Buick Roadmaster
Remember the Wagon?
The period starting around 1995 and ending in early 2008 will very likely be remembered for the new American summer vacation cliché. The family outing, the short vacation, trips to the beach, mountains, or even Grandma's house, soundly revolved around the family SUV. Big enough to seat the entire family in a distinct measure of comfort, strong enough to denote safety, and aggressive enough in appearance to make a definitive statement about the driver, there was certainly a lot to love about the SUV. Of course, that was before the age of triple digit oil barrel prices. Now, the beast that the Sport Utility Vehicle appeared to have officially killed way back in 1996, the Station Wagon, is making a comeback.
The lineage of the Station Wagon can be traced all the way back to a variant of the Ford Model T, but according to some station wagon aficionados, the first true station wagon was the 1923 Star made by Durant Motors Company. The station wagon truly bloomed into the car of choice for large families, as one might expect, with the baby boom following World War II. The move of families away from urban areas and into the suburbs paired with the spread of the highway system and the increase in average family size made the station wagon practical. And despite the wagon never occupying the same public love as the sports car or even the Pickup Truck, prior to the 1970s gas crisis, the station wagon accounted for nearly one out of every five cars on the road.
The gas crisis of the 1970s, much like the gas crisis of today, put a crimp in the practicality of the large, American station wagon. The minivan, officially launched in 1984, helped to push the station wagon further towards retirement, and ironically, the widespread boom of the Sport Utility Vehicle in 1995, meant that the 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon was the last true American station wagon on the market. Everyone, it seemed, had traded low and wide with tall and off-road-capable.
Or did they? Despite one replacing the other, the station wagon and the SUV share a lot in common. Until 1938, station wagons were officially classified as commercial trucks and were routinely built on the chassis of half-ton pickup trucks. The break down for the modern SUV is the same. Those which are built on a laddered frame, more reminiscent of a classic truck due to the ability to distribute weight, are considered trucks by fuel economy standards. However, those built on a solid, one piece frame - often called Crossovers - are usually classified as cars, and in many states, station wagons. Yes, it appears that the station wagon never died, it just went through an aggressive makeover.
Granted, it's quite easy to look at a crossover and assert, "that doesn't look like my father's station wagon" and you would be correct in asserting that. Like many bellbottoms before them, the station wagon has returned under a new guise and has been updated to pass muster in the modern world. Like most cars today, the overall look is more aggressive, merging the handling of a car, roughly the appearance of a sport utility vehicle, and yes, the practicality of a station wagon. And the advances go beyond looks. The smaller crossovers and blatant modern station wagons like the Audi A4 Avant, Volvo V70, and the Subaru Forester, have marked increases in fuel economy when compared to the SUVs that they are quickly starting to replace.
Yes, it was the fuel crisis of the 1970s that led to decline of the station wagon, and the SUV that originally killed them. However, it was the gas crisis of 2008 that gave rebirth to the modern station wagon, or whatever the car manufacturers are calling them. Keep that in mind as you pile the kids into your Ford Flex, Chevy HHR, or Honda CR-V for a trip to Grandma's.
About the Author
Scott Conklin is the president of Conklin Cars Fangman, a leading
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 Buick Roadmaster 95 ROADMASTER VIDEO DEMO RARE COLOR GARAGED LT 1 MOTOR 25mpg 90K LOOKS MINT $2,750.00 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 8h 54m |
 Buick Roadmaster Sedan 1995 Buick Roadmaster SUPER LOW 43K MILES Clean 57L V8 LOADED 1 OWNER $9,950.00 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 58m Buy It Now for only: $9,950.00 |
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Buick Roadmaster Ad from February 1937
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DescriptionIf you are looking for an unusual piece of art, to decorate a home or office, these truly "limited-edition" prints are perfect. Vintage prints are extraordinary snapshots of our past. As conversation pieces they are unequaled... |
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Wells DR901 Rotor
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Fueling The American Spirit
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Littelfuse ATO15PRO ATO BP PRO Fast-Acting Automotive Blade Fuse - 25 Piece
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DescriptionPackage contains 25 ATO 15 amp blade fuses. |
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Dynomax 35337 2 1/2 Inch Heavy Duty Clamp
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Craig and Howard
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Delphi SA10102 SKYFi2 Vehicle Adapter Kit
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DescriptionComplete your Delphi SKYFi2 XM Satellite Radio receiver listening system with this tailor-made vehicle adapter kit. The base SKYFi2 receiver package (model SA10101) contains a receiver and a remote control... |
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Sony XVM-R75 Motorized Fold-Down Widescreen 7" LCD Monitor (Silver)
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DescriptionWhether keeping the kids entertained on the drive to grandma's or rehearsing your sales presentation on the way to the next meeting, the Sony XVM-R75 7-inch flip-down LCD provides a welcome distraction (as long as the driver isn't watching)... |
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From a Buick 8 $7.9 Echoing CHRISTINE, an earlier novel about a homicidal car, this latest Stephen King tale delves into the psyche of a Buick Roadmaster locked up in the state police barracks. The car is suspected of having something to do with several people's disa... |
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From a Buick 8 $18.3 Echoing CHRISTINE, an earlier novel about a homicidal car, this latest Stephen King tale delves into the psyche of a Buick Roadmaster locked up in the state police barracks. The car is suspected of having something to do with several people's disa... |
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Roadmaster $9.49 Roadmaster |
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Chevrolet Impala SS, Caprice and Buick Roadmaster Haynes Repair Manual (1991-1996) $17.95 Complete coverage for your Chevrolet Impala SS, Caprice and Buick Roadmaster models with V8 engines:? Routine Maintenance? Tune-up procedures? Engine repair? Cooling and heating? Air Conditioning? Fuel and exhaust? Emissions control? Ignition? Brakes? Suspension and steering? Electrical systems? Wiring diagrams |
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Auto Ventshade 94172 Buick Roadmaster 4-Piece VentVisor (1992-1994) $55.95 The Original VentVisor is precision engineered for an exacting fit and proven protection in rain or heat for your Buick Roadmaster. It's unique design allows fresh air to naturally circulate through open windows while still keeping passengers and interiors dry in the rain and parked vehicles cooler in extreme heat. Exceptional style and protection for your Buick Roadmaster, as well as, superior comfort for every passenger. Features: Keeps The Rain Out Lets Fresh Air In Original Ventvisor Design Reduces Heat Build-Up In Cab Windows Can Be Left Partially Open Install w/3M Adhesive Foam Tape No Drill Installation Limited Lifetime Warranty NOTE: Ventvisors are sometimes referred to as side window rain guards or side window deflectors. Application: 1992-1994 Buick Roadmaster The vehicle(s) that this product fits is subject to change and may fit additional makes, models, or years. Not sure if this will fit? Use the vehicle look-up below: |
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Buick Lucerne $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Buick Lucerne is a fullsize car sold by the Buick division of General Motors that replaced the Park Avenue, and the LeSabre in 2006. Although the rearwheel drive GM Zeta platform was considered, the production Lucerne introduced at the Chicago Auto Show on February 9, 2005 rides on the revised H body platform of the late Pontiac Bonneville. Initial sales of the Lucerne have been strong, with the car claiming 24 of the fullsize sedan market in the United States. Like the similar 2005 Pontiac Bonneville, the Lucerne uses the standard Buick 3800 V6, with a Cadillac Northstar V8 available as an option. Soequipped, the Lucerne became the first V8 powered Buick car since the demise of the Roadmaster in 1996; the Rainier V8 which debuted in 2004 was the first V8powered Buick vehicle since the Roadmaster. The Lucerne is also available with the Corvettes Magnetic Ride Control, an active suspension technology. All General Motors 3.8 Liter Buick V6 powered cars become the first SULEV compliant vehicles. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 146 Publication Date: 2010/05/06 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.33 inches |
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Buick Rainier $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Buick Rainier was a midsize SUV sold by the Buick division of General Motors. Introduced for 2004 to replace the Oldsmobile Bravada citation needed], the Rainier was the first truck sold under the Buick marque (the unibody Rendezvous might also qualify, as it is classified by the EPA as a light truck) since the 1920s, and was the first bodyon frame V8powered Buick since the 1996 Roadmaster. It is also the first rearwheel drive Buick since the Roadmaster. The Rainier was only available in a 5 passenger configuration, yet was one of only four GMT360 SUVs to offer a V8 engine in this configuration along with the GMC Envoy Denali, Saab 97X 5.3i, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer LT (Optional) and SS. Both rear and allwheel drive models were offered. An upscale CXL trim added a better Bose stereo and XM Satellite Radio. Most of the Rainiers body styling was a direct transfer from the Oldsmobile Bravada, with a new front fascia bearing a resemblance to other Buick models. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 146 Publication Date: 2010/05/06 Language: French Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.33 inches |
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1957 Buick Roadmaster 1/18 Red & White $25.99 Made by MotorMax Toys |
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Buick Blackhawk $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Blackhawk is a retro concept 2]2 convertible built by Buick in 2001. Its grille is based on 1939 Buicks and the concept car Buick YJob, while its main body is based on the 1948 Buick Roadmaster. It features a retractable hardtop, shaved door handles, and hidden headlights. The Blackhawk is powered by a 1970 455cubicinch (7.5 liter) Buick GS Stage III V8, producing 463 horsepower (345 kW) at 4600 rpm and 510 lbft (1.5 kgm) of torque at 4200 rpm and accelerating the car from 060 mph (096 km/h) in under five seconds. The engine is mated to an electronicallycontrolled fourspeed automatic transmission. The vehicle is entirely handmade, especially the carbonfiber top and the frame. The retraction system is also handmade. The Blackhawk also features a fully independent suspension, keyless entry, and dual exhaust with 3 inch (7.6 cm) pipes. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 138 Publication Date: 2010/05/06 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.32 inches |
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From a Buick 8 $42.2 Echoing CHRISTINE, an earlier novel about a homicidal car, this latest Stephen King tale delves into the psyche of a Buick Roadmaster locked up in the state police barracks. The car is suspected of having something to do with several people's disappearance. In a macabre coincidence, King suffered a near-fatal car accident upon completing the first draft, a point he discusses in the book's afterword. |
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Chevrolet Impala Ss & Caprice and Buick Roadmaster Automotive Repair Manual $18.71 This book is in New - Excellent condition |
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Buick Estate $79.66 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Buick used the Estate name on their fullsize station wagons. The first Estate Wagon was first offered on the 1940 Super model. It used a wooden body and was available in Buicks Special series in 1941 and 1942, and on Buicks larger C series (Super and Roadmaster) in the 194653 model years. Then it was offered the smaller B body Special, Century, LeSabre and Invicta with all steel bodies from 1954 to 1964. Among these were hardtop Estate Wagons called Caballero that were offered only in 1957 and 1958. The model was reintroduced on the B body in 1970 and was simply called Estate Wagon. From 1971 to 1976, the Estate Wagon was built on the C body platform and shared the innovative clam shell tailgate used on all full size wagons from General Motors. Its first year, 24,034 were sold. The 19741976 models were the largest station wagons ever built. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 110 Publication Date: 2010/05/06 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.26 inches |
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Buick Straight8 Engine $78.07 The Buick Straight8 engine (Fireball  was produced from 1931 to 1953 and sold in Buick automobiles. Like many American automobile makers, Buick adopted the straight8 engine in 1931 as a more powerful alternative to the previous inline6 engines. However, unlike most other car makers at the time, Buick had been using a valveinhead OHV overhead valve design or Ihead since its inception and continued this practice in their inline8 designs. The engine was sold in different displacements depending on the model of car and the year and was constructed upon two distinct ( possibly more ) block castings. The smaller displacement versions internally resembled the inline Chevrolet straight six, with additional cylinders. The large block version (used in large chassis models such as the Roadmaster) was considerably heavier and this weight adversely affected vehicle performance and handling. As with other General Motors products the engines used castin place bearings that were then machined, which made engine rebuilding an expensive procedure. The last year for Buicks straight8 was 1953, succeeded by the new Nailhead V8 in 1954 in the same basic chassis. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 96 Publication Date: 2010/01/11 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.23 inches
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InSTEP Roadmaster Dual Deck Tricycle $49.99 InSTEP Roadmaster Dual Deck Tricycle |
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InSTEP Roadmaster 34 Steel Wagon $59.99 InSTEP Roadmaster 34" Steel Wagon |
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Roadmaster WB Body Warmer $129.99 REV'IT! Roadmaster WB Body Warmer Made from REV'IT! WindBarrier? material, the Roadmaster WB is a tight-fitting, water-repellent, body-warming vest. It's stretch material zips up to the neck for optimum thermal protection. The Roadmaster is designed either to be worn as a mid-layer under all garments, or by itself as stand-alone insulation Currently Rev'It products can only be shipped to U.S. customers |
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AutoExec® Carry Case for RoadMaster Car Series $39.09 Use the AutoExec® Carry Case to easily transport and protect any of your AutoExec® RoadMaster Car Desk Models. Not made for AutoExec® RoadMaster Truck Series. |
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Roadmaster (Album) $68.51 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Roadmaster is a Country rock album by Gene Clark from 1973. The musicians on this album include former bandmates from The Byrds: David Crosby, Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman, and Michael Clarke. The Album was put together with recording sessions from 19701972. Other musicians that sat in on the sessions were: Clarence White, Spooner Oldham, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Byron Berline, and Rick Roberts. Gene Clark, born Harold Eugene Clark (born Tipton, Missouri, November 17, 1944 May 24, 1991) was an American singersongwriter, and one of the founding members of the folkrock group The Byrds. Gene Clark is best remembered for being The Byrds main songwriter between 1964 and 1966. He created a large catalogue of music in several genres but failed to achieve solo commercial success. Clark was one of the earliest exponents of psychedelic rock, baroque pop, newgrass, country rock and alternative country. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 84 Publication Date: 2010/09/07 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.20 inches |
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AutoExec RoadTruck01 RoadMaster Truck $243.09 The Auto Exec RoadMaster Truck Version is ideal for people working out of their vehicle that predominately use a laptop. The adjustable laptop plate comes with a strap and Velcro to help secure it to the desktop. Move it closer to you while typing and then move it back to the center of the desk while the vehicle is in motion. The Auto Exec RoadMaster offers laptop positioning similar to a floor mounted computer stand without the installation and permanent mount. In addition store your hanging file folders in the desk as well as other office essentials in the storage area under the worksurface. This desk is a complete Mobile Office which is secured to the passenger seat by using the seatbelt. |
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Gene Clark - Roadmaster $47.3 Track Listing: She`s The Kind Of Girl She Don`t Care About Time Shooting Star One In A Hudred Here Tonight Full Circle Song In A Misty Morning Rough And Rocky Roadmaster I Really Don`t Want To Know I Remember The Railroad |
*MY NEW* 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Limited