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 Convertible 1957 Buick Roadmaster Convertible Factory A C Restored Icon of the 50s $50,100.00 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 22h 52m |
 Buick Roadmaster ROADMASTER 1937 BUICK ROADMASTER FOUR DOOR SEDAN $2,995.00 Time Remaining: 9d 12h 28m Buy It Now for only: $2,995.00 |
 Buick Roadmaster 1994 Buick Roadmaster Eureka Coach HEARSE Funeral $3,550.00 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 9h 41m |
 Buick Roadmaster 1995 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon $6,000.00 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 39m Buy It Now for only: $6,000.00 |
 Buick Century 1937 Buick Century 2 door with Roadmaster engine $10,667.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 8d 50m |
 Buick Roadmaster V8 57 Liter 1995 Buick Roadmaster V8 57L Leather LOW MILES 1 OWNER Dealer Serviced Clean 95 $5,950.00 Time Remaining: 1d 15h 26m Buy It Now for only: $5,950.00 |
 Buick Century 1956 Buick Convertible Special Century Roadmaster Super $4,500.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 8d 20h 28m |
 Buick Century 322 236HP V8 1955 ORIG ROADMASTER 322 236HP ENGINE BEAUTIFULLY STRAIGHT RUST FREE BODY RARE $6,090.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 13h 50m Buy It Now for only: $24,500.00 |
 Buick Roadmaster DynaFlow 1948 Buick Roadmaster Dynaflow Restored Mob Boss Black Automatic Staight 8 Cyl $28,995.00 Time Remaining: 13d 14h 46m Buy It Now for only: $28,995.00 |
 Buick Roadmaster LIMITED 1996 BUICK ESTATE WAGON CUSTOMIZED Leather Interior FLAME WINDOW TINT $3,950.00 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 49m |
 Buick Roadmaster CLASSIC 1956 BUICK ROADMASTER $15,000.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 2m Buy It Now for only: $15,000.00 |
 Buick Roadmaster ESTATE WAGON CUSTOM WIDE BODY BUICK ROADMASTER ESTATE WAGON $1,000.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 14h 59m Buy It Now for only: $8,500.00 |
 Buick Roadmaster WAGON 1994 BUICK ROADASTER CAPRICE WAGON 1 OWNER $8,500.00 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 19m Buy It Now for only: $10,000.00 |
 Buick Roadmaster 1949 Buick Roadmaster ConvertablePrevAACA and Concours carRestored in mid90s $110,000.00 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 14m Buy It Now for only: $110,000.00 |
 Buick Rivera Super 56R 56R 1957 Buick Super Riviera Two Door Hardtop 56R Long Roadmaster Wheelbase Model $19,100.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 7m Buy It Now for only: $34,000.00 |
 Buick 4dr Wagon Es 1990 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Third Seat White Cold AC $3,450.00 Time Remaining: 18d 22h 44m Buy It Now for only: $3,450.00 |
 Buick Roadmaster 4DR WGN ESTA 1996 BUICK ROADMASTER WAGON ESTATE COLLECTORS EDITION ONLY 71K 1OWN NO RESERVE $2,380.55 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 8d 21h 50m |
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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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DescriptionROTOR |
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Fueling The American Spirit
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Maisto 1953 Studrbaker Starliner
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DescriptionBeautifully crafted 1953 Studebaker Starliner diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Maisto. This is a very highly detailed 1953 Studebaker Starliner diecast model car 1:18 scale die cast by Maisto. Every details are well put together... |
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1957 Buick Roadmaster Diecast Model Blue 1:18 Die Cast Car
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DescriptionThis is a very detailed replica of 1/18 scale 1957 Buick Roadmaster Blue diecast model 1:18 die cast car. |
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NewRay 1/43 Die-Cast Classic Car: Buick 1949 Roadmaster
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Description1/43 scale die-cast from New Ray. Whether you are just starting a collection or adding to an existing one, New Ray models are perfect for your collection. The attention to detail and scale realism in these affordable models is simply spectacular... |
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Littelfuse MIN15PRO MINI BP PRO Fast-Acting Automotive Blade Fuse - 25 Piece
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DescriptionPatented and introduced in 1989 by Littelfuse to meet the OEM need to protect a greater number of circuits without utilizing more space. Features silver plated blades and Littelfuse designed industry standard color coding to indicate amp rating. |
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Littelfuse ATO20 Fuse
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Craig and Howard
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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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Roadmaster $13.49 Roadmaster |
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1957 Buick Roadmaster 1/18 Red & White $25.99 Made by MotorMax Toys |
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From A Buick 8 $20.91 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 disappearanc |
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From a Buick 8 $3.98 WANT TO GO FOR A RIDE...? In a secret shed behind the barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop D, there's a cherry Buick Roadmaster no one has touched in years -- because there's more power under the hood than anyone can handle.... |
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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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InSTEP Roadmaster Dual Deck Tricycle $49.99 InSTEP Roadmaster Dual Deck Tricycle |
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Roadmaster [LP] $22.98 Track Listing: 1. She's the Kind of Girl, 2. One in a Hundred, 3. Here Tonight, 4. Full Circle Song, 5. In a Misty Morning, 6. Rough and Rocky, 7. Roadmaster, 8. I Really Don't Want to Know, 9. I Remember the Railroad, 10. She Don't Care About Time, 11. Shooting Star |
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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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Replacement Plastic for Roadmaster Windshield $112.95 Replacement Plastic for Roadmaster Windshield Exact replacement windshield plastic for Memphis Shades A great way to change the colors of your favorite fairing or to replace a damaged unit Made of Lucite for excellent clarity and weather resistance Mounts using your existing Memphis Shades hardware; replacement plastic does NOT include any hardware or straps Also Available: Roadmaster Windshield |
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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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Great Cars: Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac $12.71 Cars have changed the way we live, love, work, eat, play, and rock &?roll. The stories of these remarkable machines and the people who created them are a fascinating chapter in American pop history. A fast-paced cruise across the decades in an American Classic! Buick - When charismatic horse carriage builder Billy Durant was tapped to help David Buick's struggling auto company, few could have predicted his savvy in growing the company. Through acquisition and reinvestment, he added Oldsmobile, then Cadillac, and the predecessor of Pontiac to create the world’s largest corporation, General Motors. Flourishing after WWII, Buick followed Harley Earl's contention that bigger, newer, bolder was better and the public loved it. Sales continued to climb and signature car models Roadmaster, Century, LaSabre, and the sleek Riviera cemented the automakers place in creating modern classics. Oldsmobile Special Feature - This feature shows The Lady and the Rocket, and is a light hearted introduction to the 1949 Olds V8. GTO - By the mid 1950s, Pontiac was tagged with the stigma of being reliable, but dull. To energize consumers, it needed something fast, affordable, and good looking--a car to appeal to the youth market. If anybody could make grandma into a teenager, it was design visionary John DeLorean. Stuffing the largest engine into the smallest chassis, his design team created the ultimate muscle car, and DeLorean's star rose as a result. On American streets like Detroit's Woodward Avenue, the GTO dragster was the cruising machine for teens and propelled sales for a decade. In 2004, the car was resurrected, to the delight of new buyers as well as GTO devotees. Cadillac - While Henry Ford staked his dream company on cars for everyman, Henry Leland set out to create cars for the rich--combining luxury and speed. A luxury brand for the ages, Cadillac recently enjoyed a youth market renaissance via models like the Escalade. |
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Gene Clark - Roadmaster $22.76 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