The 1947 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Estate Wagon. The name itself conjures images of classic American motoring, luxurious wood paneling, and the open road beckoning. This particular Roadmaster, one of only 344 Estate Wagon examples produced in 1947, is a rare and beautifully restored piece of automotive history. Having graced the concours lawns at Meadow Brook and Glenmoor Gathering, this woodie wagon is a testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the era.
Buick introduced the Estate Wagon variant to its top-of-the-line Roadmaster series in 1947, creating a luxurious and practical vehicle for families on the go. This example, finished in its factory Royal Maroon Metallic, showcases the distinctive styling of the Roadmaster, including its chrome accents, hood ornament, and rear fender skirts. The replacement maple and mahogany wood body panels, installed during a refurbishment in the 2000s, add a touch of natural beauty and highlight the craftsmanship of the era. It is noted that some areas of paint touch-ups on the steel bodywork and lifting varnish on the wood panels are present.
The Roadmaster’s impressive presence is further enhanced by its body-color 15-inch steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and trim rings, shod with bias-ply whitewall tires. The clamshell tailgate, with its flip-up taillights and reverse lamps, is a classic woodie wagon feature. The car’s substantial 129-inch wheelbase and coil spring suspension at all four corners promise a smooth and comfortable ride. Replacement brake lines, installed under the seller’s ownership, ensure reliable stopping power from the hydraulic drum brakes.
The interior of this Roadmaster is a blend of luxury and practicality. The two rows of bench seating are upholstered in red leather with tan Bedford cord inserts, providing comfortable seating for up to six passengers. The doors, side panels, and ceiling slats are trimmed in wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dashboard features controls for the heater and defroster, along with a Buick Sonomatic push-button AM radio and a Buick-branded clock. The tan banjo-style steering wheel frames a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, battery charge, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 900 miles, reflecting the mileage since the restoration; total mileage is unknown.
Under the hood, the 320 cubic inch Fireball straight-eight engine, originally rated at 144 horsepower, provides smooth and reliable power. Replacement spark plugs and a battery, along with a recored radiator in February 2025, ensure that this classic engine is ready to run. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission.
This 1947 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Estate Wagon is more than just a classic car; it’s a piece of automotive art, a testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of the post-war era. With its rare woodie body style, concours-level restoration, and powerful straight-eight engine, this Roadmaster is a true collector’s item.
Summary:
- 1947 Buick Series 70 Roadmaster Estate Wagon (Woodie)
- 320ci Fireball Straight-Eight Engine
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission
- Royal Maroon Metallic Exterior with Wood Body Panels
- Red Leather and Tan Bedford Cord Interior
- Concours-Level Restoration
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific vehicle. Due to the mileage, age, and nature of used and restored vehicles, it is always recommended to conduct a thorough inspection and verification of all specifications and condition details before any purchase.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
