Buick Roadmaster History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The Roadmaster name dates to 1936, when Buick named its model lineup; built on the brand's longest non-limousine wheelbase, it served as Buick's flagship through 1958 and introduced the Estate station wagon in 1947.
After a long absence, the Roadmaster was revived for 1991 as Buick's largest car — a big, rear-wheel-drive, body-on-frame sedan and wagon on GM's B/D-body. From 1994 it gained the 5.7-liter LT1 V8 derived from the C4 Corvette, making 260 hp.
The revival ended on December 13, 1996, when the Arlington, Texas plant was converted to build trucks and SUVs — closing the book on the traditional big, rear-drive American Buick.
Generations
Classic era
The original flagship Roadmaster on Buick's longest wheelbase; introduced the Estate wagon in 1947.
1947 Photo: “1947 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Convertible (21413018661).jpg” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1955 Photo: “1955 Buick Roadmaster (29694116471).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
1957 Photo: “1957 Buick Roadmaster (35576466383).jpg” by GPS 56 from New Zealand / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Revival · 1991–1996 B/D-body
The big rear-drive sedan and wagon revival; gained the Corvette-derived 260-hp LT1 V8 from 1994.
1996 Photo: “Buick Roadmaster Limited Estate Wagon (1996) (53766738367).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Body styles
- Sedan
- Wagon
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Hardtop
Related models
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