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1994 BUICK 'ROADMASTER' ESTATE WOODY WAGON 

Leave to us to search out another pre-collectible treasure that can be used as the Family Cruiser, Traveling Salesman Hauler or even Funeral Flower Car! This beauty is finished in Olympic White w/ Adriatic Blue Full Leather Interior & Faux Oak Wood Paneling, and limited factory build Corvette-Style 5.7 liter 350 c.i. V8 with 4-Speed Automatic w/ Overdrive. It's equipped with All Season Air Conditioning, Acoustical Package, Anti-Lock Brakes, Stainless Exhaust, Halogen Headlamps, Twilight Control Headlamps, Analog Instrumentation, Leather Steering Wheel, Security Locks, Full Power Including 6-way Seats, Windows, Door Locks, Power Steering & Power ABS Anti-Lock Brakes. It carries a gas saving 3:21 Rear Differential, Tilt -Fully Adjustable Steering Wheel, AM/FM/Cassette w/ Graphic Equalizer & Premium Concert Sound Speakers, Key-less Entry, 9-Passenger Seating, Night Vista-Shade, Cornering Lighting, Roof Rack, Sentry Alarm, rare Cruise Control, Dual Air Bags, excellent Goodyear Tires, Tinted Solar Glass, Locking Wire Wheel Hubcaps, plus Vista Solar Roof w/ Vista Shade, and much more. It cruises down the road like a new SWB Sedan yet, carries 9 people & turns on a dime. It just turned 81,000 miles on the odometer (less than 4,500 mi. per year) and was owned by your classic, "little 86 yr. Old Lady" in Leesburg, FL . ~ Garaged every day since new, it's never even seen rust and was serviced with care - frequently. It cost an amazing $29,633 new (orig. window sticker in house) and was ordered 'loaded' from the local Buick Dealer. Looks and Drives like new. Buy it now for just $8,950. OBO

THE STORY:

These Automobile's are still the largest and most powerful, front-engine, rear wheel drive Station Wagons ever produced Worldwide, and they continue to delight owners in every way. Buick only built about an average of 8,394 per year since their inception and they have earned a stellar reputation of being "Buillac's" in construction. Offering their owners years of trouble-free service. In fact, it is not unusual to find them with 250,000-400,000 miles on the odometer.

For decades, the top of the Buick line was always the Roadmaster, although the Buick Riviera actually surpassed the Roadmaster for several years in popularity, if not sales. Buick became especially renowned for its powerful Wagons dating all the way back to the late 30's and the popular Station Wagon Era of the Fifties. Buick's always offered roomy interiors, dependable mechanics and a comfortable ride. For no explicable reason, General Motors eliminated the Roadmaster name from its roster in 1960 -- and with it, those famous 'trademark' 4 portholes that delineated the deluxe 'Roadmaster' model from the cheaper models to car spotter's.

In 1991, Buick re-introduced the Roadmaster after a 30-year absence. The completely new Station Wagon model, known as the "Estate Wagon", was bigger, better and carried more power than ever. General Motors also produced Chevrolet and Oldsmobile versions, but the Roadmaster Estate Wagon soon rose above the others as " The Ultimate Prestige Wagon (Land Yacht) of Choice". The Oldsmobile version was initially named the "Vista Cruiser" and earned fame from 1964-1977. Their latest introduction was called the "Custom Cruiser" and GM only offered them in 1991 and 1992. The popularity of G.M. wagons built between 1991 and 1996 shows that the big station wagon still had a strong following*. However, in 1996, General Motors once again ceased producing the coveted Roadmaster Series Wagons, marking the end of the Big Wagon Era.
Despite the fact, the Import Station Wagons continued to find buyers, owners of 1991-96 Estate Wagons proved "dedicated" and were not tempted to trade their vehicles for something "grossly inferior". These big wagons not only provided their owners dependable transportation, and huge luggage capability but, they were and still are the most comfortable riding and practical multiple 'people movers' on the road. Our research shows: most every used one found in the resale market averaged 120,880 miles (survey done 12/2011). The REAL SURPRISE: The economy of these 18-foot-long, 4540 pound wagons shock most. Unlike earlier gas guzzling wagons and SUVs, the Estate Wagons are quite economical. Unless you insist on experiencing that "pedal to the medal " power it is written these big Wagon's get 17-20 mpg in town and up to 28.8 mpg on long road trips!

With the rear seats folded down, you can transport a full 4x8 sheet of plaster board or a covey of golf bags with the hatch closed. Try that with your van or SUV! If the grandchildren come to visit, or your bridge party needs a ride to the casino, your Estate Wagon can be transformed into a nine-passenger vehicle by simply opening a 3rd Leather Bench Seat tucked away in the cargo area. The rear door actually swings to the side OR, flips down, for easy access. Add to this a smoother and quieter ride than any SUV, Van, or big Hummer the highest comfort, safety and every conceivable luxury (including Optional Leather), and you will begin to understand why these vehicles are still in great demand. A low-mileage 5.7 V8 Estate Wagon, in good condition, still fetches $10,000 to $15,000 ! If you are lucky, you can buy a low-mileage used Roadmaster for a fraction of what you would pay for a new mini-van or SUV, chances are good you will be much happier with it AND, it was made in America !

The Roadmaster wagon theme is emphasized by faux wood paneling on the sides and rear cabin door. Some Chevrolet wagons were also produced without the "woody" styling, but if you didn't want it on a Roadmaster, you had to special order it as "wood delete".
Watching the values on Classic "Woodie" Wagon's , even the 'Dynoc' covered Faux Woodie Ford Country Squires from the 50's have accelerated in value way beyond expectations.
A built-in, adjustable roof rack and cast alloy wheels are standard on all late Estate Wagons but, Chrome Wire Wheel Hubcaps could also be purchased. A loaded wagon includes the special Climate Control with outdoor temperature monitor, an AM/FM/CD radio, Outside Mirrors which can be de-iced and adjusted by remote control by the driver, a Compass in the rear view mirror, multiple power options even Heated Seats, Shades for the Solar Roof (which, incidentally like the original Olds Vista Cruiser does not open) and a Baggage Area Cover and Cargo Net.

The Standard (base equipped) Wagon had power windows and door locks, two Air Bags, adjustable steering wheel and anti-lock brakes. When the turn signal is activated at night, the headlights shine around corners. An optional Tow Package offered an additional transmission cooler and an automatic load leveling system. It was possible to safely tow up to 5000 pounds plus a full load of Grandchildren along for the ride . Noteworthy: Cruise control was considered an extra cost option in '92 so, watch for the absence of that convenient ( yet, crucially necessary) toy!

The 1991-1996 Roadmasters are powered by reliable GM V-8s. The 5.0 liter (305 cubic inch) was the only engine for '91-'92 and '93 but, provided lackluster power. The 94-'96 models were powered by the 5.7 liter (350 cubic inch) engine. The same motor, with a few enhancements, that was installed on the Corvette. 1994 brought the new LT-1 engine design with fuel injectors for every cylinder. The four-speed Hydramatic transmission with Overdrive shifts smoothly and is perfect for this vehicle. A properly cared-for Roadmaster is known to provide excellent transportation even after 300,000 miles of normal usage. In fact, our research showed some still going strong with 400-500,000 miles!

Base price in 1994 was $24,850 and fully equipped was around, $30,347. Considering what you got for your money, that was a bargain. Many automobile enthusiasts believe that the '94-'96 Roadmaster Estate Wagons specifically will be known as the greatest cars ever produced by Buick. Like any Future or Current Collectible you have to do your homework and search for low mileage examples NOW.....lucky for you: you just found one!

* Production: 1991- 6,729, 1992-11,019, 1993- 9,525, 1994- 8,609, 1995- 5,522, 1996- 8962