic contrast between the dark blue paint and the light wood is simply beautiful, and it surely looks better today than it did when it was green. there’s zero evidence of any green paint on the car. If you’re not checking the trim tag, you’d never know this car hasn’t been blue all its life.
Of course, on any ‘50s car and in particular a Buick, chrome trim is critical. The ‘53s got an evolution of the ‘52’s toothy grille with slightly larger “teeth,” as well as a nicely integrated bumper and that sweeping side trim. Unique headlight doors with built-in parking lights, the “bombsight” hood ornament, and traditional Buick “Venti-Ports” in the front fenders all add to the wagon’s ornate look. This was, after all, Buick’s most expensive car and one that cost more than some Cadillacs. Was invested a lot in restoring all that brightwork and today it presents beautifully with no demerits to mention beyond some light polishing marks that you could erase by hand if you’re really particular. Of note, this car has the optional back-up lights built into the rear bumper guards, and the emblem on the tailgate spells out ROADMASTER in big block letters so everyone knows this is a special car.
As with the exterior, the interior was changed from green to blue, another factory-correct combination that works quite well with the dark Imperial Blue bodywork. Everything that you can see or touch was restored or replaced during the restoration, and the rear carpets were just replaced this year so they’re as-new. The two-tone dash is stylish and should look familiar to Buick fans, with the speedometer front and center and the auxiliary dials flanking the steering column. All the gauges are fully operational except the clock, which is typical. Everything works like it should: lights, signals, heater, defroster, and even the emergency brake warning light glows brightly and I will personally vouch for the heater’s efficacy. Upholstery is correct throughout and the steering wheel is unique to the ‘53s and includes a 50th anniversary emblem on the horn button, which matches the one on the front bumper. There’s plenty of wood highlighting the interior, including the gorgeous tailgate, which is just a work of art. Lift the floor panel and you’ll find a full-sized spare tire and jack assembly underneath.
Buick’s all-new 322 cubic inch “Nailhead” V8 transformed Buick’s performance image. On paper, the 188 horsepower and 300 pounds of torque don’t seem like significant improvements over the venerable 320 cubic inch straight-8, but on the road the difference is startling. There’s massive torque available at any speed and it’s impeccably smooth, so this wagon gathers speed with surprising ease. The Nailheads have proven themselves to be virtually bulletproof and parts are readily available so service will be a snap. The engine is correctly detailed with corporate turquoise engine enamel, a heavy-duty air cleaner, reproduction decals, and a fresh reproduction wiring harness. Roadmasters received a Carter 4-barrel carburetor to give it impressive performance despite its 4200-pound mass. It fires easily using the accelerator-mounted starter switch, idles well hot or cold, makes plenty of oil pressure, and runs nice and cool. Power steering and brakes are included, so it’s easy to handle for just about anyone and the 12-volt electrical system ensures bright lights, quick starts, and easy maintenance in the future.
The Dynaflow transmission feels rather remarkable when connected to the torquey Nailhead. The car simply accelerates—no shifts, no interruptions, just a smooth flow of torque that moves the car with ease. There are 3.60 gears in back, so this car will cruise all day at 65 MPH without any stress, and the aforementioned power brakes are quite powerful even with this much car and this much power.With ultra-clean original floors, unmarked rockers, and a frame bereft of pitting. The exhaust system and gas tank are recent and it makes nice 8-cylinder sounds but remains very hushed under almost all circumstances. New suspension bushings, fresh brake components, and rebuilt shocks all add to the smooth, controlled ride. Steel wheels with rather rare wire wheelcovers look great, and they’re fitted with L78-15 wide whitewall tires.
With a beautiful older restoration that’s completely sorted and a joy to drive. Just a spectacular car that shows very well and drives even better.